BGM_Melbourne International Comedy Festival: Past, Present, & Future

Since 1987, the Melbourne International Comedy Festival has grown from a small local event into the world’s third largest celebrations of laughter. But how did it all begin? And where’s it heading? In this special episode of Down the Yarra, we explore the festival humble origins, its rise to global fame, the comedians who make their mark, and the controversies that shook the scene. From the underground clubs of the 1980s to the digital revolution shaping today’s comedy landscape, we dive into the past, present, and future of Melbourne’s funniest festival. Plus, we unpack what’s in store for MICF 2025, including this year’s must-see acts, the growing influence of digital comedy, and how Melbourne continues to push the boundaries of stand-up. Trigger Warning: This episode discusses themes that are related to censorship, free speech in comedy, and past controversies that maybe sensitive to some listeners. Tune in for a journey through Naarm - Melbourne’s comedy scene-where the punchlines never stop!