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

Marc Lottering presents Ankle Marc

One of South Africa’s most beloved comedians, Marc Lottering, returns to the stage with a brand-new stand-up show, Ankle Marc. Marc unpacks the latest chapter of his life with his trademark honesty and razor-sharp wit, and deeply relatable humour.

The show centres around the bizarre and very personal story of how he hobbled into 2026 with a fractured ankle and a moonboot, opening the door to a fresh round of observations, mishaps and laugh-out-loud reflections.

Cost: R220p, book via Webtickets

When: Saturday, 13 June from 7:30pm
Where: Lyric Theatre at Gold Reef City Casino, Corner Of Northern Parkway &, Data Cres, Ormonde, Johannesburg South

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

Mpho Popps: 10 years of comedy

Mpho Popps rings in a milestone celebration as he marks the 10th anniversary of his hugely popular Birthday Show. This annual comedy spectacular brings together an exciting line-up of his comedy peers, alongside curated musical performances, for a night of world-class entertainment.

Expect sharp wit, relatable storytelling, and a high-energy production that showcases Mpho’s full comedic range. Featured artists will be confirmed soon.

Cost: From R250pp to R750pp. Book via Webtickets

When: Friday, 26 July, from 8pm. Saturday, 27 July from 8pm
Where: Lyric Theatre at Gold Reef City Casino, Corner Of Northern Parkway &, Data Cres, Ormonde, Johannesburg South

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: From May to 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