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.

6 Aug 2026 - 8 Aug 2026
Lano & Woodley – In Space
Lano & Woodley are all alone on a spaceship. Or are they? Commander Col is focused on their important mission. Co-pilot Woodley … isn't.
1 Aug 2026 - 31 Aug 2026
Hadley’s Art Prize
Presented by Hadley’s Orient Hotel, the Hadley’s Art Prize, Hobart is an annual, acquisitive Australian landscape prize, which offers $100,000 to the winning entry.
16 May 2026 - 9 Aug 2026
The Winter Collection – Art Exhibition at Balfour House
A dynamic group exhibition has opened in Cygnet stretching across the Winter months featuring artists of the Huon Valley. Balfour House presents - The Winter
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 Aug 2026 - 8 Aug 2026
Tasmanian Whisky Week
Tasmanian Whisky Week is back. From intimate distillery tastings and long-table dinners to the flagship Showcase at Princes Wharf No. 1, the festival brings the
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 - 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.
All events