Dave Hughes Announces 2026 Australian Tour

The Aussie funnyman’s latest show is inspired by his near-death experience playing in the AFL Legends game.

Arguably Australia’s hardest working comedian, funnyman Dave Hughes has announced a monster run of tour dates in 2026 for his new show Cooked.

Inspired by the near-death experience he suffered while taking part in the AFL Legends game, which saw Hughes suffer five broken ribs and a punctured lung.

Taking to social media to announce the show, Hughes posted: “It’s not what happens, it’s how you react to it. I’ve turned a near-death experience in a charity footy match to the FUNNIEST stand-up show I’ve ever done. See for yourself. Touring Australia in 2026.”

Hughes’ Cooked tour takes him to all six states and two territories from January to August 2026, including a run of shows in South Australia for the Adelaide Fringe.

Ticketing details available at davehughes.com.au.

READ MORE: Lano & Woodley Announce ‘In Space’ Australian Tour 2026

Dave Hughes has been making Aussie audiences laugh for more than three decades. The stand-up comedian and television and radio presenter is known for his distinct Aussie drawl and larrikin personality.

The ARIA Award winner is a constant on the comedy circuit and has appeared on a stack of successful TV shows, including television programs, including The Panel, Thank God You're Here, Talkin' 'Bout Your Generation, The Project, Would I Lie to You? Australia and Have You Been Paying Attention?.

Catch Dave Hughes performing as part of the Adelaide Fringe at The Garden of Unearthly Delights from Monday 23 February to Sunday 7 March. Ticketing information is available at davehughes.com.au.

Dave Hughes Cooked Australian Tour Dates 2026

Saturday 3 January – Currumbin RSL, Gold Coast, QLD

Friday 9 to Sunday 11 January – Picture House, Brunswick Heads, NSW

Friday 23 January – Armitage Centre, Toowoomba, NSW

Saturday 24 January – The J, Noosa, QLD

Friday 30 January – Glasshouse, Port Macquarie, NSW

Saturday 31 January – The Art House, Wyong, NSW

Friday 20 February – Tanks Arts Centre, Cairns, QLD

Monday 23 February to Sunday 1 March – The Garden of Unearthly Delights, Adelaide Fringe, Adelaide, SA

Friday 6 March – Shedley Theatre, Playford Fringe, Playford, SA

Saturday 7 March – The Garden of Unearthly Delights, Adelaide Fringe, Adelaide, SA

Friday 13 March – Canberra Theatre Centre, Canberra Comedy Festival, Canberra, ACT

Saturday 21 March – Doyalson RSL, Doyalson, NSW

Thursday 26 March to Sunday 19 April – Morris House, Melbourne Comedy Festival, Melbourne, VIC

Friday 1 May – Goldfields Arts Centre, Kalgoorlie, WA

Saturday 2 May – Astor Theatre, Perth Comedy Festival, Perth, WA

Monday 4 May – Civic Centre, Broome, WA

Wednesday 6 May – Encore Rockingham, Rockingham, WA

Thursday 7 May – Queens Park Theatre, Geraldton, WA

Friday 8 May – Performing Arts Centre, Mandurah, WA

Thursday 14 May – The Concourse, Sydney Comedy Festival, Sydney, NSW

Friday 15 May – The Joan Penrith Concert Hall, Sydney Comedy Festival, Penrith, NSW

Saturday 16 & Sunday 17 May – Factory Theatre, Sydney Comedy Festival, Sydney, NSW

Friday 22 & Saturday 23 May – Brisbane Powerhouse, Brisbane Comedy Festival, Brisbane, QLD

Saturday 30 May – Swan Hill Town Hall, Swan Hill, VIC

Saturday 13 June – Newcastle Civic Theatre, Newcastle, NSW

Saturday 20 June – Theatre Royal, Castlemaine, VIC

Friday 26 June – Araluen Arts Centre, Alice Springs, NT

Friday 17 July – Wangaratta Performing Arts Centre, Wangaratta, VIC

Friday 24 July – Dubbo Regional Theatre, Dubbo, NSW

Saturday 1 August – Performing Arts Centre, Redland, QLD

Friday 7 August – Blue Mountains Theatre, Blue Mountains, NSW

Saturday 8 August – Goulburn Performing Arts Centre – Goulburn, NSW

Friday 14 August – Albury Entertainment Centre, Albury Wodonga, NSW

Saturday 15 August – Cowra Civic Centre, Cowra, NSW

Friday 21 August – Du Cane Brewery & Dining Hall, Launceston, TAS

Saturday 22 August – Wrest Point Showroom, Hobart, TAS

Saturday 29 August – The Builders Club, Wollongong, NSW