Craig Hill, Mark Thomas, Andrew Ryan, Shane Daniel Byrne, Kim Blythe, Killian Sunderman, Ted Hill, Sophia Wren and Laura Lexx will bring their shows to Aberdeen Comedy Festival. Photo credit Robin Mair.
The Granite City will become comedy central next month, as Aberdeen Performing Arts prepares to present Aberdeen Comedy Festival 2026, supported by Aberdeen Inspired.
Top comedians from the Festival Fringe and the UK comedy circuit will make their way to the north-east for three weekends of funny, from Saturday, September 19, to Sunday, October 4.
Some of the comedians arriving from the Fringe include two of Scotland’s leading stand-ups, Connor Burns and Larry Dean, two-time Spirit of Billy Connolly nominee Kim Blythe, and Fred MacAulay makes a welcome return to the stage with Good Evening.
Mark Thomas will also be reflecting on his 40 years in stand-up comedy, multi-award-winning Laura Lexx brings her new show Yo-Yo, while relative newcomers Grace Campbell and Sophia Wren bring their latest hours to the festival.
Leading Scottish stand-up Connor Burns will be a headliner for the Aberdeen Comedy Festival. Image - courtesty of APA
Aberdeen Comedy Festival will also welcome Susan Calman and Russell Howard when they stop off at the Music Hall as part of their UK tours.
Author, podcaster and award-winning stand-up comedian Alasdair Beckett-King proves why he’s the King of Crumbs, Balloonatic brings a touch of magic in a visually arresting family show, while Janet Street Porter is still off the leash at 80! in a programme that will tickle everyone’s fancy.
Looking ahead to this year’s event, Aberdeen Performing Arts CEO/Creative Director Sharon Burgess said: “This year’s Aberdeen Comedy Festival packs in comedy genius from start to finish across three laughter-filled weekends, meaning even more opportunities to enjoy your favourite comedians, discover the next big thing and soak up the atmosphere across the city. We can’t wait to welcome everyone to join us for what is shaping up to be an unforgettable festival.”
Adrian Watson, Chief Executive of Aberdeen Inspired, added: “Aberdeen Comedy Festival is guaranteed to put a grin on everyone’s faces - and not just because of the top-flight comedy talent arriving in the Granite City.
Russell Howard will play the Music Hall as part of the Aberdeen Comedy Festival. Image - APA
“The three weekends of gigs will be a major draw, attracting thousands of people into the heart of Aberdeen. They won’t just be enjoying brilliant stand-up but will also be having a bite to eat and some drinks either before or after the show, as well as taking in some other city attractions and maybe even staying in one of our fine hotels.
“All of that is a fantastic boost for the hospitality sector and the wider city centre economy, which really is something to smile about.”
Aberdeen Comedy Festival 2026 will take place Saturday, September 19, to Sunday, October 4, at Aberdeen Performing Arts spaces and venues across the city.
To browse the full programme and to book tickets, search Aberdeen Comedy Festival or visit aberdeenperformingarts.com