SerpApi.Org
Electric Picnic organisers have unveiled a bumper comedy line-up for 2026, with some of Ireland’s biggest funny men and women set to take over the Comedy Arena for an action-packed weekend.
In a first for the festival, the popular comedy tent will open on Friday evening, giving fans an extra four hours of stand-up before the main festival weekend gets into full swing.
Leading the charge on opening night is comedy favourite Deirdre O’Kane, who will headline the historic Friday session with her trademark mix of razor-sharp observations and hilarious tales of Irish life.
Joining her across the weekend is an all-star cast featuring impressionist Mario Rosenstock, international comedy sensation Reggie Watts, podcast king Shane Todd, internet star Vittorio Angelone, musical comic Emer Maguire, Belfast funnyman Paddy McDonnell and Diona Doherty.
Irish comedy heavyweights are also out in force, with David McSavage, Rachel Galvo, Mike Rice, Aoife Dunne, David Nihill, Enya Martin, Kevin McGahern, Alison Spittle, Bernard Casey, Bernard O’Shea, Michael Fry, Owen Colgan, Patrick McDonnell, John Colleary, Eric Lalor and many more all set to take to the stage.
Festival-goers can also catch a host of rising stars making their Electric Picnic debuts, as organisers continue their tradition of giving emerging comedians a chance to perform in front of packed crowds.
The Comedy Arena has become one of the most popular attractions at Electric Picnic, with thousands of festival-goers packing into the tent every year for a mix of stand-up, satire, storytelling, musical comedy and quick-fire one-liners.
This year’s programme promises something for everyone, from household names and TV favourites to viral social media stars and international acts.
The Comedy Arena will run from 6 pm to 10 pm on Friday, before returning on Saturday and Sunday from 2 pm until 9.30 pm, ensuring there’s no shortage of laughs across the festival weekend.
