The Just For Laughs Group has decided that due to the current global situation and conditions it cannot be holding live and in-person performances of the 9th edition of Toronto’s JFL42 Festival, including the 5th edition of ComedyCon and the special concert show with Trevor Noah. Presented by SiriusXM, the festival was slated to take place in Toronto from September 24-October 3, 2020. 

They have issued the following statement:

“Due to the many impacts and unpredictable nature of COVID-19, and the amount of planning that goes into organizing this festival in advance, the current situation and conditions leave us no alternative as we are increasingly getting closer to the planned dates”, organizers said. “We had hoped for a different outcome and are so disappointed that we are all subject to this extraordinary context. While we are not moving forward with the festival in its current format, we believe that 2020 demands a new plan for us to continue to entertain and bring laughter during these unprecedented times. We are currently working on these new plans and will have an exciting announcement to share in the coming weeks”.

Establishing itself as one of the world’s premium and most innovative comedy festival since its inception in 2012, the city has seen this festival expand to over 14 venues. The successful addition of the daytime comedy conference, ComedyCon propelled the festival to new heights, attracting comedy fans and industry alike. Its unique pass-based ticketing system continues to ascertain itself as the first comedy festival of its kind, attracting the who’s who in the world of comedy, podcasts, cast panels, In Conversations and more.

The festival will return next year when it kicks off September 23 - October 3, 2021. 

Tickets originally purchased for the Trevor Noah concert show that was scheduled to take place on Saturday, October 3, 2020 will now be valid for the new show on Saturday, October 2, 2021. For those patrons who cannot attend the new date, refunds will be available until August 7, 2020 and Ticketmaster will be in touch directly with purchasers with further details.

“For now, the health and safety of our audiences, artists, partners, and staff is our primary driver in this situation. We will be back in a big way in 2021 with exciting plans to expand the festival for the people of Toronto, and for the comedy fans and industry who travel to join us every September”.