Toronto is set to erupt in laughter and creativity as the Toronto Sketch Comedy Festival 2026 (TOsketchfest26) returns in person from March 4-15, 2026. Celebrating the art of scripted sketch comedy, this edition promises a rich blend of live performances, digital shorts, and a strong commitment to diversity and community.

Programming & Formats

Each year, TOsketchfest delivers a vibrant programme showcasing the many shapes and styles sketch comedy can take, and 2026 will be no exception. The live festival will include:

• Full-Length Revues – polished shows presented by seasoned sketch troupes, offering audiences extended performances with recurring characters and sharp social satire.
• Showcases – multi-act bills featuring up-and-coming comics and troupes, perfect for audiences eager to sample a wide variety of comedic voices in a single sitting.
• Variety Nights – lively evenings mixing sketch with related forms such as musical comedy, character monologues, and improv-inspired material.

These performances will unfold in venues across Toronto, bringing local and international comedians together on stage. The festival has long been known for cultivating an energetic city-wide atmosphere, and TOsketchfest26 will once again turn Toronto into a hub for scripted comedy.

The TOsketchfest Film Festival complements the live performances by spotlighting up to 30 digital shorts. Expect to see everything from animated pieces and viral-ready sketches to bold new experiments in comedy film-making. The programme begins with a special screening event at The Theatre Centre on opening night before shifting online, allowing audiences to enjoy on-demand screenings for the rest of March.

The official 2026 schedule and lineup will be announced closer to the festival dates, and audiences can look forward to a mix of returning favourites alongside exciting new talent. Past editions have welcomed performers from across Canada, the United States, and beyond, making TOsketchfest one of the most diverse sketch comedy festivals in North America.

Values & Inclusivity

TOsketchfest26 reaffirms its commitment to inclusive representation. The festival actively seeks participants from equity-deserving groups: Indigenous artists; People of Colour; 2SLGBTQIA+; and Deaf, Disabled, and Mad communities. Demographic information is collected voluntarily to monitor representation, and work containing hate speech, ableist, racist, transphobic, or homophobic content will not be programmed.

Streams & Artist Tiers

Acts will be categorised into Emerging, Established, and Featured streams. Emerging artists might be newer troupes, first-time festival performers, or recent graduates. Established artists have prior festival or touring success. The Featured stream will showcase top tier performers and those presenting vital perspectives in sketch comedy.

Why TOsketchfest26 Matters

Now in its 21st year, TOsketchfest remains a vital platform for live scripted comedy in Canada. Live comedy is thriving again, and the festival offers a rare opportunity for sketch troupes and solo creators to be seen by engaged audiences, connect with peers, and gain visibility. It blends theatrical tradition with digital innovation, honouring classic sketch while embracing new formats.

Whether you’re a seasoned troupe, a solo act, or a filmmaker in sketch comedy, TOsketchfest26 offers not just performance, but community, exposure, and artistic growth. Mark your calendar: March 4-15, 2026 in Toronto. With the full lineup on the way, audiences can prepare for two weeks of clever, fearless, and unforgettable comedy.

About The Toronto Sketch Comedy Festival

The Toronto Sketch Comedy Festival (TOsketchfest) is Toronto’s longest-running comedy festival. Founded in West Queen West, it celebrates Toronto’s storied and continued excellence in the theatrical tradition of sketch comedy. TOsketchfest truly is Toronto’s comedy festival—of Toronto, by Toronto, and for Toronto.

The “main event” is the annual Toronto Sketch Comedy Festival, which takes place in March and features over ten hilarious days of the best live, scripted comedy in North America and beyond. Founded in 2005 by a group of Toronto comedians, the festival has since grown exponentially and is a highlight in the Toronto comedy calendar.