Just for Laughs
1983-present (English editions 1985-) · Montreal, QC, Canada
Also known as JFL, Juste pour rire
World's biggest comedy festival — primarily stand-up but with significant improv and sketch programming; a major career-launch for improv-adjacent comedians.
Known for
- Founded 1983 by Gilbert Rozon as a French-only festival; first English edition 1985 (five French galas, two English galas, ~40,000 attendees, Seinfeld and Leno headlining).
- By 1986: 80 shows, nine countries.
- Career-launch credit for Jim Carrey, Roseanne Barr, Tim Allen, Kevin Hart, Dave Chappelle, Chris Rock; Rowan Atkinson debuted Mr. Bean there.
- 2024 edition cancelled due to financial crisis; sought creditor protection. Restarted under new leadership for 2025.