Both of the scheduled Victorian-based comedians, Geraldine Hickey and Nath Volvo, have had to cancel their shows thanks to the 35km radius rule still in place in the state following a COVID outbreak in the past few weeks.

Volvo was set to perform his show Chatty Cathy on Saturday evening, and Geraldine Hickey was to bring What a Surprise to the stage on Friday evening.

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Civic Theatre manager Carissa Campbell said both had been rebooked for August.

"[Affected ticket holders] can go to another show, move over to the new show or get a cancellation," she said.

Despite the COVID hiccup, no ticket holders have had to pull out because of the lockdown, and organisers say it's the most popular Fest yet.

"It's going to be massive, we started last night with The Roadshow which was a complete sellout," Ms Campbell said.

"It's actually our biggest comedy festival to date."

Creative director of the festival Dane Simpson said the appetite for comedy was very much in the air.

"People are ready to go out and experience comedy and have some live entertainment," Mr Simpson said. "Everyone has been cooped up for so long, so let's get out and have some fun."

The Wagga Comedy Fest 2021 officially started on Wednesday evening with the Melbourne International Comedy Festival Roadshow, and will run over five days wrapping up on Sunday.

Acts scheduled to play include Wil Anderson, The Umbilical Brothers, Nat's What I Reckon, Thank God It's Friday, Nurse Georgie Carroll, Shad & Pete and the Riverina Comedy Club.

Thursday evening will also see the Winter Markets pop up to accompany the festival outside the theatre, with a selection of local businesses providing food and drink including Easy Catering, Marbull Catering, Junee Liquorice Factory and the Smoking Butcher.

Meanwhile, The Thirsty Crow and Borambola Wines keeping everyone well watered.

The Winter Markets are open to all public, but to see a show, organisers recommend attendees book ahead to avoid missing out with both Nats What I Reckon's shows and Richard Glover's already sold out.

NSW Dine and Discover vouchers can be used on tickets, but they must be purchased before the night. No vouchers will be scanned at the box office immediately ahead of the shows.

Tickets can be purchased online or at the Civic Theatre between 10am and 4pm.

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