Abbotsford – What happens when a comedian decides to throw the kind of festival he’d actually want to attend? Apparently, you get Big Hoot.
This November, comedian and festival producer Alex Suarez is bringing Big Hoot Comedy Festival 2026 to downtown Abbotsford, BC. With an unapologetically independent spirit, a lineup of Canadian comedic talent, and a healthy appreciation for the weird and wonderful, Big Hoot is setting out to prove that great comedy doesn’t need corporate polish, massive budgets, or imported headliners to make an impact.
“Big Hoot is basically me saying, ‘What if we just made a really fun comedy festival in Abbotsford?’ And then, unfortunately, I followed through,” jokes Suarez.
Built around the DIY ethos of indie, punk, and underground arts communities, Big Hoot is more than a collection of stand-up performances. It’s an experiment in bringing people together through comedy, creativity, and a shared willingness to embrace the unexpected.
The festival will feature a diverse mix of performances, including stand-up, sketch comedy, music, storytelling, and unconventional themed shows. Rather than relying on a traditional headliner-driven format, Big Hoot puts the spotlight on performers, original concepts, and the wealth of comedic talent Canada has to offer.
“I want to build the kind of festival that I wish existed, and would want to go to. Not suits, corporate sponsors, American performers. Something weird, friendly, a little punk rock, and most importantly, something where people can actually have fun,” says Suarez.
The festival’s programming reflects that vision, with five distinct shows scheduled at Abbotsford’s ASAA Hall, including Comedy Campfire, a chaotic variety show hosted by Suarez and Brody Shale; SPK Live!, featuring Vancouver sketch comedy group Smashed Potato Kids; Jessica Pigeau’s award-winning Ugly Privilege; Special Forces with Jared Nathan and friends; and That Recovery Show, bringing humour and honesty to conversations about sobriety and recovery.
At its heart, Big Hoot is also about building something sustainable for the local comedy community, creating opportunities for Canadian performers while giving Fraser Valley audiences access to shows they might not otherwise experience.
For Suarez, who has helped cultivate Abbotsford’s independent comedy scene, the motivation goes beyond putting on a successful event. It’s about preserving the unique connection that happens when audiences and performers share a room, a laugh, and a moment away from the noise of everyday life.
“Comedy is one of the few things left that can get a room full of complete strangers to forget about their phones and laugh together. I think that’s worth fighting for.”
With an emphasis on community over corporate spectacle, Big Hoot hopes to create an experience that feels less like a conventional festival and more like a gathering of hilarious friends who happen to have invited the entire Fraser Valley along for the ride.
Big Hoot Comedy Festival 2026 takes place this November at ASAA Hall, located at 33889 Essendene Avenue in downtown Abbotsford.
Festival passes, individual show tickets, and programming information are available at:
www.alexsuarezcomedy.com/
About Big Hoot Comedy Festival
Big Hoot is an independent comedy festival based in Abbotsford, British Columbia, created by comedian and producer Alex Suarez. Rooted in the DIY spirit of Canada’s underground comedy and arts communities, the festival brings together Canadian comedians, musicians, and creative performers for an unconventional celebration of live entertainment. Through stand-up, sketch, storytelling, themed performances, and experimental shows, Big Hoot aims to champion homegrown talent, foster genuine community connections, and remind audiences that sometimes all you need is a room full of strangers and a good laugh.
