Legendary comedians coming to Just For Laughs Vancouver for historic show

Just For Laughs Vancouver is returning to stages all over the city next month, and one of comedy and television’s biggest icons has just been added to the lineup. And he’s bringing along a very special guest for the show.

Emmy Award-winning talk show host David Letterman is making his Just For Laughs debut in Vancouver as part of the 10th annual comedy fest. It will be his first show in Canada in nearly 50 years.

Also on the bill at the Queen Elizabeth Theatre on Wednesday, Feb. 18, is a legendary comedian in his own right, Zach Galifianakis.

Presale tickets for the highly anticipated performance go on sale on Tuesday, Jan. 20, at 10 a.m. General tickets go on sale this Wednesday, Jan. 21, at 10 a.m.

Just For Laughs Vancouver will run from Thursday, Feb. 12  to Sunday, Feb. 22. 2026

Just For Laughs Vancouver

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“We couldn’t be more excited to welcome David Letterman to Just For Laughs Vancouver,” said Nick Brazao, VP of programming and talent at Just For Laughs.

“He is one of the defining voices in comedy history, and to be able to pair him with Zach Galifianakis for a show like this is incredibly special for us and for comedy fans in Vancouver.”

Letterman was the longest-running late-night broadcaster in American history, with over 33 years on the air. The former Late Show host is also one of the most celebrated individuals in Emmy Award history, with 52 nominations and 10 wins under his belt.

The writer, performer, and producer currently hosts My Next Guest Needs No Introduction on Netflix. And his upcoming performance at Just For Laughs Vancouver will be his first Canadian performance since 1978.

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Galifianakis is beloved for his role in The Hangover as well as for hosting Between Two Ferns. The Baskets and Only Murders in the Building star will next be seen in The Gallerist, as well as the upcoming AMC series The Audacity.

“As we celebrate our 10th anniversary, I couldn’t imagine a more fitting way to honour a decade of bringing world-class comedy to Vancouver than by welcoming David Letterman and Zach Galifianakis to the festival,” said Heather Wallace, founding partner and festival director of Just For Laughs Vancouver.

“This year’s lineup is packed with exceptional local and international talent, and we’re proud to keep delivering these incredible moments to the fans who make Vancouver such a vibrant comedy city.”

Western Canada’s largest comedy festival will have lots to enjoy over the 10 hilarious days, including stand-up, sketch, magic, podcasts, and more.

Like previous years, the festival is bringing in some huge comedy stars.

Just for Laughs Vancouver

Some of the acts previously announced include Taskmaster and Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire star James Acaster, Dropout Improv starring several favourites from the hit comedy streaming service, Group Therapy and Elio star Atsuko Okatsuka, and Somebody Feed Phil‘s Phil Rosenthal.

The extensive list of comedians can be found online.

Are you excited to see Letterman and Galifianakis in Vancouver? Let us know in the comments!

An Evening with David Letterman and Special Guest Zach Galifianakis

When: Wednesday, Feb. 18, 2026
Where: Queen Elizabeth Theatre — 630 Hamilton St., Vancouver
Tickets: Various prices. Presale tickets go on sale on Tuesday, Jan. 20, at 10 a.m. General tickets go on sale this Wednesday, Jan. 21, at 10 a.m.