Aziz Ansari kicks off Halifax Great Outdoors Comedy Festival Thursday

Aziz Ansari is bringing the laughs to Halifax as part of the Great Outdoors Comedy Festival.

The Great Outdoors Comedy Festival is returning to Halifax this week, with Emmy-winning comedian and actor Aziz Ansari as opening night headliner.

In an interview with CTV Atlantic’s Katie Kelly, Ansari said he’s looking forward to his first time in Halifax.

“I hear it’s a beautiful outdoor venue, and I love doing outdoor shows like that,” said Ansari.

This stop is part of Ansari’s ‘Hypothetical Tour’ which talks about a new chapter in his life.

“I just got married, and we’re trying to have kids, so I’m talking about all the headaches that come with that.”

This marks the third year for the Halifax edition of the travelling comedy festival. Mike Anderson with Trixstar Entertainment says this year’s lineup is the biggest yet.

“We’ve got Tony Hinchcliffe and & The Killers of Kill Tony on Friday,” he said. “Saturday is a festival in itself - we’ve got Jeff Arcuri for the matinee, and in the evening, Ms. Pat, Whitney Cummings, and Bert ‘The Machine’ Kreischer.”

The laughs continue on Sunday with a stacked lineup featuring John Mulaney, Fred Armisen, Nick Kroll, and Mike Birbiglia.

“Live comedy is the best,” said Ansari. “It’s so cool to travel around and see how much people are into coming out and seeing standup these days. I’m excited to do it in Halifax.”

Anderson says the festival has grown thanks to support from the local comedy community and audiences across the Maritimes.

“We’re excited to welcome Halifax and all the visitors to this amazing city and these beautiful grounds,” he said.