Comedy festivals announced for Aberdeen and Galway

The Aberdeen Comedy Festival is set to begin, running for three weekends from September 19 to October 4, 2026. Presented by Aberdeen Performing Arts, the event features a variety of performers ranging from established UK comedy circuit names to emerging local talent. Headline acts at the Music Hall include Russell Howard, Connor Burns, Susan Calman, and Larry Dean. Other scheduled performances include Maisie Adam at the Tivoli and various acts at the Lemon Tree, including the ‘Late Night at the Lemon Tree’ series.

Separately, the Galway Comedy Festival, referred to as ‘Comedy Christmas’, will take place from October 20 to 26, 2026. The festival features 80 performers across 60 shows. The lineup includes Tommy Tiernan, Deirdre O’Kane, Dara Ó Briain, and international acts such as Rhys Darby and Jack Dee. The program also incorporates theatre, a film premiere of ‘Exiled in Ireland’, and Laughter Yoga. The event will raise funds for meningitis through the CroíACT initiative.