Explore the surprising impacts of humour on health in this unique mix of comedy and expert insights.

In times of growing social isolation and health challenges, could laughter offer unexpected benefits? Our scientists, industry experts and researchers join forces with comedy acts to unpack how humour might support well-being and strengthen connections.

Tickets are free but essential, secure yours now to avoid missing out.

The experts:
- Associate Professor Alison Canty, neuroscientist, Wicking Dementia Research Education Centre, University of Tasmania
- Dr Daryl Peebles, writer, performer and ‘grandfather of Tasmanian comedy’
- Dr David Bakker, Clinical Psychologist, Archer Street Health and Lecturer in Clinical Psychology, University of Tasmania
- Dannielle Jackson, project manager, drama therapist, counsellor, and performance artist, Terrapin Puppet Theatre
- Scott Lleonart, comedian and RAW Comedy State Finalist
- Hosted by Dr Larissa Bartlett, mindfulness teacher and The Mind Games Research Fellow (Mental Health), Menzies Institute for Medical Research, University of Tasmania

Pre-event refreshments:
Head to the venue early and enjoy complimentary refreshments from 5.30pm.

What's on:

Events and points of interest around Hobart.

7 Aug 2026 - 1 Nov 2026
Antarctica is Melting: photographer David Neilson
'Antarctica is Melting' presents a powerful selection of black and white photographs by Australian wilderness photographer David Neilson, drawn from six journeys to Antarctica and
1 Mar 2022 - 31 Aug 2027
Phoenix Creations Wooden Spoon Carving Workshops
Welcome to a day of creative mindfulness with David and Michelle of Phoenix Creations in their small Cygnet studio.
5 Aug 2026 - 6 Sep 2026
CoLab Exhibition – Beaker Street Festival 2026
Through Beaker Street's CoLab initiative, students work directly with local scientists, visiting their labs and field sites, to create artworks inspired by their research.
5 Aug 2026 - 6 Sep 2026
Science Photography Prize Finalist Exhibition – Beaker Street Festival 2026
Each year, the Beaker Street Science Photography Prize celebrates extraordinary images that reveal how science shapes our understanding of the world.
31 Jul 2026 - 26 Sep 2027
Becoming Modern: Mid-century Australian Art
This large-scale exhibition brings together paintings, sculpture and works on paper, highlighting figuration, abstraction, and foregrounding works by Tasmanian women artists.
31 Jul 2026 - 1 Mar 2027
The World of Seashells
This exhibition celebrates the natural beauty of seashells and the enduring sense of wonder they inspire.
31 Jul 2026 - 18 Oct 2026
EXPOSED LANDS: 100 Years of Tasmanian Landscape Photography
This exhibition is a survey of 100 years of photographic history depicting Tasmania's nature, sharing perspectives of the island.
21 Aug 2026 - 9 Sep 2026
David Keeling | Waking on a Sunny Day
'Waking on a Sunny Day' is filled with arresting landscapes, portrayed mostly through oil on linen. Lliteral depictions of place, subtly infused with memory.
22 May 2026 - 18 Sep 2026
The Cavatelli Craft: Masterclass & Lunch
Step into the heart of the 196 year old heritage guest kitchen for an intimate afternoon of flour, flavour, and fine Tasmanian hospitality.
29 May 2026 - 2 Oct 2026
“The Sapphire Secret”
Just 20 minutes from Hobart and 15 from the airport, Prospect Country House is a 196-year-old convict-built villa steeped in colonial mystery. Built in 1830,
All events