9 must-see comedy events coming up in Darling Harbour

This event features brand new material from Samay Raina on the last leg of his "Unfiltered" tour. It's a third show added after two sold-out performances at the Enmore Theatre, and Samay will be retiring this material after this tour, making it the last chance to see this specific show live.

Fri 25 July
Darling Quarter Theatre

Get ready for some no-nonsense humor! American stand-up sensation Mark Normand is bringing his brand new show, "Ya Don't Say!", to Sydney. Known for his sharp, observational comedy and popular specials like "Soup To Nuts," Mark is guaranteed to deliver a night of smart and incredibly funny takes on life.
26 July
International Convention Centre

Ever wondered what happens when a film gets banned? Comedians and film buffs Zachary Ruane and Alexei Toliopoulos dive into a fascinating piece of Australian history in their "Refused Classification Encore." This isn't just a comedy show; it's a wild ride blending stand-up with true crime, all about a government trying to ban a film. Expect laughs, insights, and probably some head-scratching moments!
26 & 27 July
Darling Quarter Theatre

Australia's very own queen of relatable comedy, Celeste Barber, is gracing our stages with her new show, "Backup Dancer." If you follow her hilarious parodies, you know you're in for a treat. Celeste promises a night packed with jokes about everything from freeing nipples and dodgy texts to being Taylor Swift's hypothetical backup dancer. Prepare for big laughs and even bigger high kicks – but remember, it’s strictly 18+!
9 August
International Convention Centre

Dive deep into the wonderfully absurd world of modern fatherhood with Ning Jiayu. His second stand-up special, "Camel, Lion, Child," takes Nietzsche's philosophy and turns it into darkly comic tales of marriage, cultural identity, and the pure chaos of middle age. It’s smart, it’s funny, and it’s a brilliant way to explore life’s complexities through laughter.
9 August
Darling Quarter Theatre

Get ready for some seriously witty banter with multi-award-winning South African-New Zealander, Urzila Carlson! One of Australasia's biggest comedy stars, Urzila is back with her "You Don't Say" Tour. She describes the show as being "born out of sarcasm and storytelling from the mind of a woman who might be slightly out of her mind!" Expect sharp observations and brilliant storytelling from this powerhouse comedian.
16 August
International Convention Centre

If you've ever worked in healthcare (or just know someone who has!), Nurse John is about to become your new favorite comedian. With over 10 million followers, his relatable humor about life in scrubs is pure gold. Prepare for a show that feels like a shared mental breakdown – in the best way possible! You'll be crying, screaming, and laughing all at once.
28 August
International Convention Centre

Get ready for an evening of pure fabulousness and fantastic energy! Jonathan Van Ness, everyone's favorite grooming expert from Queer Eye, is bringing his "Imaginary Living Room Olympian Tour" to town. Expect a unique blend of comedy, self-expression, life lessons, and maybe even some gymnastics. JVN always brings the joy and advocates for important causes, so it’s going to be an empowering and hilarious night.
4 October
International Convention Centre

Brace yourselves, because the king of dark humor, Jimmy Carr, is coming to Sydney with his brand new show "Laughs Funny" next year. If you love rapid-fire, edgy one-liners that push boundaries, this is the show for you. Jimmy's comedy isn't for the faint of heart, but if you're in for a night of no-holds-barred jokes, grab your tickets fast – they won't last long!
13 - 15 March, 2026
International Convention Centre