Comedy in Joburg is thriving right now. From indie comedy nights, new stand-up shows by seasoned talent, to IRL festivals you cannot afford to miss, we round up the best shows to keep on your radar.
Upcoming comedy shows in Joburg
Schalk Bezuidenhout: Hey Hey Divorcé
Following his public split in 2024, South African comedian Schalk Bezuidenhout unpacks life as a divorced man in his new comedy special, Schalk Bezuidenhout: Hey Hey Divorcé.
Having had the privilege to perform all over the world in some great venues, alongside some even greater comedians, Schalk’s latest work depicts the real trials and tribulations of single life in your thirties, in his words: “because it’s cheaper than therapy”.
The show is raw, real stand-up at its finest, with emotional and tear-jerking moments in between.
Cost: From R250pp, book via Quicket
When: Friday to Sunday, 26 to 28 June. Various times (Friday and Saturday SOLD OUT) | New dates: 3 to 5 July
Where: The Capital, On the Park, 101 Katherine St, Sandown, Sandton
Comedy Nights with Mark Banks
In his latest comedy show, Comic’s Choice Lifetime Achievement award winner Mark Banks discusses a range of absurd, yet relatable topics, including the cost of living, the cost of dying, medical aids, household home invasion preparedness, current gossip, airlines, estate agents, how to invade a politician’s home, survival in the suburbs and money laundering for amateurs.
He also interacts with audience members, and the show promises an evening of off-the-wall hilarity. The Whirlwind Cafe opens at 5pm, with food and beverages available.
Cost: R180pp | R130pp (pensioner) Book via Quicket
When: Saturday, 3 July from 5pm to 8.30pm.
Where: The Whirlwind Theatre, Delta Park, Intersection of Rd No. 3 &, Rd No 5, Victory Park, Randburg
Skhumba’s Weekend Comedy Special
It’s going to be a weekend of big laughs as Skhumba takes over Carnival City for a new comedy special in Boksburg. The show promises an unforgettable evening of stand-up comedy from one of the country’s leading comedic voices.
Alongside his celebrated stand-up career, Skhumba has also earned nationwide acclaim for his original shows and comedic style.
Cost: From R250pp to R375pp, book via Webtickets
When: Friday, 10 July and Saturday, 11 July, from 7pm
Where: Mardi Gras – Carnival City, Cnr Century Road &, Elsburg Rd, Boksburg
Comedy Night with Jason Goliath
Jason Goliath leads an evening packed with side-splitting comedy, great company, and plenty of laughs.
Whether visitors are seeking a fun night out with friends, a date night with a difference, or simply a chance to unwind and enjoy world-class entertainment, this event offers it all.
Jason brings his unique humour and infectious energy to Florida, as guests enjoy a night of clean, feel-good entertainment and indulge in refreshments while connecting with family, friends and community.
Seats are limited, so visitors need to secure tickets early and come prepared for an evening filled with laughter, joy and memorable moments.
Cost: R150pp book via Quicket
When: Friday, 10 July from 6pm to 10pm
Where: St Barnabas United Church Florida – Hall, 21 Madeline St, Florida, Roodepoort
Barry Hilton at Hotel Sky
Die-hard Barry Hilton fans and comedy show newbies alike are invited to catch this comedy icon in action for an electrifying night of spontaneous laughter where the audience’s suggestions ignite the comedy. With no script in sight, Barry unleashes his impressive improv skills, turning their ideas into side-splitting punchlines on the spot.
Visitors can join the excitement and be part of the show by preparing for a hilariously unpredictable experience that will leave them roaring with laughter.
Cost: R225pp, book via Quicket
When: Friday, 17 July from 7.30pm
Where: Hotel Sky, 150 West Street Corner West Street and, Maude St, Sandown, Sandton
Nina Hastie Tangents
With over two decades in the South African entertainment industry, featuring a Netflix special, international creative awards, and a reputation for turning chaos into catharsis, Nina Hastie tackles ADHD side-quests, romantic misadventures, identity crises, family drama, bad decisions, worse decisions, and all the delightful nonsense of living in South Africa.
Joburg and Pretoria audiences can expect sharp punchlines and unexpected emotional honesty. One moment, Nina is dissecting anxiety, and the next, she’s oversharing about romance, and somehow, magically, it all ties together.
The show is comedy with heart, humour with depth, and storytelling with absolutely no straight line.
Cost: R220pp, book via Quicket for Johannesburg show and via Quicket for Pretoria show.
When: Friday, 17 July and Saturday, 18 July, from 8pm
Where: The Capital, On the Park, 101 Katherine str, Sandton and The Capital Menlyn Maine 194 Bancor Ave, Waterkloof Glen, Pretoria
Mbali Gudazi presents Black Don’t Crack
Following a breakout run in 2025, Mbali Gudazi steps into the spotlight with her debut one-woman comedy special, Black Don’t Crack. The rising comedian has quickly become one of the country’s names to watch after being nominated for Best Breakthrough Act at the Comics Choice Comedy Awards, winning the Jive Funny Championships in Cape Town, and earning a place in the 25th Cape Town Funny Festival. She also closed out the year performing at the 21st edition of Blacks Only at SunBet Arena alongside some of South Africa’s biggest comedy heavyweights.
In Black Don’t Crack, Mbali leans into the everyday realities of looking far younger than her age, unpacking everything from shopping for shoes in the kids’ section to discovering she apparently doesn’t give “aunt energy”.
Cost: From R120pp. Book via Quicket
When: Friday, 7 August from 7pm. Show starts at 8pm
Where: Young Rebel Recording Studio – Ferndale On Republic Shopping Mall – Randburg (Above Food Lovers Market)
New! South Africa’s Festival of Comedy
South Africa’s Festival of Comedy is Trevor Noah, stepping in as Lead Curator and Captain of the SA National Team of Comedy. He is joined by Vice Captain Eugene Khoza and Coach Ntosh Madlingozi, forming a leadership trio that blends experience, cultural insight and performance credibility. The tour officially kicks off in Pretoria at SunBet Arena on 5 September 2026, before heading to GrandWest in Cape Town on 26 September 2026.
What sets this comedy project apart is its extended build-up. Running from May through to September, the festival unfolds as a season rather than a single event. Expect press conference-style announcements, “call-ups”, behind-the-scenes content and moments that mirror the structure of major sporting campaigns.
South Africa’s Festival of Comedy intends to meet audiences where they are, across live spaces, digital platforms and social moments, rather than limiting the experience to the stage.
Cost: From R465pp, book via Quicket
When: Friday, 4 September and Saturday, 5 September 2026, from 6pm to 11pm
Where: SunBet Arena, 209 Aramist Ave, Waterkloof Glen, Pretoria
Alfred Adriaan presents Positive Strokes
Alfred Adriaan returns to Joburg’s comedy scene with Positive Strokes, a brand-new stand-up show diving into the chaos, humour and everyday realities of modern fatherhood. Known for his storytelling style and sold-out performances across South Africa and abroad, Alfred once again turns ordinary life moments into sharp, laugh-out-loud comedy that resonates with audiences of all ages.
In Positive Strokes, he reflects on parenting, marriage, family dynamics and the often hilarious contrast between different generations and approaches to raising children. Alfred finds comedy in the small frustrations and absurdities of everyday life, making audiences feel like they’re laughing through familiar conversations with friends and family.
Cost: From R150pp to R225pp, book via Webtickets
When: Running from 7 to 11 October, various times
Where: Pieter Toerien Theatre at Montecasino, Montecasino Blvd, Fourways, Johannesburg
Andre, the Hilarious Hypnotist
A festive season favourite returns as Andre The Hilarious Hypnotist brings another round of comedy, audience participation and mind-bending entertainment to Montecasino. Known for his fast-paced, interactive performances, Andre’s long-running show has become something of a year-end tradition, blending hypnosis with laugh-out-loud moments that keep audiences coming back season after season.
Perfect for family outings, group celebrations and end-of-year office parties, the experience is driven almost entirely by audience participation, meaning no two performances are ever the same. Volunteers from the crowd become part of the show as Andre guides them through a series of hilarious hypnosis routines, unpredictable challenges and spontaneous comedic moments.
Guests should note that children under 16 may not participate in the hypnosis segments, and the Studio Theatre unfortunately does not offer disabled access due to stairs.
Cost: From R150pp to R180pp, book via Webtickets
When: Running from 4 December to 31 January 2027, various times
Where: Studio Theatre At Montecasino, Montecasino Blvd, Fourways, Johannesburg
Regular comedy events in Joburg
New in Joburg! Comedy in the Park, a monthly series at The Whirlwind Theatre
Join your favourite comedians each month for The Whirlwind Theatre’s mid-month Comedy in the Park.
Each third Saturday of the month, audiences experience an uplifting and hilarious comedy show to combat the mid-month blues. Featured comedians include Dave Levinsohn as MC with Wazi M. Kunene, Richelieu Beaunoir and Mark Banks. New comedy acts will be confirmed soon
From 5pm, the pop-up restaurant opens for a delicious pre-show meal as well as drinks on sale.
Cost: From R180pp; from R120pp (pensioners). Book via Quicket
When: Every Thirs Saturday of the month, from 5pm
Where: The Whirlwind Theatre, Delta Park, Intersection of Rd No. 3 &, Rd No 5, Victory Park, Randburg
The Assembly Improv Show
Part of an international network with roots in Toronto and chapters in Mexico and South Africa, The Assembly Improv has become one of Johannesburg’s leading spaces for long-form improvisational theatre and performance training. They host regular shows on Saturday evenings in Randburg.
The artist-run company is dedicated to developing both skilled improvisers and compelling live performances. Focused on long-form improv, performances are built entirely from audience suggestions, transforming ordinary topics and unexpected ideas into scenes that can be hilarious, dramatic, insightful or completely absurd.
Beyond performances, The Assembly also offers free improv and clowning classes designed for people from all backgrounds and experience levels. The courses are widely recognised for helping participants develop communication skills, confidence, creativity, teamwork and public speaking abilities, while encouraging people to stay present, adaptable and open in both performance and everyday life.
Cost: From R100pp. Book via Quicket
When: Every Saturday, from 6:30pm to 8pm
Where: JATA – Johannesburg Academy for Theatre Arts, 47 Main St, Linden, Randburg
Bioscope Sundays
End your weekend with the best comedy in Joburg at Bioscope Sundays. Hosted by the vibrant Shanray van Wyk and Tsitsi Chiumya, this regular Sunday night comedy event delivers two hours of top-tier stand-up, kicking off at 6:30 pm. Awarded Best Comedy Show at the 2024 Savanna Comic’s Choice Awards, Bioscope Sundays has become a must-attend event for comedy lovers. Each show features a stellar lineup of South Africa’s best comics, along with surprise spots from other talented performers, ensuring every Sunday is unique.
Cost:Various, see upcoming lineup here
When: Every Sunday, from 6:30pm
Where: The Bioscope, 44 Stanley Ave, Braamfontein Werf, Johannesburg
Samoka Comedy Events
Samoka is a premium comedy experience at top venues in Johannesburg and Pretoria. Expect a stellar lineup of emerging and established comedy talent at iconic spots like Kings Kraal, DaVinci Hotel, and Protea Hotel Fire & Ice Menlyn.
Upcoming performances include comedy heavyweights like Marc Lottering, Ndumiso Lindi, Sami Hall, Trevor Gumbi, and more. With regular events featuring both fresh faces and seasoned stars, these comedy nights promise a mix of sharp wit, unforgettable punchlines, and non-stop laughs.
Cost: Various rates, see the full lineup here
When: Various
Where: Johannesburg and Pretoria
Annual comedy festivals in Joburg
Laugh Africa Comedy Festival 2026
Get ready, Joburg—The Laugh Africa Comedy Festival is back and bigger than ever! From 2–4 May 2025, the Sandton Convention Centre transforms into a laughter epicentre as Savanna and Showmax bring together comedy’s finest.
This three-day comedy extravaganza features top acts from across Africa and beyond, including Uganda’s Salvado Ombokolo and Kenya’s Eric Lu Savali—two titans of the African comedy scene. Expect bold punchlines, cultural wit, and a feast of comedic styles, from roasts to international headliners. It’s a celebration of unity through laughter—where borders blur and belly-laughs reign.
Cost: TBC
When: TBC
Where: Sandton Convention Centre, 161 Maude St, Sandown, Sandton
In Comedy, We Trust
Some of South Africa’s sharpest comedic talents come together for one unforgettable night of laughter, honesty and unfiltered social commentary at In Comedy, We Trust. The 2026 lineup featured David Kau, Celeste Ntuli, Chris Forrest, Pelepele and Mashabela, all joining for a high-energy evening led by five distinct comedic voices known for their fearless humour and crowd-commanding stage presence.
Set against the backdrop of an increasingly unpredictable world, the show leans into comedy as both escape and reflection, tackling everyday realities, social tensions and life’s absurdities with wit and sharp insight. Audiences can expect a mix of observational comedy, personal storytelling and laugh-out-loud takes on contemporary South African culture.
Cost: TBC
When: TBC
Where: Lyric Theatre at Gold Reef City Casino, Corner Of Northern Parkway &, Data Cres, Ormonde, Johannesburg South
Crack Up SA 6.0
Crack Up SA 6.0 is bringing yet another instalment of unfiltered comedy chaos at an unconventional venue, this time, set against Lizamore Art Gallery in Rosebank. This concept comedy show in Joburg is all about sharp, it’s fearless, and proudly South African humour.
Comedy fans can look forward to a mix of fresh new voices, fan-favourite comics, and talent who are ready to push every boundary. From the wild side of everyday Mzansi life to the beautiful madness of our modern hustle, no topic is off-limits — and everything’s funny.
Cost: TBC
When: TBC
Where: Lizamore Art Gallery on Keyes, 29 Keyes Avenue, Rosebank, Johannesburg
See more live events in Joburg
