Headliners Of The Outdoor York Comedy Festival This Summer 2026

There's nothing quite like planning a great day out for the summer, especially when it involves good mates, a bit of sunshine, and a whole lot of laughter. If that sounds like a bit of you, then you’ll be chuffed to hear that the York Comedy Festival is making a grand return this July. This isn't just any comedy night; it’s a massive outdoor event set in one of the most beautiful spots in the Yorkshire city of York. Imagine kicking back in a gorgeous garden, surrounded by history, while some of the biggest comedy stars in the business take to the stage. The organisers have just announced the lineup, and it’s packed with household names that are sure to get everyone excited. So, if you're looking for the perfect summer event, this could be it.

A summer of laughter in a historic yorkshire city

Get ready for some serious belly laughs, because the York Comedy Festival is officially back for its second year, promising a day filled with pure comedy gold. This huge outdoor event is part of the much-loved Live at York Museum Gardens festivities, which means the setting is just as spectacular as the lineup. Think about it – instead of a dark club, you get to enjoy top-tier comedy under the open sky. It’s the kind of experience that makes summer memories.

This fantastic event is a collaboration between two major players: Futuresound Group and the York Museums Trust. When these two get together, they know how to put on a show. Their goal is simple: to create an unforgettable day of entertainment and laughter. The project manager for Futuresound Group, Rachel Hill, couldn't hide her excitement about bringing the comedy festival back to the city. It's clear that a lot of passion goes into making this event happen. The combination of a stunning location and a lineup of brilliant comedy stars makes this one of the most anticipated events of the summer. It’s more than just a series of performances; it’s a full-day experience designed for maximum enjoyment and, of course, plenty of laughter.

The big names and comedy stars on the bill

So, who are the big names set to grace the stage? The organisers have pulled out all the stops to bring a truly stellar lineup to this Yorkshire city. You'll find a whole host of household names and comedy circuit legends, ensuring there’s something for every sense of humour. Here are some of the comedy stars you can look forward to seeing:

• Russell Howard

• Ross Noble

• Russell Kane

• Joanne McNally

• Suzi Ruffell

• Jeff Innocent

It’s a proper who's who of modern British and Irish comedy. From the boundless energy of Russell Kane to the wonderfully surreal stories of Ross Noble, the variety is brilliant. You’ve got TV regulars like Russell Howard, who always gets the crowd going, and the hilariously sharp wit of Joanne McNally. Plus, with talents like Suzi Ruffell and the legendary Jeff Innocent on the bill, it’s a guarantee of quality from start to finish. This is what makes a comedy festival so special; you get to see a whole range of styles in one amazing event.

Rachel Hill, project manager at Futuresound Group, shared her thoughts on the fantastic lineup: “York Comedy Festival is back for a second year, and there you have it – what an incredible line up to close the series for 2026 with a day full of laughter. There’s nothing more satisfying than walking amongst happy people knowing that Futuresound and York Museums Trust have played a part in this.”

All the ticket information you need

Now for the important bit: how to get your hands on tickets. With so many big names on the list, this is going to be a popular event, so it's a good idea to be prepared. The organisers have set up two phases for ticket sales to give locals a bit of a head start. Here’s all the ticket information you'll need.

First up is the exclusive postcode pre-sale. What’s that, you ask? It’s a special early sale just for people living in specific York postcodes. It’s a nice way to give local residents the first chance to grab their tickets before they’re released to everyone else. If you live in one of the eligible areas, this is your best bet for securing a spot.

Here are the key dates for your diary:

Sale Type Date and Time York Exclusive Postcode Pre-sale 10am on Wednesday, 21 January General Sale Tickets 10am on Friday, 23 January

The exclusive postcode pre-sale is available for residents with postcodes YO1, YO10, YO19, YO23, YO24, YO26, YO30, YO31, and YO32. After that, the general sale tickets will be available for everyone else. Given the popularity of the comedy stars, it’s a good idea to be ready on the day to avoid missing out on this fantastic summer festival.

What makes this outdoor event so special?

So what really sets this comedy festival apart? For a start, having an outdoor comedy event of this scale is pretty special. Forget being crammed into a theatre; this is all about enjoying top-class comedy in a relaxed, open-air environment at Live at York Museum Gardens. It’s the perfect recipe for a brilliant summer day out. You can gather your friends, find a good spot, and just soak up the atmosphere. The team at York Museums Trust always ensures the venue looks incredible, providing a beautiful backdrop for the day's laughter.

The lineup itself is a massive draw. It’s not every day you get to see comedy giants like Russell Howard and Ross Noble on the same bill, especially alongside other incredible talents like Russell Kane, Joanne McNally, Suzi Ruffell, and Jeff Innocent. Each of these comedy stars brings their own unique style, meaning the laughter never stops and the energy keeps changing. It's a full day of entertainment that celebrates the very best of live comedy. This is more than just a show; it's a major cultural event for York and a highlight of the summer calendar. The partnership between Futuresound Group and the York Museums Trust really shines through, creating an experience that's both professionally run and full of heart. It is, without a doubt, the must-see comedy event of the season.