Dave Hughes loves the spotlight. . . And he’s earned it. In 2026, he’ll hit the road for a huge tour across Australia.
This year, Hughesy has been through the fire – ribs, lungs, body blows – and he’s coming out the other side with fresh ammo in the form of material. It’s heated, seasoned, and ready to serve: Bon appetit.
For almost three decades, Dave Hughes has set a standard for the Australian comedy scene. He’s beloved by his fellow comedians and revered by his fans. . . Presenting shows that aren’t just stand-up. . . They’re full-scale events leaving audiences with sore cheeks, long after the lights come up.
Dave is being let loose on a 36-stop national tour with his brand-new show, ‘Cooked’.
At the AFL Legends Charity Game earlier this year, he limped off the field with five broken ribs, a punctured lung. . . But not before kicking a goal. And he even made it to the after party, like the legend he is.
Weeks later, just as the bruises were fading, he returned to hospital with fluid in his lungs.
“I was close to death and still getting some of the biggest laughs of my life. Wouldn’t have it any other way!” Hughesy says. “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.”
Audiences can expect stories about getting flattened on a football field, near-death experiences, family antics and daily mishaps. . . All told by the man who survived the year and lived to laugh about it.
Dave Hughes Australia 2026 Tour Dates
3 January – Soundlounge Currumbin RSL
9-11 January – Brunswick Picture House
23 January – Armitage Centre (Toowoomba)
24 January – The J (Noosa)
30 January – Glasshouse (Port Macquarie)
31 January – The Art House Wyong
20 February – Tanks Arts Centre (Cairns)
23 February–1 March – The Garden Of Unearthly Delights – The Box (Adelaide Fringe)
6 March – Shedley Theatre (Playford)
13 March – Canberra Theatre Centre – Playhouse
21 March – The Doyalson RSL (Doyalson)
26 March–19 April – Morris House – Basement Comedy Club (Melbourne Comedy Festival)
1 May – Goldfields Arts Centre (Kalgoorlie)
2 May – Astor Theatre (Perth)
4 May – Broome Civic Centre – Jimmy Chi Hall
6 May – Encore Rockingham
7 May – Queens Park Theatre (Geraldton)
8 May – Mandurah Performing Arts Centre
14 May – The Concourse Concert Hall (Chatswood)
15 May – The Joan Penrith Concert Hall (Penrith)
16–17 May – Factory Theatre (Sydney)
22–23 May – Brisbane Powerhouse – Powerhouse Theatre
30 May – Swan Hill Town Hall
13 June – Newcastle Civic Theatre
26 June – Araluen Arts Centre (Alice Springs)
18 July – Wangaratta Performing Arts Centre
24 July – Dubbo Regional Theatre
1 August – Redland Performing Arts Centre (Redland)
7 August – Blue Mountains Theatre (Springwood)
8 August – Goulburn Performing Arts Centre
14 August – Albury Entertainment Centre (Albury Wodonga)
15 August – Cowra Civic Theatre
21 August – Du Cane Brewery & Dining Hall (Launceston)
22 August – Wrest Point Showroom (Hobart)
28 August – Mittagong RSL
29 August – The Builders Club (Wollongong)
TBC – Theatre Royal (Castlemaine)
