Winter warmth and big laughs return with Wagga Comedy Fest 2025

Published: 03 Jun 2025 12:04pm

Get ready to laugh away the winter blues – the Wagga Comedy Fest is back and bigger than ever! From Thursday 5 to Sunday 8 June, the Wagga Wagga Civic Theatre will come alive with four jam-packed days of hilarious shows, familiar faces, and local favourites.

This year’s program features 21 shows and events, uniting some of the biggest names in Australian comedy with rising stars and homegrown talent.

Tuesday's formal launch of the 2025 Comedy Fest program, attended by members of the media, featured some of the stars from this year’s line-up including Leigh Ryan and Jamie Way.

Civic Theatre Manager Claire Harris said the festival is all about connection and having a good giggle while you’re at it.

“There’s just something so incredibly heartening about sitting in a warm theatre on a cold night and sharing a laugh with your community,” Ms Harris said.

The fun kicks off Thursday night with the ever-popular Great Wagga Comedy Fest Debate, hosted by Leigh Ryan, with local legends Jamie Way and Peter Casey leading the charge.

This year’s topic? “Money Equals Happiness” – and the laughs are guaranteed.

Comedy heavyweights Tommy Little and Dave Hughes headline the festival’s opening weekend, followed by fan favourites Melanie Bracewell, Luke McGregor, Chris Ryan, and Sammy J. Expect big laughs, sharp wit, and electric performances.

But Wagga Comedy Fest is more than just the big names. Fringe gems like Karate Man (a family-friendly live-action video game), the eccentric Dilapidated Diva, and the now-iconic Garry Starr deliver unforgettable surprises.

“Trust the program, take a chance, and you just might discover your new favourite,” says Ms Harris.

Closing out the weekend is The B.S. with Jamie and Leigh: Sunday Live & Late! – an unfiltered, laugh-out-loud finale that captures the spirit of Wagga’s vibrant comedy scene.

In between shows, warm up at the Laugh Lounge – a cosy marquee on the Civic Theatre lawns with live music from emerging stars in the Plug + Play program, plus some fantastic gourmet eats from local foodie favourites, Pota Pasta and The Smoking Butcher.

Don’t miss this winter highlight and community favourite event. For tickets and the full program, visit the Wagga Wagga Civic Theatre website.

Wagga Comedy Fest 2025