The full programme for Glasgow International Comedy Festival (GICF) 2026 has been announced with 560 shows to take place in 40 venues across the city this spring.
GICF will welcome top comedians between March 11 and 29, with the likes of Rosie O’Donnell, Karen Dunbar, Harry Enfield, Ruby Wax, Daniel Sloss, Sue Perkins, Susie McCabe and Mhairi Black among those set to perform.
The festival will celebrate Glasgow ‘as the funniest city in the world’ for its 23 rd edition with shows spanning the comedy sector from traditional stand-up, improv, sketch, theatre, musical comedy, magic, kids shows, live podcasts, cabaret and more.
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Krista MacDonald, festival director, says this year’s festival is set to be a “bumper year” after 2025’s record-breaking edition.
She told the Glasgow Times: “We’re absolutely over the moon to be able to deliver such a strong programme yet again and especially showcase the amazing Scottish talent that’s around us now.
“Scottish comedy’s obviously always been strong and punched above its weight, but there’s a whole generation of comedy talent in all its forms, not just in stand up, that are really stepping up and making things their own.
“It’s exciting to see and an absolute privilege to be able to showcase it.”
As well as a host of homegrown Scottish comedians, there will also be comedians from around the world, including top talent from America, Australia, Canada, Spain and Ireland.
Krista says a “core principle” of the festival is to spotlight homegrown comedians, as well as welcoming “the best” from out of town.
She said: “It’s not hard to find exceptional Scottish talent to platform.
"Scotland’s legacy of comedy and Glasgow in particular, it’s in our DNA and it's hardwired.
“We’re very fortunate that it's really a case of throwing the big light on rather than having to bring in too many people from out of town.”
She continued: “I’m absolutely over the moon that Rosie O’Donnell’s going to be with us.
“Her show Common Knowledge is hysterically funny, but it is easily one of the most beautiful shows of any art form I’ve seen in quite some years.
“It is a really special show, and I really would encourage anybody who can possibly make it to come along to that.”
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Venues set to host GICF shows include the OVO Hydro, SEC Armadillo, King’s Theatre, The Stand, Blackfriars Basement, Oran Mor, Drygate and more, while the newly redeveloped Citizen’s Theatre will host Ruby Wax, Karen Dunbar, Kim Blythe, Mark Simmons and more.
Krista says it “gives us great joy” to be able to bring a festival to the city that's “driving focus is to make sure the city thrives and benefits”.
She said: “We’re in 40 venues across the city.
“We don’t just plant ourselves on those venues, we encourage and support them to be part of things and help them deliver activity in their own spaces.
“There's such an amazing comedy scene all year round, but our job is to support and amplify that.”
The Glasgow International Comedy Festival will once again work with Sir Billy Connolly to present the Spirit of Glasgow Award, named after the Big Yin himself, as the festival’s only official award.
An independent panel of judges will choose a shortlist from all applications, before sending a recommendation to Sir Billy Connolly, who decides the ultimate winner.
In 2025, Sir Billy sent a personalised message to winner Rosco McClelland to announce the Glasgow comedian as the winner live onstage at GICF’s Comedy Gala on the festival’s final day.
This year’s Gala will take place on Sunday, March 29, with applications for the award open until January 14.
The award recognises a person or group of people, not a show, meaning any GICF performers, venue staff, promoters or anyone else involved in this year’s festival can apply.
Bailie Annette Christie, Glasgow Life Chair, added: “The Glasgow International Comedy Festival has grown into one of the city’s great cultural cornerstones.
“Each year, this much-anticipated festival shines a spotlight on Glasgow’s wonderful humour and creativity.
“What makes GICF so appealing is the fantastic variety of shows on offer.
“People in Glasgow, and those who travel to be part of it, can look forward to enjoying laughter in all its forms from rising local talent and some of the UK’s best-known names in comedy, promising plenty of laughs for everyone this spring.”
GICF will take place from March 11-29 in venues across the city.
Festival tickets are on sale via www.glasgowcomedyfestival.com
