Just for Laughs has been the world’s largest comedy festival for four decades, and the 44th edition (July 15 to 26) is shaping up to be one of the most stacked in years. Jerry Seinfeld is doing two nights, Weird Al Yankovic is doing a free outdoor show, four gala stages run simultaneously each evening, and the OFF-JFL program brings a whole separate layer of discovery shows in intimate venues across the Quartier des Spectacles. If you have been meaning to go for years, this is the one. Here is what to put on your radar right now.

🎤 Jerry Seinfeld at Salle Wilfrid-Pelletier

📍 Where: Salle Wilfrid-Pelletier, Place des Arts, 175 Rue Sainte-Catherine O, Downtown Montreal.
🗓️ When: Thursday, July 23, two shows at 6:30 PM and 9:30 PM. Tickets at hahaha.com.

The man who arguably defined late 20th-century stand-up comedy headlines two shows in one of Montreal’s most prestigious concert halls. Seinfeld has been road-testing material relentlessly since his Netflix special, and his JFL sets are famously tight and current. These two shows will sell out fast if they have not already, so move now.

🎸 “Weird Al” Yankovic — FREE Outdoor Show

📍 Where: Place des Festivals, Quartier des Spectacles, Downtown Montreal.
🗓️ When: Saturday, July 25, 9 PM. Free, no ticket needed.

The biggest-selling comedy recording artist in history brings his Bigger and Weirder Tour to the outdoor stage for a completely free show. This is the rare JFL moment where you can bring the whole crew, show up without a ticket, and watch one of the great live performers of the last 30 years do his thing under the stars. Arrive early for a good spot.

😂 The Galas at Théâtre Maisonneuve

📍 Where: Théâtre Maisonneuve, Place des Arts, 175 Rue Sainte-Catherine O, Downtown Montreal.
🗓️ When: July 24 and 25, two shows each night at 6:30 PM and 9:30 PM.

The JFL gala format is distinctive: a host introduces a rotating lineup of comedians, each doing a set that gets taped for broadcast, so the energy in the room is electric. This year’s hosts include Mike Birbiglia (July 24), Atsuko Okatsuka (July 24), Gerry Dee (July 25), and Gabriel “Fluffy” Iglesias (July 25). Pick the comic whose voice you know best and let them surprise you with the rest of the lineup.

🃏 The Midnight Surprise Show

📍 Where: Studio TD, Quartier des Spectacles, Downtown Montreal.
🗓️ When: July 22 to 25, starting at 11:59 PM nightly.

No lineup is announced in advance, which is the whole point. Past drop-ins have included Kevin Hart, Dave Chappelle, Tiffany Haddish and Amy Schumer, all testing new material in front of an unsuspecting crowd. The late start and the element of surprise make it one of the most talked-about events at JFL every year. Buy the ticket without knowing who’s on, and consider that part of the fun.

🌍 The Culture Show at Club Soda

📍 Where: Club Soda, 1225 Boul. Saint-Laurent, Downtown Montreal.
🗓️ When: July 15 to 19, plus July 21, 7 PM nightly.

Hosted by Dave Merheje with guests Alfred Robles, Jackie Fabulous, Keith Pedro and Tara Cannistraci, this show is JFL’s long-running commitment to diverse voices, and it consistently delivers the most surprising sets of the festival. It runs from the very first night of JFL, making it a great entry point before the headliner rush kicks in.

🎙️ OFF-JFL: Comedy’s Edgier Sibling

📍 Where: Comedy Nest, Théâtre Sainte-Catherine, Café Cléopâtre, all in the Quartier des Spectacles.
🗓️ When: July 15 to 26 throughout the festival.

While the main festival fills Place des Arts, OFF-JFL takes over intimate clubs and theatres nearby with tighter, more experimental shows. The Montréal Series at the Comedy Nest (July 16 to 17) showcases local talent, the Queer Show (July 16) is a standout for its curation, and Best of the Fest nights at Théâtre Sainte-Catherine (July 22 to 24) pull together the strongest acts from across the whole festival. Shows here are typically cheaper, easier to walk up to, and full of comics you will be following for the next decade.

The full program and tickets are at hahaha.com. Move on Seinfeld and the galas now; the free Weird Al show just needs you to show up on time.