Mike & Donovan Bring the Great Outdoors Comedy Festival to The Leake in Review

In this lively installment of The Leake in Review, host Leake (@TheLeake) steps away from the music spotlight to dive into the world of live comedy with two key players behind one of Canada's most unique festivals: Mike and Donovan from the Great Outdoors Comedy Festival.

Donovan — better known to fans as the hilariously strict "Park Ranger Donovan" (complete with uniform, questionable park rules, and a knack for improvised chaos) — joins alongside Mike to unpack what makes this outdoor comedy extravaganza stand out. The festival blends cabaret-style shows under the stars with big-name headliners  and rising local talent, all while turning parks and green spaces into roaring comedy clubs.

The conversation kicks off with Donovan's origin story: how his over-the-top park ranger persona evolved from improv roots into the festival's official (and unofficial) mascot/spokesman. Mike provides the behind-the-scenes perspective, discussing the challenges and thrills of producing large-scale outdoor events — from scouting perfect natural venues to building community vibes, partnering with cities, and creating memorable experiences that feel more like a wild adventure than a standard comedy show.

Sign up on the official site for updates: https://greatoutdoorscomedyfestival.com/

Here's the full list of 2026 locations, all dates, and confirmed main headliners/top billed acts (as of mid-February 2026 announcements):

• Edmonton, AB (Kinsmen Park) – July 17–19, 2026
  • Friday, July 17 (Evening): TBA
  • Saturday, July 18 (Afternoon & Evening): Matt Rife & Friends (main headliner)
  • Sunday, July 19 (Afternoon & Evening): TBA
• Winnipeg, MB (Assiniboine Park) – July 17–19, 2026
  • Friday, July 17 (Evening): TBA
  • Saturday, July 18 (Afternoon & Evening): TBA
  • Sunday, July 19 (Afternoon & Evening): Matt Rife & Friends (main headliner)
• Halifax, NS (Garrison Grounds) – August 6–9, 2026
  • Thursday, August 6 (Evening): Matt Rife & Friends
  • Friday, August 7 (Evening): Matt Rife & Friends
  • Saturday, August 8 (Afternoon & Evening): Andrew Schulz (Saturday Evening in some listings; others TBA)
  • Sunday, August 9 (Afternoon & Evening): Nikki Glaser (closing headliner, with Fortune Feimster & Steph Tolev) + Adam Ray as Dr. Phil LIVE (Sunday Afternoon)
• Calgary, AB (Prince’s Island Park) – August 28–30, 2026
  • Friday, August 28 (Evening): Matt Rife & Friends
  • Saturday, August 29 (Afternoon & Evening): TBA
  • Sunday, August 30 (Afternoon & Evening): TBA
• Vancouver, BC (Stanley Park) – August 28–30, 2026
  • Friday, August 28 (Evening): TBA
  • Saturday, August 29 (Afternoon & Evening): Adam Ray as Dr. Phil LIVE (Saturday Afternoon); others TBA
  • Sunday, August 30 (Afternoon & Evening): Matt Rife (Sunday Evening headline); Jeff Arcuri (Sunday Afternoon)
• Spokane, WA (ONE Spokane Stadium) – August 29–30, 2026
  • Saturday, August 29 (Evening): Matt Rife & Friends
  • Sunday, August 30 (Evening): Bill Burr (confirmed headliner)
• Mississauga, ON (Erindale Park) – September 11–13, 2026
  • Friday, September 11 (Evening): John Mulaney (with Nick Kroll, Mike Birbiglia, Fred Armisen)
  • Saturday, September 12 (Afternoon & Evening): Adam Ray as Dr. Phil LIVE (Saturday Afternoon); others TBA
  • Sunday, September 13 (Afternoon & Evening): Matt Mathews & Jordan Jensen (Sunday Afternoon); TBA for Evening