Zoofest & OFF JFL

Anything goes at Zoofest and OFF-JFL. Each year, festivalgoers who set off on this no-holds-barred adventure have the chance to discover new artists, new concepts and new material not only in comedy, but also in theatre and music. Those daring enough to brave the shows are handsomely rewarded since they get to see rising talents before their careers take off or another side to their favourite artist.

Founded in 2009 with the goal of showcasing up-and-coming artists, Zoofest spun convention on its head for five entire years before teaming up with OFF-JFL, its English cousin. With more than 125 shows a year, Zoofest and OFF-JFL deliver it all, from the envelope-pushing to the eyebrow-raising to those hilarious awkward moments, in English and in French.

Zoofest’s and OFF-JFL’s 2019 programming promises to shower spectators with an embarrassment of comedic riches. Now’s a good time to get out and flex your French with Gabrielle Caron, co-host of the 3 bières podcast, who will be performing a solo show, #Gabestnice, in her signature pared-down and punchy style (July 20 and 26, Monument National). Jean-Sébastien Girard gives us Blagues et confidences, four fun nights of fake-serious interviews with guests that include Louis-José Houde or Mariana Mazza (July 13 and 16 to 18, L’Astral). Don’t miss Ciné-Nachos—comedy sketches based on film themes and series like Aladdin and Game of Thrones—Ballounes by Alexandre Bisaillon, Bonjour, Hi! by Thomas Leblanc, the crack-us-up solo show by Sasheer Zamata (SNL alumnus) and A Sketch Comedy Extravaganza Eleganza, presented by Toronto’s queer artists, plus lots more.