Aberdeen Comedy Festival 2026, supported by Aberdeen Inspired, has announced its 2026 programme. Three of Scotland’s leading comedy talents will lead the line-up with Connor Burns, Susan Calman, and Larry Dean all making their way to the Granite City for three weekends of funny, Saturday 19 September to Sunday 04 October 2026.
Looking ahead to this year’s event, Aberdeen Performing Arts Chief Executive 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 had such a great response to our late-night gigs and family shows at the Lemon Tree in 2025 that this year we’ve expanded on both of those making them bigger and better, featuring some of the sharpest and funniest up-and-coming comics. Add to this our big-name headliners like Russell Howard and Susan Calman, a fantastic week-long show at HMT, improv fun and gigs across the city, and we’ve made sure there’s something for everyone in the line-up.
“We can’t wait to welcome everyone to join us for what is shaping up to be an unforgettable festival.”
The festival opens on Saturday 19 September when Russell Howard makes his way to Aberdeen with Don’t Tell the Algorithm, announced last year. Susan Calman will then tell Tall Tales, Friday 25 September, before two of Scotland’s finest stand-ups, Connor Burns and Saturday Night Live UK’s Larry Dean, bring their latest shows – Flow and Hellbent - to the Music Hall on Friday 02 and Saturday 03 October.
Aberdeen Performing Arts’ Lemon Tree will host a barrel of laughs throughout the festival, showcasing a vibrant mix of emerging comedians and seasoned performers. Long standing favourites Fred MacAulay and Mark Thomas both revisit their four-decade long careers in comedy, while Janet Street-Porter Is Still Off the Leash at 80! Relative newcomer Killian Sundermann is the Killian Dollar Baby; one of Ireland’s most exciting and fastest rising comedy voices Sophia Wren brings The Best Girl in the World; while Sir Billy Connolly Spirit of Glasgow nominee Kim Blythe sets us all a Puzzle.
There’s more celtic comedy when everyone's favourite Cork in the North Andrew Ryan performs what promises to be his biggest and most hilarious show to date, and Ireland's megastar Shane Daniel Byrne delivers an hour of fast paced and heartfelt stand-up in Baby This Time.
After showing his entrance last year, Scotland’s kilty pleasure Craig Hill bounds back to Aberdeen with You’re Not Even Safe Up the Back; one of the most popular new acts on the UK comedy circuit, Alexandra Haddow expertly walks the fine line between cheeky and outright smut; and Shaparak Khorsandi, one of the UK’s finest stand-ups, will test out her latest work with a work in progress at the Lemon Tree.
ISH Edinburgh Comedy Award Best Show nominee Ted Hill invites you inside his strange and chaotic mind in PowerPoindexter; the multi-award-winning stand-up comic and (occasional) internet sensation Alasdair Beckett-King is the King of Crumbs; and comedian, filmmaker and writer Grace Campbell presents a messy, self-examination of being a woman in The Lady is a Tramp.
There will be after-hours hilarity, as Aberdeen Performing Arts presents Late Night at the Lemon Tree, a mixed-bill line-up of festival favourites and surprise guests, bringing the best of the UK’s comedy clubs to the North East. While the whole family will be entertained with the Comedy Festival’s children’s programme starring the UK’s only 100% balloon-based comedy act, Balloonatic; swear-free stand-up and silly sketches with Comedy Club 4 Kids; and Ted Hill Teaches You Science, Most of Which is True.
Elsewhere in the Granite City, and straight off the back of Taskmaster, A League of Their Own, and Last One Laughing, Maisie Adam comes to the Tivoli Theatre with her brand-new show Whatsherface. While Aberdeen’s Breakneck Comedy Club showcases a wealth of comic talent including Al Thompson, Shazia Mirza, Rab Mulheron and more.
His Majesty’s Theatre is also getting in on the act, with performances of Tony Roper’s The Steamie, Tuesday 29 September to Saturday 03 October. Starring Louise McCarthy, Lesley Mackie, and Aberdeen Panto regular Paul J Corrigan, this Scottish classic fizzes with patter, pride, and plenty of laughs.
With three weekends of laughter already planned, and more to be announced in the coming months, Aberdeen looks to be the place to be for comedy this autumn.
Adrian Watson, chief executive of Aberdeen Inspired, said: “If there is one thing that is guaranteed to put a smile on everyone’s face in the Granite City, it is the return of the Aberdeen Comedy Festival, and Aberdeen Inspired is delighted to once again partner with Aberdeen Performing Arts for this wonderful event.
“Not only will it provide a complete laugh fest for three weekends this autumn, showcasing the finest stand-up talent in the land, but it will also be a showcase for Aberdeen as a vibrant and attractive place where people want to be.
“Folk flocking to gigs will also be taking full advantage of the sheer quality and range of city centre pubs, restaurants and other attractions, bringing a welcome boost to our bricks and mortar businesses. That really is something to smile about.”
Aberdeen Comedy Festival 2026 will take place Saturday 19 September to Sunday 4 October 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 www.aberdeenperformingarts.com.
Picture: Louise Chan
