Friendlyjordies has performed in Albury and now comes to Wagga for the first time. Photo: Friendlyjordies.
Wagga’s annual comedy invasion is underway, with two of the festival’s biggest names already drawing sold-out crowds before they even take the stage.
Tickets to political satirist Friendlyjordies and Gold Logie-winning comedian Tom Gleeson have sold out as the 2026 Wagga Comedy Fest kicks off across the June long weekend. Other headline acts have also proved popular, with organisers reporting strong ticket sales across the four-day event.
Friendlyjordies, whose real name is Jordan Shanks, is one of Australia’s most recognisable online commentators, building a massive following through political satire, investigative videos and documentaries. He has more than three million followers across social media and has amassed hundreds of millions of video views.
The YouTube star is no stranger to the Riverina. He previously visited Griffith and Narrandera, collaborating with independent MP Helen Dalton and producing in videos critical of the National Party and the Murray-Darling Basin Plan.
Friendlyjordies has built a reputation for taking aim at politicians, councils and powerful institutions, earning both a loyal fan base and plenty of critics along the way. His Wagga show, The End of the World – A Feel Good Comedy, promises a mix of political satire, social commentary and his trademark irreverent humour.
Also sold out is Tom Gleeson’s Out of Touch show.
The festival, now a regular fixture on Wagga’s events calendar, runs until Sunday across multiple venues including the Civic Theatre, CSU Riverina Playhouse, E3 Artspace and the popular Laugh Lounge. More than 20 performances are scheduled over the long weekend.
While the headline acts may be off the table for latecomers, organisers say there are still tickets available for a range of other performances, including Mel Buttle, Denise Scott, late-night comedy shows and family-friendly entertainment.
Wagga Wagga Civic Theatre staff (back) Lachlan Morrow, Sharna Quade, Monique Burkinshaw, Tracey Simond, Claire Harris and Isobel MacCallum, with (front) Clubhouse curator Jhi Raynor, theatre staff member Ainsley Jenkins and Melbourne-based improvisation actor Jason Geary. The Civic Theatre is providing the laughs during the Wagga Comedy Fest this June long weekend. Photo: Wagga Wagga City Council.
The festival’s free-entry Laugh Lounge has also returned to the Civic Theatre precinct, featuring food vendors, fire buckets and pop-up performances designed to keep audiences entertained between shows.
Civic Theatre manager Claire Harris said the event had become much more than a collection of comedy shows.
“Wagga Comedy Fest is about more than just seeing a show,” Ms Harris said.
“It’s about catching up with friends, grabbing something to eat, settling in around the fire buckets and enjoying the atmosphere that comes with having hundreds of people out celebrating together.
“If you’re not heading away this long weekend, this is the perfect opportunity to get out, have a laugh and experience something special right here in Wagga Wagga.”
Among the local talent appearing throughout the weekend are Jamie Way, Leigh Ryan, Peter Casey, Dane Simpson and the Freeroam Theatre Impro Hub team.
One of the festival’s signature events, The Great Wagga Comedy Fest Debate, will see comedians argue the topic ‘The robots are taking over — and we deserve it’.
“There is a real sense of excitement around town this week,” Ms Harris said.
“The festival has become a well-loved feature of the June long weekend in Wagga Wagga. Whether you’re coming for one show or spending the whole weekend with us, there’s something special about seeing the city come alive with laughter.”
Tickets for the Wagga Comedy Fest can be purchased at the Civic Theatre box office or online here.
