The Event
Ha!ifax ComedyFest – Celebrating Laughter since 1995!
Every April, Halifax erupts in laughter as comedians from all over North America hit the stage for the Ha!ifax ComedyFest. Held over 4 days, the festival showcases over 30 comedians with multiple shows across the city.
The Halifax ComedyFest is shot by Pilot Light Productions and aired on CBC TV each year in a six-part series. It is one of only three comedy festivals in Canada broadcast nationally on TV.
Don’t miss out on the laughter – get your tickets to the funniest party in town!
History
The Ha!ifax Comedy Festival began in 1995 as an Atlantic Canadian comedy festival, promoting and showcasing talent from the Atlantic Provinces in the clubs in downtown Halifax. The festival boasts multiple shows in various venues across the city and international headlining artists.
As one of the most successful, longest-running comedy festivals in Canada, the Ha!ifax ComedyFest is a must-attend event each April in Halifax.
Awards & Nominations
Best Individual Performance in a Comedy Program or Series
- Shaun Majumder 2001
- Bette MacDonald 2002 (winner)
- Nikki Payne 2002
- Irwin Barker 2005
- Derek Edwards 2005
- Elvira Kurt 2006
- Debra DiGiovanni 2008 (winner)
- Nikki Payne 2010
- Pete Zedlacher 2010
Best Comedy Program or Series
- Ha!ifax ComedyFest 2010
Special Events
Laugh@Lunch
Ha!ifax ComedyFest presents Laugh@Lunch at the Halifax Central Library. This free event features three comedians from the festival line-up performing a lunch-hour show in the library’s Paul O’Regan Hall. Stay tuned for details for 2021.
Watch the Fest!
Watch videos of past episodes of Ha!ifax ComedyFest at CBC Television.
Latest News
2020 Update
As we monitor regulations around large group gatherings, it is apparent we will not be able to hold our shows as planned for the 2020 festival this coming October. Read More
Ha!ifax ComedyFest reschedules for October 28 – 31, 2020
Organisers of the annual Ha!ifax ComedyFest, scheduled for April 22-25 in multiple venues around the city, have announced the festival is rescheduled to October 28 – 31, 2020.
“Public health is the clear priority,” says the festival producer Kim Hendrickson of Premiere Entertainment Group (PEG). “While we’re in the funny business, we take the coronavirus situation very seriously. Given the request made by the provincial health authority to restrict the size of public gatherings in the coming weeks, we all agree that the most responsible thing to do is to reschedule.” Read More
Halifax ComedyFest Celebrates 25 Years in 2020
(Halifax, NS) – Ha!ifax ComedyFest celebrates 25 years of comedy next year with their biggest festival yet. From April 22 to 25, 2020 more than 30 comedians from across Canada and around the world will perform at venues throughout Halifax, Dartmouth, and beyond.
“We’re making our 25th milestone a huge celebration with more shows, more comedians, more venues and more laughs” says festival producer, Kim Hendrickson, “Our roster is very exciting with new faces and returning favourites, and we’ll be adding even more artists in coming weeks.” Read More
Partners
Ha!ifax ComedyFest would like to thank our partners, sponsors and volunteers.
Board of Directors
We’d like to thank the volunteer Board of Directors for their time and dedication to the festival.
Peter Spurway
Chair
Sr. Associate, Peak Experiences ConsultingSharon Resky
Secretary
Account Executive, Atlantic Business MagazineKeith Croucher, CMA, CPA
Treasurer
Maurice Chiasson
QC, Stewart McKelvey
Laurie Jones
Associate, Stewart McKelvey
Kevin MacIntyre
Marketing and Communications Specialist
Leanne Strathdee
Owner, Strathdee & Company
Contact Us
Questions?
Event Information
Performer Submissions – CLOSED for 2020
Sponsorships
Social media partners and on-line promotions
Interview booking with performers
Write Us
Halifax Comedy Festival Limited
Premiere Entertainment Group
1150 Belmont on the Arm
Halifax, NS B3H 1J3
Book a Comedian for your event
Contact Premiere Entertainment Group
Where to Stay
The host hotel for Ha!ifax ComedyFest is Atlantica Hotel Halifax at 1980 Robie Street in Halifax’s West End. Click here for the $119 Festival Rate, or call 1-888-810-7288 and reference code HFF.