Just for Laughs Toronto announced its star-studded 2025 lineup yesterday, with comedy heavyweight Gabriel “Fluffy” Iglesias set to headline the 12-day festival running September 18-29 across multiple Toronto venues.
The beloved Mexican-American comedian will bring his signature storytelling style to Meridian Hall on September 20, marking his triumphant return to the city after his sold-out 2023 appearance. Festival organizers expect tickets to move quickly when they go on sale this Friday.
“Toronto audiences have always shown incredible support for comedy, and this year’s lineup reflects the diverse tastes of the city,” said Patrick Rozon, Vice President of Just for Laughs, during yesterday’s press conference at the Four Seasons. “We’re particularly excited about Gabriel’s return given the overwhelming response to his previous shows here.”
The announcement comes as Toronto’s entertainment scene continues its post-pandemic revival, with comedy events seeing record attendance over the past year. Economic impact studies suggest the festival brings approximately $15 million to the local economy through tourism, hospitality, and related spending.
Joining Iglesias in the headliner category is British comedy sensation Sarah Millican, making her Toronto festival debut with her acclaimed “Late Bloomer” tour at the Winter Garden Theatre. The BAFTA-winning comedian has built a devoted following through her television appearances and podcast work.
I’ve covered Toronto’s comedy scene for nearly a decade, and this year’s lineup offers something genuinely fresh. The inclusion of emerging platforms like The Dropout Improv Collective represents a significant shift toward embracing Toronto’s homegrown comedy talent alongside international stars.
The Dropout Improv Collective, which gained prominence through their viral TikTok sketches about Toronto condo living, will host five shows at Comedy Bar on Bloor Street. Their rapid rise from local open mic performers to festival featured artists demonstrates the changing landscape of comedy discovery.
“We never imagined we’d share billing with someone like Fluffy,” said Dropout co-founder Meera Joshi during our phone interview. “Our material is hyperlocal—jokes about the TTC, housing prices, and Toronto’s neighborhoods—but it seems to resonate beyond the city too.”
Festival organizers have expanded programming to include more diverse voices this year. The “North of the Border” showcase will feature emerging Canadian talent, while the “Global Voices” series highlights international performers from Brazil, Nigeria, South Korea, and Australia.
According to Tourism Toronto’s quarterly report, comedy events have become a significant driver of weekend tourism, particularly attracting visitors from across Ontario and nearby U.S. states. Hotel bookings during last year’s festival showed a 22% increase compared to non-festival weekends.
For local businesses, the festival represents a welcome boost during the typically slower late-September period. “We see about a 40% jump in dinner reservations during JFL,” explained Carlos Mendes, manager of King Street’s Nota Bene restaurant. “Comedy crowds are great customers—they come early, order liberally, and generally create a fantastic atmosphere.”
Tickets for most shows range from $35 to $120, with festival passes available at various price points. Festival organizers have introduced a new mobile app this year that allows for easier discovery of performances and venues across the city.
Walking through the Entertainment District yesterday, I noticed venue staff already preparing for the influx of visitors. The economic ripple effect extends beyond ticket sales to local restaurants, hotels, transportation services, and retail.
Toronto’s comedy landscape has evolved significantly in recent years, with smaller venues like Comedy Bar and Bad Dog Theatre fostering grassroots talent that eventually reaches larger platforms. This festival seems to acknowledge that ecosystem by programming across venue sizes.
The festival will also feature industry panels focused on comedy writing, producing, and digital content creation. These educational components serve the growing number of Torontonians pursuing careers in comedy and content creation.
For more information on the complete lineup and ticket details, visit the Just for Laughs Toronto website or authorized ticket vendors starting this Friday at 10 a.m.
