Melbourne’s biggest celebration of laughter is rolling out the giggles for kids and grown-ups alike, with a huge line-up of family-friendly entertainment set to take over the city across Easter and the school holidays. From magical mayhem to circus spectaculars and high-energy street shows, the Festival’s beloved kids and family program promises big laughs.
The much-loved The (Very) Big Laugh Out will again turn Melbourne into a giant outdoor playground of comedy for all ages. Returning to Fed Square, and in 2026 expanding to return into the newly reopened City Square, your school break is about to get a whole lot more fun. Packed with world-class street performers alongside stand-up, physical and musical comedy, the program includes, shows will feature Oliver Coleman, Claire Hooper, Dane Simpson, Otto & Astrid, Piip & Tuut (Estonia), Dandyman, Geraldine Quinn, The Burton Brothers and more! The free program kicks off the Easter long weekend with two jam-packed showcases on Good Friday 3 April and Saturday 4 April on the Fed Square Main Stage. The laughs then continue across the school holidays with free City Square performances every Friday and Saturday from 10-18 April. Bring the kids to City Square for the show, and stay to check out the newest ‘giant’ icon in the country… our big microphone!
At Melbourne Town Hall, families can experience high-energy spectacle, big laughs and circus brilliance with Circus Oz, plus crowd favourites Mojo & Jimmy and Trash Test Dummies’ wonderous physical comedy and jaw-dropping skills.
Over at Melbourne Museum, kids can dive into a world of imagination and funny storytelling with Aboriginal Comedy Allstars for Kids, Bubble Show in Space and Comedy Club for Kids, alongside returning favourites The Listies bringing their trademark chaos and hilarity.
Meanwhile, ACMI hosts a wonderland of magic, circus and absurdity including the Melbourne debut of Dale Woodbridge-Brown’s Camp Culture – a bold and fabulous circus adventure packed with flips, laughs and big camp energy. ACMI also hosts Barry Potter and the Magic of Wizardry, Playhouse Pantomimes, Signor Baffo, Tricky Nick Magic Show and Winni Wizard and her Magical Smells.
Plus, there are Festival favourites BasketballMan, Larrikin Puppets, The Greatest Magic Show!, Amazing Drumming Monkeys, The Scientwits and so much more.
With almost 50 shows designed to delight kids, parents and anyone who enjoys a good belly laugh, there is – as they say – something for everyone.
Families are encouraged to explore the full kids and family program and plan their school-holiday fun.
The Melbourne International Comedy Festival runs from 25 March to 19 April 2026. Full program and tickets available now – visit comedyfestival.com.au
Image: Nick Robertson
