A second Gala performance has been announced

Newcastle Comedy Festival is not only back in July 2026, but it's expanding by the minute with its biggest program to date bringing stand-up, sketch, musical comedy, special events, and headline acts to stages across the city.

Following record demand for the sold-out Gala on July 18, Newcastle Comedy Festival has announced a second Gala on Saturday, July 25 with a brand new lineup.

After a huge 2025 season, Newcastle Comedy Festival returns with an expanded month-long program and more performances across multiple venues, including Civic Theatre, Playhouse, the Conservatorium, and the new Newcastle Comedy Club.

The newly announced Gala 2 on July 25 will feature: 
→ Andrew Hamilton
→ Tom Cashman (17 July solo show)
→ Nick Cody (18 July solo show)
→ Bec Charlwood
→ Dan Rath (24 July solo show)
→ John Cruckshank
→ Lizzy Hoo (25 July solo show)
→ Stephanie Broadbridge
→ Mel Buttle
→ He Huang
→ Takashi Wakasugi (9 Aug solo show)
→ Paige Hally, and
→ Sez

Alongside the Gala events, the festival will include a stacked program of solo shows, with highlights including Tom Cashman on 17 July, Nick Cody on 18 July, Lizzy Hoo on 25 July, Sez on 26 July, and Takashi Wakasugi on 9 August.

Newcastle Comedy Festival

When: From Friday, 17 July 2026
Where: Civic Theatre, Newcastle
Time: 7:30pm
Cost: Various prices, with Gala tickets from $55 - $99 per person
To book, visit Newcastle Comedy Festival

With many 2025 performances selling out, comedy fans are encouraged to book early.

Tom Cashman

Nick Cody

Lizzy Hoo

Takashi Wakasugi

Mel Buttle