THREE DAYS. NON-STOP COMEDY.
Bestie Fest is a brand new 3-day comedy festival, brought to you by Susan Waycik, the Producer of "BFF Variety Hour". Happening September 27, 28 & 29 at The Drake Hotel in Toronto, Ontario, this festival will feature panels, parties & comedy shows showcasing the best of Toronto's comedy scene.
The festival will feature the top comedy performers in Canada across all styles, including: stand-up, sketch, music, drag & more. This is unlike any comedy festival you’ve been to before. With an emphasis on Women, queerness and friendship, we’re making comedy festivals FUN again. Bring your besties, and your besties’ besties – there’s something for everyone.
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This festival would not be possible without the following sponsors:
DAY 1 - SEPT 27
BFF VARIETY HOUR @ 7PM
Part comedy show, part slumber party. The BFF Variety Show is the best show to bring your best friends to. Every act will blow you away with their hilarious comedy – but first, you’ll get to know them through slumber-party-style games.
Featuring: Bren D’Souza, Brandon Ash-Mohammed, Paloma Nuñez, Sarah Hillier, Ava Val & Makayla Couture
Hosted by: Susan Waycik
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2 FACED @ 9PM
The many faces of sketch comedy! Featuring Toronto’s best sketch performers bringing their funniest characters, this show will leave you & your alter-ego laughing!
Featuring: Tom Hearn, Gillian Bartolucci, Gavin Pounds, Erica Gellert, Tall Boyz II Men
Hosted by: Chris Sandiford
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PINK PARTY! @ 11:30PM - 2AM
Help us celebrate OPENING NIGHT of Bestie Fest with a pinkalicious dance party at The Drake Underground! Wear your best pink outfit, and dance the night away with all of your besties!
Featuring performances from: Makayla Couture & Van Goth
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DAY 2 - SEPT 28
THE WRITERS ROOM @ 2PM - CANCELLED
Unfortunately, this event has been canelled. But please check out the rest of our programming! Join top comedians as they explore the art of writing for television. Learn about their journey from live comedy to tv writers’ rooms and gain insider knowledge on the processes, challenges, and successes behind creating TV’s funniest moments. Perfect for aspiring writers, comedy fans, and anyone curious about the magic of the writers room.
Featuring: Brandon Ash-Mohammed, Brandon Hackett, Cathryn Naiker & more!
Hosted by: Tracy Hamilton
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THE LAUGHY HOUR @ 5PM
Head to Bestie Fest for an early show, perfect for dinner time! Experience the best of Toronto's comedy scene as the city's top comedians in music and stand-up take the stage for an unforgettable night of laughter. This show highlights the unique voices that make Toronto a comedy hotspot.
Featuring: Ben Sosa Wright, Tricia Black, Anesti Danelis & Nour Hadid!
Hosted by: Tom Hearn
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THE CLIQUE @ 7PM
Canada’s next big names in stand-up take the stage for a night of fresh, hilarious performances. This showcase features the new cool kids of comedy! Join the clique!
Featuring: James O’Hara, Tamara Shevon, Isabel Zaw-Tun, Tracy Hamilton & Rachel Manson
Hosted by: Melanie Dahling
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THE WEIRD FRIEND @ 9PM
We’ve all got a weird friend – and in this case, we’ve got SEVERAL. Join host Alex Kolanko and a line-up of Toronto’s funniest alt-comedians. It’s gonna get weird!
Featuring: Chris Sandiford, Kyle Bergstresser, Meg MacKay, Jackie Pirico & Luba Magnus
Hosted by: Alex Kolanko
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DAY 3 - SEPT 29
PLAY THAT RECORD @ 4PM- CANCELLED
Unfortunately, this event has been canelled. But please check out the rest of our programming!
This panel features professional comedians who have recorded an album and industry experts behind the creation of comedy albums. Learn about the process of capturing live comedy for the perfect album. Learn about the technical aspects of recording, the importance of audience & venue, and the creative decisions that make a comedy album memorable and Award-worthy.
Featuring: Melanie Dahling (Howl & Roar), Kyle Brownrigg, Courtney Gilmour & more
Hosted by: Amanda Pereira
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HEADLINER: SABRINA JALEES! @ 7PM
Join us for a headlining show with our ultimate bestie, SABRINA JALEES! Sabrina is a Canadian comedian, actress, and writer. She has written for various series, and starred in the 2019 TV comedy series Carol's Second Act. Fans might know Sabrina from Video On Trial, as a judge on Roast Battle Canada or as the host of Farming For Love.
Headliner: Sabrina Jalees
Featuring: Courtney Gilmour
Hosted by: Bren D’Souza
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LAURA LIVE! @ 9PM
We’re closing out BESTIE FEST with our favourite late-night bestie, Laura Cilevitz! Join Laura and a line-up of surprise special guests for a wild & weird variety show unlike any you’ve ever been to before.
Hosted by: Laura Cilevitz
