Arctic Comedy Festival returns with special COVID-19 edition

The Canadian North Arctic Comedy Festival is returning to Iqaluit FridayOct.9 toSaturdayOct. 10 at the Frobisher Inn for a special combined online and in-person presentation.

The live shows will feature top northern comedians like Peter Autut, Jade Halcyon, Mason Mantla, Bibi Bilodeau, and many more, as well as taped sets from leading comedic talent across Canada, like Mary Walsh, James Mullinger and Big Daddy Tazz.

All shows will adhere to local COVID-19 restrictions and will have health and safety regulations in place to keep both comics and patrons safe.

The online presentation will be available free to stream to anyone across Canada during Mental Illness Awareness Week (Oct. 5-10) via the festival's Facebook page. The festival will be accepting donations throughout the broadcast, with all funds raised going to support the Kamatsiaqtut Nunavut Helpline.

This is the festival's third year in the North. While unable to present the shows in their usual format, the festivalis excited to offer Iqalummiutand people from across Canada some comedic relief during this challenging year.

Tickets can be purchased via the festival website at www.arcticcomedyfestival.ca.

Their schedule for Mental Illness Awareness Week presentations will be as follows:

WednesdayOct. 7 - Live Facebook event with Big Daddy Tazz: "Comedy and Mental Health Under Covid"
ThursdayOct. 8 - Premiere "Online Show and Fundraiser," rebroadcasting until Oct. 11
FridayOct. 9 - 2 live shows in Iqaluit
SaturdayOct. 10 - 2 live shows in Iqaluit