The Maia International Comic Theatre Festival returns for its 31st edition between October 2 and 11, 2026, taking place primarily at the Maia Forum but also in other spaces such as the Outdoor Auditorium, Praça do Doutor José Vieira de Carvalho and the Maia Forum Metro Station. The festival is promoted by the Maia Municipal Council and produced by Teatro Art'Imagem, with artistic direction by Daniela Pêgo and José Leitão. Over ten days, the event brings together theatre, circus, clown, mime, music, improvisation and physical comedy, using humor as a tool for social critique, reflection and cultural and civic construction.
The 2026 edition welcomes artists and companies from nine countries: Portugal, Spain, the United States of America, Chile, France, Ukraine, Italy, New Zealand and Brazil. The programme combines free shows at the Outdoor Auditorium with paid performances at the Main Auditorium and Theatre-Café at the Maia Forum, where tickets cost 5 euros each. Passes are available: the Festival Pass for 50 euros and the Loyalty Pass for 12 euros, which gives access to three shows. Three shows — Oh, Mammi Blue, King Lear and The Jungle Book — The Musical — include Portuguese Sign Language interpretation.
For the first time in its history, the festival pays formal tribute to Leo Bassi, an artist known for his provocative comedy, with the show "Who pays the duck? — Tribute to Leo Bassi" at the closing on October 11 at 9:30 pm. Throughout the festival, the Maia Forum Gallery hosts an exhibition dedicated to the posters of the 31 editions of the event. The physical box office is open Monday to Friday from 9 am to 12:30 pm and from 2 pm to 5:30 pm, also opening one hour before each show, with online sales available through the BOL platform.
