Comedy Is Having a Moment: The Best Stand-Up, Festivals, and Laugh Nights in Joburg

Comedy in Joburg Is Booming: Here’s What to Watch and Where

If you’ve noticed that laughter feels louder in Johannesburg lately, you’re not imagining it. The city’s comedy scene is having a major moment. Between big-name arena shows and underground stand-up nights, Joburg is brimming with wit, energy, and the kind of humour that could only come from South Africa.

Alfred Adriaan’s ‘Positive Strokes’ Brings Fatherhood into Focus

Alfred Adriaan is back with a brand-new show, Positive Strokes, and it’s already making audiences laugh and cry in equal measure. Known for his quick wit and relatable storytelling, Alfred unpacks the hilarity and chaos of parenting, comparing his own modern-day dad style to how he was raised.

It’s nostalgic, sharply observant, and deeply South African at heart. The show runs at Die Centurion Teater from 9 to 16 October, and tickets start from R225 via Quicket.

The Return of an Icon: Blacks Only Comedy Show

A staple of South African comedy since the early 2000s, the Blacks Only Comedy Show remains one of the biggest and most unmissable comedy nights on the continent. This year, SunBet Arena at Time Square will host legends like Mpho Popps, Skhumba, Celeste Ntuli, Kagiso Lediga, Robby Collins, and Nina Hastie, with the inimitable David Kau as host.

Expect sharp social commentary, old-school storytelling, and the kind of contagious laughter that fills a room long after the lights come up. It’s happening on 11 October; tickets are from R218.50 on Ticketpro.

Sandton Comedy Sessions: Laughter in the City Lights

High above the streets of Sandton, the Infinity Auditorium at Hotel Sky transforms into a comedy hotspot once a month for the Sandton Comedy Sessions. Hosted by Stuart Taylor, the evening combines class, skyline views, and premium South African humour.

This October’s lineup features Joey Rasdien, Mbali Gudazi, and Ntosh Madlingizi. It’s perfect for date night, after-work drinks, or just a good reason to laugh off the week. Tickets are R200 per person via Quicket.

The Art of Laughter: Where Talent Meets Timing

Over at the Goethe-Institut in Parkwood, The Art of Laughter series wraps up its final leg this October. Hosted by Mo Mothebe, the show features breakout comic Thabiso Mhlongo and headline act Mpho Popps Modikoane, two names redefining modern South African humour.

It’s an intimate space where jokes land differently and audiences connect directly with the performers. Tickets are R200 and available via Quicket.

Bioscope Sundays: The Local Favourite

For die-hard comedy lovers, Bioscope Sundays in Braamfontein is a weekly ritual. Hosted by Shanray van Wyk and Tsitsi Chiumya, this regular event brings a fresh lineup of comics every week at The Bioscope in 44 Stanley.

Having scooped Best Comedy Show at the 2024 Savanna Comic’s Choice Awards, Bioscope Sundays has become the go-to spot for discovering the next big thing in South African stand-up. Shows start at 6:30 pm every Sunday.

Samoka Comedy Events: The Powerhouse Circuit

Comedy brand Samoka continues to dominate with regular lineups across Johannesburg and Pretoria. Expect favourites like Marc Lottering, Ndumiso Lindi, Sami Hall, and Trevor Gumbi at venues including Kings Kraal, DaVinci Hotel, and Protea Hotel Fire & Ice Menlyn.

Each event mixes established names with fresh voices, creating a powerhouse platform for laughter that’s accessible, authentic, and proudly local.

Looking Ahead: Laugh Africa Comedy Festival 2026

Already announced for May 2026, the Laugh Africa Comedy Festival promises to be the continent’s biggest comedy celebration yet. Hosted at the Sandton Convention Centre, it’s a collaboration between Savanna and Showmax, uniting some of the best comedians from across Africa, including Uganda’s Salvado Ombokolo and Kenya’s Eric Lu Savali.

It’s more than a festival; it’s a celebration of culture through laughter. Expect high production value, diverse humour, and a crowd ready to prove that Joburg still knows how to laugh the loudest.

The Final Punchline

Comedy has always been one of South Africa’s most honest art forms. In a city like Johannesburg, where the hustle never stops, these shows remind us that laughter is not just entertainment; it’s a survival skill. Whether you prefer intimate club nights or big-stage energy, Joburg’s comedy scene is thriving and ready for your applause.

Also read: Frights, Lights, and City Nights: Where to Celebrate Halloween 2025 in Joburg

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Source: What’s On In Joburg

Featured Image: iStock