Festival Guide
Glasgow is the place to be in March. The Glasgow International Comedy Festival has more than 380 shows at 37 different venues. We have 19 action-packed days of fun, laughter and world-class comedy.
WHEN IS THE FESTIVAL?
Wednesday 15th March until Sunday 2nd April 2023.
WHAT’S ON?
You can check out the full festival programme here.
Want to see by A-Z? Go here.
The Shows
Headline acts include Frankie Boyle, Phil Wang, Susie McCabe, Nick Mohammed and Fern Brady but what is a comedy festival without variety.
Experience 80s singalongs, drag queen wine tasting, comedians watching bad movies, live podcasts, kids shows, comedy walking tours, comedian rap battles, funny magicians plus a whole host more.
WHERE IS THE FESTIVAL?
We have shows at 37 different venues across Glasgow. You can view all the venues here. The only venue that doesn’t have any tickets on sale is Barlinnie Prison. You don’t need us to explain why.
HOW TO PICK WHAT TO SEE?
You can use the filters on our 2023 programme listings page or you can check out some of the handy guides to different show types we have put together.
Mixed-Bill Shows at GICF 2023
Musical Comedy Shows
Drag Shows at Events
Kids & Family Shows & Activities
Experience Something Different Beyond Stand-Up Comedy
We also asked some of the acts performing at GICF 2023 to give us their top-three recommendations for the festival. Check them out below.
Susie McCabe’s Recommendations
Paul Black’s Recommendations
Ray Bradshaw’s Recommendations
Marc Jenning’s Recommendations
Maisie Adam’s Recommendations
Stuart McPherson’s Recommendations
HOW TO BUY TICKETS?
All tickets are available via our website. Find your show and follow the links. Be quick though, a number of shows have already sold out.
TRAVELLING IN GLASGOW
Our good friends at First Bus are providing free travel to all GICF ticket holders.
With services all across the city, simply plan your journey on the First Bus app and let bus get you there.
Redemption instructions:
- Download First Bus App in your app or Google Play store.
- Select ‘mticket’ tab at the bottom of the screen.
- Select ‘buy’ in top right.
- Set your region to Glasgow Network
- Select Day Ticket category, and FirstDay – Adult – Network Zone (£6.20)
- Add promo code:COMEDYFT2423!B
- This will discount @ 100%
The time period in which your unique code can be redeemed is from 15th March – 2nd April during the International Comedy Festival.
One use per person, per device.
For more information visit the First Bus website.
WHERE TO STAY?
If you are needing a hotel for the night, we highly recommend any of the following excellent hotels:
Ibis Styles Glasgow Central
(call 0141 428 4477 quoting “Glasgow Comedy” for a special £99 B&B deal for two people)
Ibis Styles George Square
(call 0141 428 3400 quoting “Glasgow Comedy” for a special £99 B&B deal for two people)
Treat yourself with a stay at Moxy! Your stay starts with a welcome cocktail at arrival, then unwind in there communal spaces before heading out to your favourite show. In the morning, ignore the alarm clock and discover Glasgow at your own pace, after all breakfast is on them and there’s no rush to leave. Relax, party and play on Moxy style.
This offer includes:
– Free daily breakfast
– 2pm late checkout
– A welcome cocktail at arrival
WHERE TO EAT?
You can get 20% off food and drink at any of the following venues between Wednesday 15th March and Sunday 2nd April by quoting “Glasgow Comedy Festival”:
The Duke’s Umbrella on Argyle Street
Glaschu in Royal Exchange Square
Gost on Bothwell Street
Blackfriars of Bell Street in the Merchant City
ANY LATE-NIGHT SHOWS TO KEEP THE NIGHT GOING?
The official festival late show, GICF Afters with Naked Malt is on every Friday and Saturday night during the festival. All the fun kicks-off from 10.30pm in Slay on Glassford Street.
Join us for the funniest acts, guest DJ sets, entertainment and a party atmosphere until 3am.
