Sydney has no shortage of comedy clubs, but let's be honest, most of them don't come with ocean views. Until now. This May, the beloved Sydney Comedy Festival is switching things up by turning Bondi Pavilion into the ultimate pop-up comedy venue. From May 14 to 18, some of the sharpest, funniest, and most unfiltered minds in stand-up will be delivering their best punchlines in The Pav's iconic beachside Theatre, Seagull Room, Bar and Balcony. Forget dingy bars and sticky carpets. This is comedy, Bondi-style. Five nights, back-to-back sets, and a lineup stacked with international names and local rising stars. Whether you're into dark satire, chaotic crowd work, or big jokes that make your cheeks hurt for days after, there's a show (or five) with your name on it. Here are our top picks. [caption id="attachment_995562" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Bondi Visuals[/caption] He Huang He Huang burst onto the comedy scene with a viral audition on Australia's Got Talent that had the world talking, and she's been making waves ever since. Her stand-up is deadpan, dry wit and deeply insightful, tackling everything from culture clashes to identity with a delivery so effortless that you almost miss how clever it is. Ivan Aristeguieta A Venezuelan with an Aussie passport and jokes aplenty for poking fun at both cultures, Ivan Aristeguieta is a master of observational comedy. His performances are high-energy and packed with hilarious insights into language, food, and the quirks of Australian life. Expect storytelling at its best: quick-witted, animated, and impossible not to love. Ian Bagg Brace yourself. Ian Bagg isn't here to just perform stand-up, he'll throw you right into the chaos. His razor-sharp crowd work and rapid-fire delivery make every show feel like a one-off experience. If you sit up front, be warned: no one is safe, and that's half the fun. Luke Heggie Dry, biting, and with no patience for nonsense, Luke Heggie is as Aussie as they come. His humour is observational and delivered with a deadpan drawl that makes every joke land harder. There's no fluff or gimmicks, just brutally funny stand-up that'll have you laughing and questioning your life choices all at once. Jess Fuchs Fast-rising and fearless, Jess Fuchs doesn't hold back. She's got sharp punchlines, chatty crowdwork and a talent for turning the everyday into something uncomfortably hilarious. If you like your comedy bold, unfiltered, and full of unexpected left turns, she's one to watch. Nick White Quirky, clever, and endearingly relatable, Nick White is the kind of comedian who makes you laugh at things you never thought were funny. Known most widely as his TikTok alter ego, Carli Furplam (AKA The Dull Coworker), Nick's live sets are packed with impersonations, wit, and comedic timing that's impossible to ignore. If you love a mix of smart and silly, he's your guy. Sophie Duker If you haven't seen Sophie Duker perform yet, now's your chance. The British stand-up powerhouse is as likely to drop an academic reference as she is to hit you with a perfectly timed pop culture dig. Either way, you're in for a ride. A regular on UK panel shows and festival lineups, Duker's comedy is bold, fearless, and refreshingly unpredictable. [caption id="attachment_995560" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Bondi Visuals[/caption] Showcases and Best of the Fest Can't decide who to see? The Sydney Comedy Festival Showcase has you covered. It's a handpicked selection of festival favourites, bringing together the best of the best for a single, jam-packed night of stand-up on Wednesday, May 14. Think of it as a comedy tasting platter, except every act is a killer. Want to see how they do it overseas? The Best of the Fest International lineup is stacked with amazing acts from around the world, offering a fresh mix of comedic styles, experiences and perspectives across the entire week. If you're after something a bit more unexpected, this showcase delivers a global comedy experience, all without leaving Bondi. Sydney has its fair share of comedy gigs, but very few are at this level. The Sydney Comedy Festival at Bondi Pavilion has everything you could want from a night out. Ocean views, top-tier talent, and a drink in hand? Hard to top. Whether you're a die-hard comedy fan or just looking for a guaranteed good time, this five-night festival is your best bet at this time of year. So, drop a link in your group chat and plan your week of shows with ticket prices ranging from $24 to $49.90. Sydney Comedy Festival at Bondi Pavilion runs from Wednesday, May 14 to Sunday, May 18. For more information or to book your tickets, visit the website. By Jacque Kennedy