Cape Town: The Jive Cape Town Funny Festival returns this week for its 27th edition. The City of Cape Town is a proud partner of the festival, which takes place from May 28 to June 21, 2026.
Cape Town Funny Festival is the oldest and largest comedy festival of South Africa. It hosted the first of its 23 shows at the Baxter Theatre last night. This will kick off a three week-long programme that blends local stand-up comedy with international variety acts, illusion and musical comedy.
The City of Cape Town continues a partnership with the festival that goes back more than a decade.
Member of the Mayoral Committee for Safety and Security – Alderman JP Smith stated that the City is proud to once again lend its support to the biggest comedy festival in the country. One that has been celebrating comedy in all its forms for years, while also providing a platform for emerging talent in that industry.
To be in the events and entertainment space for almost 30 years is a remarkable achievement. And, one that speaks to both the staying power of the Cape Town Funny Festival and Cape Town’s standing as a city that continues to support and grow world-class events.
Smith added that they encourage those looking for an evening of belly laughs to head to the Baxter Theatre to support the creative arts and enjoy a thrilling comedic experience.
The 2026 schedule includes performances by comedic talents Robby Collins, who is returning for a second year in a row, and veteran funnyman Jason Goliath, who is making his Funny Festival debut. Renowned singer, writer and producer Emo Adams and music maestro Sean de Vries, who heads up the festival’s music department, together with the Funny Festival band, will bring music numbers with laughs.
With Alan Committie as MC, this year’s festival has attracted the likes of Italian shadow artist and illusionist Matteo Fraziano, British vocal impressionist Mike Woodhams, and Spanish balloon artist Dani Airhead.
They will be joined by Chuma-Sande Bentele and Zachary Esau, who were crowned joint Jive Funny Championship winners last week. Four other emerging comics from the festival’s development project will get the opportunity to take the stage at the Baxter Theatre. The festival will play its full run until June 21, 2026.