Get ready to laugh out loud—Just For Laughs Vancouver is back, bringing a much-needed dose of humour to the winter season! Returning for its ninth edition, the festival runs from February 13 to 23, 2025, delivering 10 days of non-stop comedy featuring some of the biggest names in the industry.
From stand-up and improv to live podcasts and sketch comedy, this year’s lineup is packed with both global superstars and homegrown Canadian talent.
What Makes JFL Vancouver 2025 Special?
This year, Just For Laughs Vancouver is not just bigger—it’s more inclusive, diverse, and community-driven than ever before. Here’s what sets the 2025 edition apart:
- A World-Class Lineup – From Hollywood stars to rising stand-up comedians, the festival brings together some of the funniest minds in comedy. Expect high-energy performances from Kumail Nanjiani, Margaret Cho, Roy Wood Jr., Pete Holmes, and more.
- Multilingual Comedy Shows – JFL Vancouver is expanding its reach by offering performances in English, Spanish, and French, allowing more audiences to enjoy comedy in their preferred language.
- Comedy For Community Initiative – In partnership with BCLC’s Community Ticketing Program, JFL Vancouver is distributing tickets to non-profits and charitable organizations across British Columbia, ensuring that more people can experience the joy of live comedy.
- A Mix of Stand-Up, Improv, and Live Podcasts – Whether you’re a fan of hilarious stand-up, quick-witted improv, or live podcast tapings, this festival has something for everyone. Expect a dynamic mix of performances that cater to all tastes in comedy.
Major Headliners to Watch
This year’s Just For Laughs Vancouver is bringing an incredible lineup of comedy superstars, each with their own unique style and fan following. Here are some of the must-see headliners taking the stage:
- Kumail Nanjiani – Known for his roles in Silicon Valley and The Big Sick, this Emmy-nominated comedian brings his sharp humour and personal storytelling to the festival.
- Margaret Cho – A five-time Emmy and Grammy nominee, Cho’s Live and LIVID! tour promises bold, unfiltered comedy that tackles everything from politics to pop culture.
- Roy Wood Jr. – Former The Daily Show correspondent, Wood Jr. delivers intelligent, socially conscious humor with a sharp wit.
- Jerry Seinfeld – The legendary comedian and creator of Seinfeld will close out the festival with his signature comedy that has defined generations of humour.
- Tim Dillon – With his wildly popular podcast and sold-out stand-up shows, Dillon’s brand of dark, satirical comedy is a must-see.
- Pete Holmes – The actor, writer, and comedian—best known for Crashing and The Pete Holmes Show—brings his energetic, self-deprecating humour to the stage.
Festival Schedule: Must-See Shows and Events
With 10 days of comedy spread across multiple venues in Vancouver, JFL 2025 offers something for everyone. Here are some of the standout performances and events you won’t want to miss:
Opening Night – Thursday, February 13
The festival kicks off with a night of high-energy performances, including:
- Maz Jobrani at Vogue Theatre – The Iranian-American comedian, known for his sharp political satire and cultural humour, starts the festival with a bang at 7:00 PM.
- Jason Cheny at Vancouver Playhouse – A rising star in the comedy scene, Cheny’s unique storytelling and observational humour are sure to entertain.
- Harland Williams at The Rio – The Canadian comedy veteran, famous for his offbeat humour, takes the stage for a night of unpredictable laughs.
Valentine’s Day Laughs – Friday, February 14
Looking for an alternative to the usual Valentine’s Day dinner? JFL Vancouver has plenty of date-night-worthy comedy acts, including:
- Tim Dillon at Vogue Theatre – The brutally honest and satirical comedian will leave audiences laughing (and maybe slightly uncomfortable) with his sharp takes on society.
- Sugar Sammy at Vancouver Playhouse – Known for his multilingual comedy, Sugar Sammy’s shows are a hilarious mix of cultural observations and crowd interactions.
- Tatanka Means & Vanessa Gonzalez at The Biltmore Cabaret – A night featuring two powerhouse comedians, blending storytelling, improv, and sharp wit.
Weekend Highlights – February 15 & 16
The weekend brings some of the biggest names in comedy:
- René Vaca at The Commodore Ballroom – The fast-rising comedian brings his raw, honest humour to Vancouver.
- Margaret Cho: Live and LIVID! at Vogue Theatre – One of the festival’s most highly anticipated performances, featuring Cho’s fearless takes on modern life.
- Roy Wood Jr. at Vogue Theatre – The former Daily Show correspondent’s intelligent and thought-provoking comedy makes this a must-see.
- The Ryan and Amy Show at Rio Theatre – A hilarious sketch comedy duo delivering absurd, laugh-out-loud performances.
Midweek Laughs – February 17 to 21
As the festival continues, comedy lovers can enjoy a mix of stand-up, live podcasts, and international acts, including:
- Laurent Paquin at Rio Theatre
- IndigE-girl Comedy at Chill X Studio – A showcase of Indigenous comedians.
- Jiaoying Summers: Origin Story at Rio Theatre – A rising star in stand-up, sharing her unique journey with humor.
- The Basement Yard Live at Queen Elizabeth Theatre – A live podcast experience featuring Joe Santagato and Frank Alvarez, bringing unscripted comedy and audience interaction.
Final Weekend & Grand Finale – February 22 & 23
The festival ends with some of its biggest acts:
- Kumail Nanjiani at Vogue Theatre – The star of Silicon Valley and Eternals brings his signature comedic style to the stage.
- Nurse John: The Short-Staffed Tour at Queen Elizabeth Theatre – A hilarious mix of comedy and healthcare humour.
- Jerry Seinfeld – One of the most legendary comedians of all time closes out JFL Vancouver 2025, making it an unforgettable finale.
Wrapping Up
JFL Vancouver 2025 is bigger, more inclusive, and more dynamic than ever. Whether you’re catching a headliner or discovering new talent, this year’s festival is a celebration of comedy in all its forms. Don’t miss the chance to laugh, connect, and enjoy the best of the comedy world in Vancouver!