Best Foods Comedy Gala 2026: Laughs Kick Off Auckland’s Comedy Season

Get ready for one of the funniest nights of the year as the Best Foods Comedy Gala 2026 returns to Auckland, launching the annual NZ International Comedy Festival with Best Foods Mayo. This highly anticipated event brings together a premium mix of local legends and international stand-up talent for an evening of non-stop laughs, big energy, and comedy chaos that has become a sell-out highlight of the festival.

Hosted by comedy icon Dai Henwood, one of Aotearoa’s most beloved and quick-witted performers, the Gala promises a star-studded line-up of hilarious acts guaranteed to keep the crowd in stitches. With comedians from New Zealand, Australia and beyond, this show sets the perfect tone for three weeks of top-tier comedy across the city.

Expect a night packed with sharp wit, outrageous jokes, and unforgettable performances as the theatre fills with laughter and the kind of vibrant atmosphere only Auckland audiences can deliver. Plus, all proceeds from the event support the New Zealand Comedy Trust and its work developing the next generation of comedy talent across the country.

Tickets are on sale now through official festival and ticketing channels — secure yours early for what’s sure to be one of Auckland’s must-see comedy events of 2026.