Dave Chapelle

ArtsFestivalsStage

After offering a scaled back all-online version in 2020, Just for Laughs is back in person this summer…with a twist. What is arguably the world’s biggest comedy festival and one of the major tentpoles of the Montreal festival season will run in 2021 from July 26-31 and offer in-person standup shows in Montreal, New York and Los Angeles.

This difference is undoubtedly due to JFL’s hefty international comedic talent component mixed with the uncertainty surrounding international travel restrictions. There isn’t presently a border exemption for comedians, no matter how funny they are.

Montrealers who want to watch the out-of-town shows can do so online. They can also enjoy all the local shows that way, too.

All in-person standup shows will be available online for free. This includes the Just for Laughs Awards Show, which will feature recipients Dave Chappelle (Comedy Person of the Year), Kristen Wiig & Annie Mumolo (Comedy Writers of the Year), Jason Sudeikis and Bill Lawrence (Comedy Series of the Year for Ted Lasso) and SNL’s Bowen Yang (Breakout Comedy Star of the Year) with more to be announced.

Other big names and returning favourites this year include Kevin Hart, Patton Oswalt, Gina Yashere, Andy Kindler, Dave Merheje and The Daily Show‘s Dulcé Sloan. The Nasty Show and the newly re-branded The Alternative Show are back and so are more recent creations New Faces and Comedy Night in Canada.

Just For Laughs 2021 runs July 26-31. For ticket info and to watch shows online: hahaha.com

ArtsFestivalsStage

This summer Just for Laughs will mark its 33rd year, making it Montreal’s second longest-running festival (the Jazz fest has been around for 36 years). To mark the occasion, they’ve invited a performer whose career has spanned about the same amount of time and recently is experiencing a bit of resurgence: none other than Weird Al Yankovic.

The Weird One Outdoors For Free!

Parody songsmith Yankovic has been touring to promote his latest, and final, album, Mandatory Fun. Final doesn’t mean he’s done with music, only that he’s found a new way to get it out there. His release a day for ten consecutive days through ten different online partner platforms is a good idea of where he’s headed in the long run.

Where he’s headed this summer, though, is Montreal. He’ll be playing a free outdoor show as part of the Just for Laughs Festival. No announcement about the venue, but Place des Festivals is a good bet.

jfl 2015Comedy Heavyweights Chapelle, Meyers, Harris, and Newcomer Noah

Trevor Noah will take over the Daily Show reigns from Jon Stewart later this year. Before he does, though, he will head to Montreal and host a Just for Laughs Gala. Also on gala duty will be everyone’s favourite non-Tina and Amy awards show host Neil Patrick Harris. It’s like the Tonys, but with less awards.

Speaking of awards, JFL will be presenting its own lifetime achievement award to Mike Meyers, who will also be performing a solo show. For the first time, the festival will present a Generational Award. The recipient will be none other than Dave Chapelle, whom you can also catch performing for two nights.

There’s more to the star-studded lineup as well as quite a few up-and-coming comedians. Not to mention OFF-JFL and Zoofest.

Find out more and order tickets starting tomorrow through hahaha.com