TOSketchFestBlog
New year, same great sketch scene. January in Toronto might be chilly, but the city’s comedy shows are bringing the heat. From high-stakes sketch tournaments and off-the-wall character showcases to musical mayhem and monthly variety blowouts, this month’s lineup is packed with reasons to leave the house (and laugh your face off). Whether you’re in the mood for something chaotic, clever, or completely unhinged, these are the must-see Toronto comedy shows to see in January 2026.
Featured photo of select Sketch To The Death competitors from 2025, photos by Craig Scorgie
Sketch To The Death
January 7, 14, 21, 28
Back for its fifth year, this no-holds-barred sketch tournament is part comedy show, part bloodsport (okay, not real blood, but definitely real stakes). 64 troupes. 8 weeks. 1 champion. From fresh-faced up-and-comers to seasoned sketch champs, Sketch To The Death is a rapid-fire showcase of Toronto’s sketch scene at its wildest. You’ll laugh. You’ll cheer. You’ll probably pick a favourite and yell at the judges. Don’t miss it.
Comedy Bar Danforth, Tickets & Info
Please Stop The Music! An Evening of Musical Comedy
January 19th
Toronto’s funniest musicians are putting their hearts on their sleeves and their punchlines to music, hosted by singing sketch queens Zoe Marin and Spencer Glassman. Please Stop The Music is a night of musical comedy, Bo Burnham-level brilliance, and at least one emotionally unstable ukulele solo. With a stacked lineup of comics from JFL, Fringe, TV, and film, this show promises laughs, tunes, and a little catharsis. Come thirsty, come curious, and come ready to be sung at. They need this.
Wenona Lodge, Tickets & Info
Cheap Wine & 24 Double B in Spotlight at The Second City
January 20, 21
Spotlight is back, and this month’s lineup is stacked. 24 Double B returns with their delightfully chaotic energy and millennial-gen Z sibling nonsense in what might be the weirdest Conservatory grad show that never was. Sharing the stage is Cheap Wine, bringing their signature brand of joyful absurdity, sharp deadpan, and borderline-dissociative charm. Two troupes, one night, and more offbeat laughs than your body is ready for.
Theatre ’73 at The Second City, Tickets & Info
Monster Island
January 14, 28
Toronto’s top solo weirdos take the stage at Monster Island, the city’s best showcase for character comedy. Twice a month, this show delivers bold new bits, unhinged personas, and wildly funny solo sketch performances that’ll have you laughing and wondering, “How did they come up with that?” Stick around after for the free Character Bucket open mic, where anything can (and usually does) happen.
Comedy Bar Bloor, Tickets & Info
Sketch Party
January 31st
Toronto’s sketch scene is throwing a monthly rager and YOU are invited. Sketch Party is taking over Comedy Bar Bloor with a fresh lineup of troupes, solo acts, and surprises every month on a Saturday night. Expect big laughs, chaotic energy, and the kind of party where the only rule is “bring your weirdest.” It’s sketch comedy at its most fun and unpredictable. This new show is being kicked off this month by the daddiest darlings of sketchfest, Summer Dad.
Comedy Bar Bloor, Tickets & Info
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Want to see more funny in the city?
Thanks for checking out TOsketchfest’s Top 5 Comedy Shows to see in Toronto in January 2026. Like our picks? Let us know!
Have a show you would like us to know about? Contact info@torontosketchfest.com.
