The Garden City Comedy Festival returns to the FirstOntario Performing Arts Centre for its 5th annual Gala Night!  

Don’t miss this laugh filled spectacle featuring some of Canada’s funniest comics. Hosted by Niagara's own Joe Pillitteri and headlined by the Grande Dame of Canadian comedy Martha Chaves!  

A Canadian Comedy Award Winner for Stand-up Comic of the Year Martha Chaves has appeared multiple times at the prestigious Just For Laughs Festival the Winnipeg Comedy Festival and can frequently be heard on CBC's The Debaters and Laugh Out Loud. Martha describes herself as the "most famous Nicaraguan-Canadian LGBTQ+ stand-up comedian in the world" but despite being an act of such a unique nature she’s hilariously relatable universally funny and accessible. Now Magazine described her as "smart sassy provocative and very funny."  

Featuring performances by  

MARK LITTLE: Mark Little is an award-winning actor writer and comedian. He is best known for his appearances on the CBC Television sitcom Mr. D playing Simon Hunt the Xavier Academy science teacher. He has appeared on JFL and Conan has starred in multiple TV shows and has won a combined 15 Canadian Comedy Awards. He was described as "one of the best comic storytellers around" by NOW Magazine.  

EVAN CARTER: Evan Carter is a Toronto based stand-up comedian writer and Second City instructor. Evan has worked on numerous television shows including “George Stromboulopoulos Tonight” and “The Zoomer Show” with Denise Donlon and Conrad Black. Plus his own half hour specials on CBC television and The Comedy Network.  

CATHY BOYD: Cathy Boyd is a Toronto-based brutally honest stand-up comedian mediocre tennis player and mother of four who readily admits three would have been good. Known for her dry demeanor and punchline-heavy hitting her act impresses audiences everywhere including appearances on Canada’s Got Talent JFL42 and Sirius XM.  

JOZE PIRANIAN: After avoiding speaking almost entirely for more than 25 years due to a debilitating stutter Joze uncovered groundbreaking insights for personal transformation that turned his obstacle into triumphant public speaking and stand-up comedy performances in 3 continents and 4 languages. Joze has been featured on TEDx ABC Forbes CBC and Global News Canada.  

JOE PILLITTERI: Joe Pillitteri is an emcee stand-up comedian inspirational speaker and motivational leader. Having raised more than $500000 through sold out comedy fundraisers Joe has received numerous awards including Citizen of the Year for his outstanding contributions to the community.  

Don’t miss out on this hilarious celebration of comedy in Niagara!

Proudly sponsored by  Ravenshead Homes .

For more information visit:  GardenCityComedyFestival.com