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Just for Laughs How-To: Make Your Comedy Festival Fun and Not a Blunder

If you thought you’d get tired of knock knock jokes, think again! Montreal in the summer is brimming with laughs and smiling faces when Just for Laughs finally returns!

It’s one of the most prominent festivals here (and for good reason!). Comedians take centre stage to make the funniest jokes that will keep the crowd laughing out loud! The iconic duo of Michael Che and Colin Jost, anyone?

If you’re planning to go, check out our guide that will help you navigate this funny festival without stressing out!

What is Just for Laughs?

Just for Laughs is an annual comedy festival held in Montreal, Quebec. It’s the largest comedy event in the world, hosting many shows and performances by local and international comedians.

It was founded in 1983 as a small two-day French-only comedy event. Two years later, in 1985, it featured acts in the English language for the first time.

That was the year it ran for a total of nine days and had international comedians Jerry Seinfeld and Jay Leno as headliners. Over the following years, it attracted the attention of more people, both attendees and popular performers.

Fast forward to 2016, when it drew 2.5 million attendees. It also decided to expand its reach outside of Montreal, hosting the festival in Toronto, Vancouver, and international cities, as well as producing television shows like Just For Laughs Gags.

However, it was cancelled in 2024 due to financial troubles. The good news is it returns in 2025 but on a smaller scale.

When is Just for Laughs held?

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Just for Laughs is held in July in Montreal, Quebec, with its main venue at the Place des Arts in the downtown area. It also hosts multiple comedy acts in various indoor and outdoor places in the city.

It’s also held in Toronto and Vancouver, as well as in Sydney and Bermuda. Festivals at these places will have different dates and shows, which you can check out on the website.

Things to Do at Just for Laughs

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Just for Laughs brings out all the fun, funny, and fantastic shows! There are so many entertainers that it can feel overwhelming at times.

But don’t frown because we’ve got recommendations and tips to make the most out of your festival visit. Check them out below!

Watch star performers

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There’s no better feeling than going to a festival and seeing big names in comedy and your favourite acts up on the stage. Just for Laughs invites many international comics to entertain and make the whole crowd glee!

The gala performances take a lot of spotlight. The lineup has included famous acts, such as Trevor Noah, Chelsea Handler, Jo Koy, and Patton Oswalt.

Past headliners have also included Kevin Hart, Russell Peters, and John Mulaney. If you love laughing, you have to see the gala specials because these are pro entertainers who know how to lighten up the mood and turn a dull crowd into a lively one!

Pro Tip:

Check the Just for Laughs website and socials to keep updated about the lineup. There are going to be lots of shows, so make sure you know which ones you want to see.

Discover new acts

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Sure, Just for Laughs brings in the big names. But did you know you can also support and discover new faces in Montreal’s comedy biz? Who knows, maybe you’ll find a new favourite to watch!

If you want to expand your list of comedy acts, this is an excellent way to do that! New faces will include local and international names who are newcomers to Just for Laughs.

Pro Tip:

Check out the list of New Faces Participants on the website to learn about their background.

Go to the free shows

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You know, you don’t need to spend your hard-earned money just to watch a Just for Laughs show. You can go to free comedy shows in various outdoor areas in Montreal!

Discover an eclectic mix of comedians where unlimited laughs are a must! You’ll find various styles and acts, such as skits, slapstick, and observational.

Many are also family-friendly because not all Just for Laughs humour is for adults only. Look out for musical comedy acts that will keep the kids entertained—a funny musical number, maybe?

Pro Tip:

Check the website for updates on the shows. If you find one you like, arrive early to get a good spot in front of the stage.

The Best Venues to Experience Just for Laughs

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A massive and multi-city festival like Just for Laughs can’t stick to just one venue—it has hundreds of shows, by the way, so it would also be impossible to stay in one place only.

Check out these cool places where you can have an awesome experience watching your favourite comics!

Place des Arts

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Location: 175 Sainte-Catherine St W, Montreal, Quebec 
Contact: (514)842-2112
Website

Located in Rue Sainte-Catherine, Place des Arts is a performing arts theatre that serves as the main venue for Just for Laughs Montreal. It has a total of six performance halls, including Théâtre Maisonneuve, which has hosted gala performances in the past.

Past comedians who have performed at this venue are Chelsea Handler, Russell Peters, Ronnie Chieng, and Iliza Shlesinger.

Getting here is easy because it’s connected to the metro station (green line), which allows you to go inside the theatre without walking outside! There are also several bus routes, bike stands, taxi zones, and an indoor parking area.

Pro Tip:

Go to Exit D for the elevators if you need an accessibility option.

Bell Centre

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Location: 1909 Av. des Canadiens-de-Montréal, Montreal, Quebec
Contact: 1 (855) 219-0576
Website

Some of the biggest shows are held at Bell Centre, a centrally-located multi-purpose arena in Montreal. If you’re watching a show here, then you’re probably seeing a really, really famous comedian.

Previous acts include Dave Chappelle and John Mayer—yes, this duo performed together at Bell Centre. Chappelle did his solo comedy show, Mayer sang his hit songs, and the two performed together on stage with funny stories.

The arena is not hard to get to. You can ride the metro or take the bus. Plus, there are wheelchair-friendly entrances at Avenue des Canadiens-de-Montréal.

Pro Tip:

Impark Parking is available, but the rates start at $20. We suggest taking public transit to avoid traffic and high rates.

Club Soda

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Location: 1225 Boul. Saint-Laurent Boul, Montreal, Quebec
Contact: [email protected]
Website

Club Soda is situated in Montreal and offers a more intimate venue for comedy acts. Soda Series is held here (very aptly named, by the way), where North American talents take the stage.

You can watch improv and stand-up shows from local and international comedians such as Erin Jackson, Vladimir Caamaño, and Brandon Ash-Mohammed. Get ready for special guests to surprise you as well!

The best ways to get here are by riding the metro, taking a bus, and using a BIXI bike. It’s close to Saint-Laurent station and several bus stops.

Pro Tip:

For wheelchair users, arrive early because there aren’t a lot of wheelchair spaces. It’s also recommended you email them regarding your needs so they can advise the staff at the venue.

Scotiabank Arena

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Location: 40 Bay St., Toronto, Ontario
Contact: (416) 815-5982
Website

Home of the Toronto Maple Leafs, Scotiabank Arena has hosted Just for Laughs gigs that feature big acts like Trevor Noah and John Mulaney. This place attracts many attendees!

It’s also conveniently located in downtown Toronto. From Union Station, walk indoors straight to Scotiabank Arena—you’re safe from the weather! There are also plenty of parking areas here, including accessible spaces. 

Pro Tip:

This venue is cashless, so bring your credit or debit card to pay for parking.

How to Get Tickets for Just for Laughs

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There are different kinds of tickets for Just for Laughs, which include unlimited and individual passes. For the festival, you can choose between a ticket and a pass, or both.

Select shows will have individual tickets you can book on the website. Remember to buy from the Just for Laughs website or its partners to avoid getting scammed (check the official socials for announcements).

Here are the ticket prices:

Ticket TypePrice (+ fees)
1 Headliner Ticket + 2 Credits$94
1 Headliner Ticket  + 6 Credits$144
1 Headliner Ticket + 12 Credits$204
Classic Pass: 2 Credits$69
Classic Pass: 4 Credits$99
Classic Pass: 6 Credits$119
Individual Ticket$39.50

Wondering what those credits are? We’ll explain everything below:

Individual Ticket

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The Individual Ticket gives you entry to a single headliner show. This ticket is ideal if you only want to watch headliner shows since this doesn’t include credits, which are used for non-headliner acts.

Classic Pass

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The Classic Pass is specifically for non-headliner shows. You use credits here instead of a ticket—remember: credits are for non-headliners and tickets are for headliners.

Depending on what type you choose, you get 2 to 6 credits per purchase. One credit = one reservation for a non-headliner show.

For this, you need to download the Just for Laughs app because you manage your credits there. Once you enter a show, you actually get your credit back—that means you can use it again for other non-headliner shows.

Remember that your credit needs to be scanned if you reserve a show. If you don’t show up, you’ll lose that credit and cannot use it again.

Headliner Pass

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If you want to watch multiple shows, the Headliner Pass is worth checking out. This gives you entry to a headliner and several non-headliner shows.

Basically, you get to watch one headliner show plus non-headliners by using your credits. The rules for the credits are just like the Classic Pass—enter a non-headliner show and get your credit back.

We want to note that you cannot watch multiple headliners because one headliner ticket = one headliner show. If you want to go see another headliner, you need to purchase an individual ticket for that show.

Where to Stay During Just for Laughs

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Watching lots of comedy shows requires you to stay in the city. If you don’t live in the area, booking a place to stay is your best bet.

You can also check out these luxury hotels in Canada if you want to splurge, with spots in Toronto, Vancouver, and Montreal. But if you want something close to the festival, here are our top choices:

Le Square Phillips Hôtel & Suites

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Location: 1193 R. du Square-Phillips, Montréal, Quebec
Contact: (514) 393-1193, [email protected]
Check-in & Check-out: 4 pm & 12 pm
Pricing: $$
Website

The best place to stay for Just for Laughs is in the downtown core. Le Square Phillips Hôtel & Suites is located right in the heart of the city, a convenient location that’s close to comedy venues and Montreal attractions.

Your stay will be as cosy as ever—you get an apartment-like room with a kitchenette, dishwasher, dining table, work desk, and a soft bed. It’s ideal for week-long stays if you plan on staying for the duration of the festival.

Pro Tip:

Contact the staff regarding weekly rates if you’re staying for a minimum of seven nights—it has discounts!

DoubleTree by Hilton

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Location: 1255 Rue Jeanne-Mance, Montreal, Quebec
Contact: (514) 285-1450
Check-in & Check-out: 4 pm & 11 am
Pricing: $$$
Website

Situated smack in the middle of Quartier des Spectacles, DoubleTree has a convenient location for Just for Laughs and other Montreal experiences. It’s linked to Complexe Desjardins, where you can easily find shops and restaurants.

For your comfort, you’ll be staying in a modern and stylish room equipped with a mini fridge, iron and ironing board, Keurig, and Crabtree and Evelyn bath amenities.

Pro Tip:

Join the Hilton Honors program for free to receive special perks like discounted room rates and late check-out.

Where to Eat During Just for Laughs

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When in Montreal, you don’t have to worry about finding a place to eat. There are lots of options, especially in Quartier des Spectacles and Old Montreal.

Click here for our top recommendations for cheap eats in Montreal. And if you’re going to Just for Laughs in Toronto, check this out for the best Thai meals. We’ve also got our favourite spots in the festival’s main area below!

Pintxo Tapas Bar

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Location: 30 Saint-Catherine St W, Montreal, Quebec
Contact: (514) 844-0222
Hours:

  • Sunday – Monday: 5 pm – 8 pm
  • Tuesday – Thursday: 5 pm – 10 pm
  • Friday – Saturday: 5 pm – 11 pm

Website
Menu

This is one of those local spots you cannot miss out on! Tucked away at Le Central, Pintxo Tapas Bar has consistently impressed us with its flavours.

Get ready to taste different kinds of food—it specialises in small bites of classic Spanish cuisine. We recommend Txori-pulpo, which is composed of grilled octopus and chorizo with chickpea puree and citrus vinaigrette.

The tasting menu is worth checking out, too. For only $38 per person, you get three courses!

Pro Tip:

Book a reservation to ensure you get a table immediately, especially during festival season.

Café Parvis

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Location: 433 Mayor St, Montreal, Quebec
Contact: (514) 764-3589, [email protected]
Hours:

  • Tuesday – Friday: 11 am – 11 pm 
  • Saturday: 10 am – 11 pm 
  • Sunday: 10 am – 3 pm

Website
Menu

Café Parvis is like a breath of fresh air with its decor, plating, and fresh menu! Imagine this: white Margherita pizza for brunch with a side of ratatouille salad—that’s a meal bursting with flavours!

The interior alone is worth a visit. The cafe is decked with plants and wooden accents that make you feel like you’re in your own secret garden—a pleasant change of pace from the crowds at the festival.

Pro Tip:

Look for the available desserts. These are made fresh daily in limited quantities, so it’s best to ask the server before you even order your main meal!

Tips to Remember When Attending Just for Laughs

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Just for Laughs festival can feel overwhelming with its packed schedule, different venues, ticket options, and large crowds. It’s not exactly the kind of event you go to on a whim—comedy needs planning, too!

We’re here to help! Here are local tips from us, seasoned attendees of Just for Laughs:

  • Make a list of the performers you want to watch. This will save you time researching for acts during the festival and it will give you an idea of what kind of ticket you want to purchase.
  • Download offline maps on your phone and know the venues, especially if you aren’t familiar with the area. This will come to the rescue in case you don’t have data.
  • Book your accommodation early if you don’t live near the venue. This will save you money since hotels can up the prices during peak season.
  • Wear weather-appropriate clothing. Check the weather app and bring an umbrella if there’s a chance of rain.
  • Arrive early to ensure you get your preferred seat. If you buy the Classic Pass and you don’t show up at the show, you’ll lose that credit!
  • Choose your seat very carefully. Sit at the back if you don’t want to be noticed by the comedians or go to the front row for the best shot of becoming part of the show!
  • Pay attention to the show and avoid using your phone. Be respectful of the entertainer and the audience.
  • Don’t heckle because this is just plain rude! Everyone’s here to have fun and laugh, so keep the vibe positive.
  • Discover new comedians. Just for Laughs is one of the best ways to explore the comedy world. Write the names of the comedy acts on your phone so you can search for them online after the show.
  • Laugh when you find something funny. Show that you’re listening and respond if the comedian asks for it.
  • Check for announcements and updates because sometimes, lineups change and new acts are added.
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