Saturday in Toronto

October 3 · 18 shows

No Grown-Ups Allowed

Kids, are you tired of grown-ups constantly telling you what to do? When to wake up, when to do homework, even making you do chores?! Well, on Saturdays at the Second City, it’s the kids’ turn to run the world! In this high-energy and fast-paced sketch and improv show, kids give all the ideas and even get the chance to get onstage! *Grown-ups are absolutely allowed because kids can’t drive or pay for tickets (the Tooth Fairy has not kept up with the pace of inflation.) Group of 10 or more? We’ll make it easy: Contact Us for Group Events

Sat · 2:00 p.m.
The Second City
$25

Laugh It Off

Bring the thing that's been living rent-free in your head. We'll help you laugh it off, for good. Laugh It Off is the group-therapy comedy show. You anonymously submit a real struggle, grievance, or thing you've never said out loud. Then stand-up comedian Andrew Packer and a rotating lineup of nationally touring comedians turn it into the funniest part of your week. While Andrew's actual dad, a licensed therapist of 35+ years, sits right there on stage and tells you what's really going on underneath the laughs. It's part stand-up, part therapy, and honestly unlike anything else you'll see live. One minute you're crying laughing at a stranger's disaster. The next you realize it's kind of your disaster too. What you're walking into: A real therapist and comedians on one stage, working through your stuff in real time Fully anonymous submissions: share as much or as little as you want, nobody knows it's yours Stand-up, genuine catharsis, and a unique night out that's actually hilarious and weirdly good for you "I can't believe how people opened up. I laughed and I feel like I can overcome the problems that were weighing me down." And our personal favourite, "We need to protect Therapist Jeff at all costs." Andrew's a Kill Tony alum with a Dry Bar Special and JFL credits. His dad just has the credentials. Our past two shows sold out in advance. We only do this once a month, and there's truly no other show like it, so grab your seat now. $25 online and $30 at the door

Sat · 5:00 p.m.
Comedy Bar Bloor
$25

Dustin Nickerson

A Seattle native now suffering in Southern California, Dustin Nickerson is an in demand comic on the rise. In 2020, he released his debut comedy special Overwhelmed which is currently one of the highest rated specials on Amazon Prime Video. In addition, he’s been featured on The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon, Comedy Central and Netflix on Kevin Hart’s Hart of the City, The Late Late Show with James Corden, and is a regular on After Midnight with Taylor Tomlinson. Online, his stand-up clips and jokes have received hundreds of millions of views and his podcast, Don’t Make Me Come Back There, has over 3 million downloads and is currently on the Nateland Podcast Network. He’s also the author of How to be Married be Married to Melissa, an Amazon #1 New Release published by Harper Collins in June 2022, that is being developed as a pilot. Dustin describes himself as “the world’s most average person” but is far from it when on stage. He brings you into his life through his jokes about the struggles of parenting, marriage, and being generally annoyed by most people.

Sat · 5:00 p.m.
Comedy Bar Danforth
$36.75–$46.75

100% Real Human

100% Real Human, the latest Second City Toronto original revue, asks: What does it mean to be human? With a fresh collection of hilarious sketches, original songs, wild new characters, and jaw-dropping unpredictable improv scenes, this show explores the hysterical human experience in a world increasingly run by machines. Written and performed by our talented all-star cast of human comedians and a real live musician, this show is a joyful antidote to the troubles of the day. Close a few tabs and come laugh with us.

Sat · 6:30 p.m.
The Second City
$39.99–$49.99

Sold out

Ray Lau

Ray Lau is a Cantonese American stand-up comedian known for his unique blend of playful storytelling and sharp, relatable humor. His work has reached millions online, resonating with audiences for its lighthearted yet distinctive perspective. He was selected for the prestigious Netflix Introducing showcase and recently featured on Netflix’s Funny AF with Kevin Hart. Ray performs at sold out venues and festivals nationwide.

Sat · 7:00 p.m.
Comedy Bar Bloor
$35.75

Sold out · details

Sold out

Ben Albert and Friends

Headliner Ben Albert hosts a night of big laughs with some of Toronto’s best comedians! Don’t miss it! Ben Albert & Friends is a must-see comedy showcase featuring headliner Ben Albert — one of Toronto’s fastest-rising comedians. Known for his sharp wit and fearless stage presence, Ben has performed on the hit podcast Kill Tony and has built a massive following online, earning over 15 million views on TikTok. Join Ben and some of Toronto’s top comics for a night of unfiltered, high-energy stand-up, packed with big laughs, bold stories, and unforgettable moments.

Sat · 7:00 p.m.
Comedy Bar Bloor
$27.75

Sold out · details

Dustin Nickerson

A Seattle native now suffering in Southern California, Dustin Nickerson is an in demand comic on the rise. In 2020, he released his debut comedy special Overwhelmed which is currently one of the highest rated specials on Amazon Prime Video. In addition, he’s been featured on The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon, Comedy Central and Netflix on Kevin Hart’s Hart of the City, The Late Late Show with James Corden, and is a regular on After Midnight with Taylor Tomlinson. Online, his stand-up clips and jokes have received hundreds of millions of views and his podcast, Don’t Make Me Come Back There, has over 3 million downloads and is currently on the Nateland Podcast Network. He’s also the author of How to be Married be Married to Melissa, an Amazon #1 New Release published by Harper Collins in June 2022, that is being developed as a pilot. Dustin describes himself as “the world’s most average person” but is far from it when on stage. He brings you into his life through his jokes about the struggles of parenting, marriage, and being generally annoyed by most people.

Sat · 7:00 p.m.
Comedy Bar Danforth
$36.75–$46.75

Spotlight at The Second City

Spotlight at The Second City is a monthly series from Taylor Hreljac & Gabe Meacher celebrating the best in Toronto sketch comedy and the next generation of comedic voices. October’s show features four SOLO SKETCH artists, bringing fresh comedy to our stages! ADA NICOLLE Ada Nicolle (she/her) is a comedian and musician based in Toronto. One of the fastest-rising talents in the city, Ada has racked up millions of views on her comedic music videos (“Bags of Ice”, “Pickles Girl”) on Instagram and TikTok (@adanicklmao). RYAN SHEEDY Ryan Sheedy is a film, stage and voice actor who has appeared in shows like Murdoch Mysteries, and festivals such as Improvaganza, Toronto and Montreal Sketchfest, and Fringe Festivals across Canada. Last year’s winner of the Worlds Biggest Improv Tournament, Ryan has had the pleasure of teaching improv all over Canada, and has spent recent years shining a light on mental health through sketch comedy via his recent show STILL OBSESSED. Still Obsessed is a chaotic, heartfelt solo sketch show packed with original characters, unhinged songs, audience chaos and far too many thoughts. Like Bo Burnham, but more mentally ill. Ryan dives into the weird, funny and sometimes dark world of obsession, pop culture, intrusive thoughts and mental health. Hi, OCD. KARA AUSTRIA Kara Austria is a Filipino-Canadian comedian and recovering theatre kid based in Toronto. She is a graduate of The Second City Toronto’s Conservatory Program and appears in a monthly marquis show at Comedy Bar with musical improv troupe, RATS! Another Musical? She is also currently an understudy with Second City’s Touring Company. Kara has appeared in JFL: New Faces Toronto, Montreal Sketchfest, Toronto Sketch Fest, Ottawa Improv Festival, and The Brooklyn Comedy Collective’s Fun and Dumb Festival in New York City. Aside from comedy, Kara is a classically trained singer with the Royal Conservatory of Music, and wants everyone to know that she graduated with a History and Philosophy degree. Like and subscribe @kararuizaustria Selected Credits: Understudy in No Grownups Allowed, The Breakroom and Rudolph’s Running Wild at Second City Toronto TourCo, Helen Bechdel in Fun Home (Bowtie Productions), Sarah Brown in Guys and Dolls and Lady Bracknell in The Importance of Being Earnest (University of Toronto Drama Society). TAELOR LEWIS-JOSEPH Taelor Lewis-Joseph is an actor, comedian, and real person based in Toronto. She is an alum of the Canadian Film Centre’s CBC Actors Conservatory and The Second City Toronto Conservatory, and has also trained at Upright Citizens Brigade in New York. She understudied The Second City Toronto Mainstage revue Chaos Menu: Disorder Up! and has other film and television credits that you can find on IMDb if you’re a freak! Taelor can read, enjoys a nice glass of wine, and has many thoughts which occasionally turn into something that can be considered art. For Spotlight, Taelor is bringing a sketch show to the stage. What exactly is the show? Great Q! Our queen is still figuring that out. But she will be there, and something will for sure happen.

Sat · 7:30 p.m.
The Second City
$25

CRUSH CITY

Welcome to CRUSH CITY, the hilarious, non-stop Saturday night improv show featuring a rotating cast of the city’s absolute best improvisers absolutely CRUSHING it! It's fast and funny "Whose Line Is It Anyway" style comedy by Toronto's fastest and funniest...This. Show. Will. Crush. Planning a group outing or special event? For bookings or inquiries for groups of 10 or more, please contact us at events@comedybar.ca

Sat · 8:00 p.m.
Comedy Bar Danforth
$23

The Culture Show

JFL’s long tradition of breaking stereotypes and boundaries using comedy continues with The Culture Show. This cultural melting pot for comedy has become an annual favourite and a staple at the Festival. The Culture Show tears down barriers all while laughing at our differences and similarities

Sat · 8:30 p.m.
Comedy Bar Bloor
$22.12

DJ Demers

As seen on The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon(twice), America’s Got Talent,Conan(threetimes) and his FIVE stand-up specials, D.J. Demers is a steady provider of laughs. His clever stand-up is both personal and universal and has earned him multiple appearances at Just For Laughs, a nomination for Best Comedy Album at the Junos (i.e. the Canadian Grammys), and a growing legion of fans around the world. In 2024, D.J. was the star and creator of the beloved half-hour comedy series, One More Time.It was nominated for nine Canadian Screen Awards, including Best Comedy Series. D.J. was nominated for Best Lead Performance in a Comedy Series. One More Time was mistakenly canceled by CBC after just one season, but the good news is you can watch that entire season on YouTube. In 2015, D.J. was awarded Best Breakout Artist at the Canadian Comedy Awards. He won the Homegrown Comics Competition at the 2014 Montréal Just For Laughs Comedy Festival, won the 2013 Toronto Comedy Brawl, and was a 2011 finalist on NBC‘s Stand-Up for Diversity. All five of his stand-up albums have been played millions of times on all major streaming platforms. His appearances on Fallon, AGT, and Conan have garnered tens of millions of views on Instagram, YouTube and TikTok.

Sat · 9:00 p.m.
Comedy Bar Bloor
$35.75

Nick Thune

Actor/Comedian/Writer Nick Thune’s deadpan delivery and absurdist storytelling has made him a standout in the comedy world. Originally from Seattle, Thune built his name on latenight stages, racking up ten appearances on The Tonight Show, along with spots on Conan and Late Night. He went on to tour internationally and headline major comedy festivals including Montreal’s Just for Laughs, SXSW, Bonnaroo, and Melbourne International. Thune has released three stand-up specials: Folk Hero (Netflix) and Good Guy (Amazon), and Born Young, which premiered on Nate Bargatze’s Nateland YouTube channel. His material blends sharp one-liners with personal storytelling with guitar, making him a favorite among longtime comedy fans and new audiences alike. On screen, he’s appeared in Judd Apatow’s Knocked Up, Marvel’s Venom, and cult indie Dave Made a Maze, with TV credits including HBO Max’s Love Life, Hulu’s How I Met Your Father, ABC’s Not Dead Yet, Grand Crew and voice work on American Dad!. In 2025, Nick’s short film “BDAY Private Dick” with John C. Reilly premiered at the Palm Springs Film Festival. Currently, Thune is developing a podcast with Mary Lynn Rajskub and Nick Turner titled How to Be a Single Parent, and continues to perform stand-up across the country.

Sat · 9:00 p.m.
Comedy Bar Danforth
$36.75–$46.75

InTouch: Immersive Close-Up Magic Show

Canada’s most intimate magic show — 48 guests limited. Miracles up close — sometimes inches away, even in your own hands. This show redefines magic. Immersive. Intimate. Theatrical. InTouch brings its uniquely ceremonial magic experience to Toronto for the first time — an up-close encounter with the impossible. Created and performed by magician Jin Li, a featured performer with 17 years of professional experience across North America, Europe, and Asia— including the world-prestigious Magic Castle Hollywood, and trusted by luxury brands like Bvlgari and Vacheron Constantin. 48 guests are limited per show to witness impossibility—not on a stage, but right in arm’s reach—and sometimes, even in your own hands. Visual wonders, mind-reading, telekinesis, and something you’ve never experienced before—but won’t forget. Attendance Guidelines: • Age Requirement: 16+ only. • Digital Policy: Phones must be silenced. No recording or photography during the show.

Sat · 9:00 p.m.
The Second City
$62–$92

Paul Elia

Paul Elia is an multi-viral Iraqi-Assyrian comedian and actor from Detroit, Michigan. With over 250+ million views and nearly half a million followers across platforms, Elia has emerged as one of the most compelling talents working across the stand-up, digital media, and television spaces. His debut special, Detroit Player, marked a breakout moment, drawing acclaim from outlets including Deadline and Netflix is a Joke. He is also the co-creator and host of the LowKey Comedy Show with Matt Rife, and the duo’s LowKey Comedy Special generated millions of views through widely shared digital clips. His 2nd self-produced one-hour comedy special, Good Son, is now available everywhere! Elia’s screen work includes recurring sketch appearances on Conan and roles in Lady Dynamite and Ramy. He is a series regular on #1 Happy Family USA, voicing multiple characters including standout fan favorite Uncle Ahmed, and recurs in season two of BET+’s Diarra From Detroit.

Sat · 9:30 p.m.
Comedy Bar Danforth
$35.75

100% Real Human

100% Real Human, the latest Second City Toronto original revue, asks: What does it mean to be human? With a fresh collection of hilarious sketches, original songs, wild new characters, and jaw-dropping unpredictable improv scenes, this show explores the hysterical human experience in a world increasingly run by machines. Written and performed by our talented all-star cast of human comedians and a real live musician, this show is a joyful antidote to the troubles of the day. Close a few tabs and come laugh with us.

Sat · 9:30 p.m.
The Second City
$39.99–$49.99

Best of the Fest

The Best of the Fest shows at Just For Laughs are a highlight of the festival, offering audiences a curated selection of standout performances. These showcases feature top comedians delivering their best material, providing a taste of the festival's diverse talent.

Sat · 10:00 p.m.
Comedy Bar Bloor
$22.12

LATE BAD

LATE BAD is the most unserious late-night show ever assembled, an improvised talk show where anything can happen and almost always does. Featuring comedians from every corner of the comedy world, each live show pushes performers out of their comfort zones for an experience like no other, a glorious disaster that trauma bonds the audience to the performers for life. No two shows are ever the same, but the ever-expanding LATE BAD lore somehow keeps growing. Hosted by Laura Cilevitz and Ben Sosa-Wright, with sidekick and musical director Monsieur Sex, a mysterious golden European DJ portrayed by Alex Tindal. LATE BAD delivers a chaotic blend of interviews, games, performances and unforgettable moments that can never be recreated. LATE BAD is the official after party show of the festival, with three themed nights so you can collect all 3! LATE BAD RISES - OCT 1 8 years after LATE BAD began, insane new characters are here to bring the world’s most extreme late night show out of their yearly retirement to do JFL Toronto once again! LATE BAD GAME HOUR - OCT 2 The game show edition of the show with a celebrity panel, mind blowing characters and absolute chaos in the most unique panel show you’ve ever witnessed. This show will be followed by a dance party with a live DJ. Jackpot! LATE BAD PARTY - OCT 3 This is a party edition of the show, the party starts when the show begins, and this show will seamlessly go into a dance party with a live DJ. Last night of the festival so let’s make it a night to remember. $20 online/$25 at the door

Sat · 11:00 p.m.
Comedy Bar Bloor
$20

Chaotic Good

Chaotic Good is an all-pro comedy show hosted by Tamara Shevon featuring 7 headliners doing their best 7 minutes on a show so good, it's chaotic! Tamara Shevon is a Toronto-based comedian, producer and writer known for her sharp wit and fearless storytelling. She has performed at Just For Laughs Montreal and Toronto, the Winnipeg Comedy Festival, CBC’s The Debaters, the Stratford Festival, the Comedy Is Art Festival, and on CBC’s The New Wave of Standup. Tamara co-produced Free Up! Emancipation Day - Jokes, Jokes, Jokes, which earned two Canadian Screen Award nominations. Her comedy albums Purse Wine, Table Wine and Wild and Diagnosed can be heard on SiriusXM and all other streaming platforms. Featuring: Tom Henry (Crave, Roast Battle Canada), Hisham Kelati (Juno Award Nominee, Crave), Rebecca Reeds (CBC's The Debaters, SiriusXM), Lindsay Endersby (Girl Night, Guelph Fringe), Renee Groux (SiriusXM, Fever Dream Comedy) & more! $27.75 online, $32.75 at the door!

Sat · 11:30 p.m.
Comedy Bar Bloor
$27.75