Comedy Jobs and Festival Submissions
April Deadlines
Loons on the Lake Comedy Festival takes place May 13–16, 2026, at Crooners Supper Club (Fridley, Minnesota – Twin Cities Metro) and features a $10,000 comedy competition, All-Star showcases, industry panels, and networking with nationally accredited agents, managers, and cruise line representatives. The 4th annual festival will select 24 comedians to compete in a three-round, single-elimination tournament for a $5,000 grand prize (2nd place $2,000; 3rd–5th place $1,000 each). Comics must submit a 5–10 minute audition video and pay a $45 competition entry fee (which goes toward professional review). There is also a free-entry showcase option (no submission fee required) for comics seeking exposure in the Minneapolis scene and in front of industry professionals. Selected competitors perform 8 minutes in Round 1, 8 minutes of new material in the semifinals, and 15 minutes in the finals. Additional perks include 40% off dinner/drinks during performance nights and a free business-of-comedy seminar. All competition submissions must be received by April 30, 2026. Competition entry: Submit here. Showcase (free submission): Submit here.
The U.S. Comedy Contest holds its live finals June 6, 2026, in Bellflower, California (Los Angeles area), featuring two categories—3 Years & Under and Headliner—with top comedians selected from video submissions to compete in a judged live final. Winners receive a 1-year management contract, $200 cash prize, and trophy, along with industry exposure. Submissions require a 2–3 minute clip (newer comics) or 4–5 minute clip (headliners) and must be emailed with payment receipt. Submission tiers run January 21–April 30 ($35–$60). Submission deadline: April 30, 2026. Submit here.
Blue Whale Comedy Festival takes place August 20–23, 2026, in Tulsa, Oklahoma, featuring stand-up as well as improv and sketch comedy acts from across the U.S. and internationally. Selected performers appear in a range of set lengths (from 5-minute host spots to 45-minute headlining sets) and receive perks like free food/drinks, after-party access, and future booking opportunities. Submissions require a 5–10+ minute live performance video and are reviewed by a panel based on quality, originality, and audience response. Submission fees are currently $35. Submission deadline: April 30, 2026. Submit here.
Motor City Comedy Festival takes place September 16–20, 2026, in Detroit, Michigan, featuring showcase performances where selected comedians receive at least two showcase spots, plus perks including free lodging, workshops, networking events, food, and festival access. Submissions require a 5-minute unedited performance clip (no reels, AI effects, or Google Drive links). Submission deadline: May 1, 2026. Submit here.
The PIT’s 24-Hour Sketch Show takes place May 30, 2026, at The PIT Mainstage in New York City, bringing together writers, performers, and creatives to collaboratively write, rehearse, and perform a full sketch show in a single day. Participants receive 12 hours of studio time to create the show before a live performance that night. Submissions require a completed application, photo, and either a writing sample or short performance video depending on role. No submission fee listed. Submission deadline: May 1, 2026. Submit here.
F*CK IT: A Live Gay Dating Show with comedian Jessica Kirson takes place May 12, 2026, featuring a live dating show experience where selected contestants are matched on stage. Applicants must submit a profile including personal details, social media, and photos, and may be contacted for a first-round interview if selected. Participants must be available to attend the live show. No submission fee or deadline mentioned. Submit here.
Laugh After DARK (Flappers Comedy Club) takes place May 14, 2026, at 7:30pm in Burbank, California, featuring a filmed comedy show as part of a new monthly residency at Flappers Comedy Club. Unclear deadline. Comics can get booked on the lineup through the Comic Portal via @comedyfinderofficial, which requires downloading the app to apply.
NYC Pun Off (Worldwide Puns) debuts May 4, 2026, at Caveat in New York City, an ongoing comedy residency after a decade-long sold-out run in San Francisco. The competitive comedy show features “punslingers” battling through elimination rounds of rapid-fire wordplay in front of a live audience, blending high-level joke writing with intentionally groan-worthy humor. Comics can apply to join the roster (note: submission does not guarantee placement on this show), with no submission fee listed and deadline not specified. Submit here. Organizers confirmed they are still accepting submissions, and it is free to submit. No deadline specified.
May Deadlines
Funniest Person In Louisville takes place July 9–11, 2026 in Louisville, Kentucky at The Caravan Comedy Club, with opening rounds beginning in May 2026 at various venues. Comics can compete in Amateur or Semi-Pro categories, earn money from ticket sales using promo codes, and compete for cash prizes funded by entry fees. Entry fee is $25 due by May 1. Submit here.
Austin Sketch Fest takes place August 13–22, 2026, in Austin, Texas, featuring sketch ensembles, one-person shows, conceptual comedy, and character-driven performances. Submission deadline: May 1, 2026, with tiered pricing: $30 early bird (March 1–22), $40 regular (March 23–April 26), and $50 late (April 27–May 1). Applicants must submit a single video (up to 20 minutes), preferably of a live performance. Stand-ups are accepted, though priority is given to sketch and conceptual acts. Selected performers will be notified by the end of May. Submit here.
Kentucky’s Last Comic Standing takes place August 7, 2026 at the Spotlight Theater in Berea, Kentucky. Audition videos (5 minutes) are being accepted through May 1, 2026, and submissions appear to be free. Comedians should email their video to [email protected] with “Audition” in the subject line. First prize is $250, a paid headliner show, and a contract for representation with Center Stage; second place receives $100 and a paid feature spot; third place receives $50 and a paid host spot.
The Thoroughbred Comedy Cup takes place in Lexington, Kentucky, at The Spot: Lex, featuring a bracket-style stand-up competition where comedians advance through multiple rounds (5-minute prelims, 10-minute semis, 15-minute finals) for a $500 cash prize, headlining opportunity, and champion title. Submissions require a 5–8 minute performance clip and headshot, with limited spots available. Entry fee: $20. Submission deadline: May 11, 2026. Submit here.
Rise Comedy Festival returns for its 5th year July 24–August 1, 2026, in Denver, CO, featuring stand-up and improv across two weekends, plus workshops, classes, parties, and an improv intensive. Submission deadline: May 15, 2026. Early submissions are $30 through February 28, $35 March 1–31, and $40 April 1–May 15, with a stand-up competition offering cash prizes. Submit here.
Good Karma Arts Festival takes place June 18–27, 2026, across five East Coast states (NH, CT, NY, NJ, MD). Featuring 10+ days of shows across multiple cities, this multi-state festival focuses on networking, industry exposure, and performance opportunities for emerging comics. Submission deadline: May 15, 2026, with selections announced May 22. Submissions require a bio, 5-minute video, and show preferences, plus a $25 fee via Venmo. Submit here.
Make Em Laugh OK Comedy Festival takes place October 23–25, 2026, in Tulsa, Oklahoma, featuring stand-up, improv, and sketch performances from Oklahoma-based comedians, with a focus on community-driven, all-ages (PG-13) comedy. Hosted by Third Space Society, the festival showcases selected acts across multiple formats, including family-friendly programming. Submissions require a 5-minute video for stand-up or improv, or a writing sample for sketch, along with performer details and a submission fee starting at $10 (increasing to $20 after April 15). Submission deadline: May 15, 2026. Submit here.
Big Laughs Fest – Sedona 2026 takes place September 17–19, 2026 in Sedona, Arizona. Early-bird submissions are open through January 2026 with a $26 non-refundable submission fee (fee increases February 1, 2026; no deadline on site except “Mid-May”). Applicants must submit a 5-minute performance video, brief bio, and contact info; submission does not guarantee selection, and selected performers will be notified by email. Lodging will be provided for selected comedians. Submit here.
Bend Comedy Festival returns September 4–6, 2026, in Bend, OR, following a sold-out debut, featuring 20+ events across venues throughout the city. All performers are selected from submissions, with accepted comedians receiving perks including free lodging, ground transportation, a professionally taped set, and opportunities to perform alongside national headliners. Submission deadline: May 15, 2026, with tiered fees starting at $15 in January and increasing to $35 for late submissions. Submit here.
NEPA Comedy Festival takes place October 8–10, 2026, in Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania, during peak fall foliage. The non-profit, multi-venue festival features showcases, open mics, specialty shows (including one-liner competitions and the returning “Hecklocolypse”), and community events throughout the weekend. Selected comics receive at least one set, plus perks such as a festival t-shirt, professional headshots (scheduled sign-up slots), and a kick-off party with food. To apply, submit a 4–6 minute set tape (no older than six months) and pay the submission fee (required for consideration). Early Bird Pricing (Feb 1–March 15): $10 locals / $20 out-of-town. Regular Pricing (March 16–May 31): $15 locals / $25 out-of-town. Submissions close June 1, with a review panel of at least five judges voting on entries. Submit here.
Big Diamond Comedy Festival runs October 22–24, 2026, in Bentonville, Arkansas. Submissions are open through May 31, 2026, with acceptance emails sent August 1. Comedians must submit a continuous 3–7 minute live set (we will watch at least 3 minutes of every submission). Selected performers receive two paid spots (including one showcase), lodging covered at a shared Airbnb, access to an industry panel, and exclusive comic activities including a swimming hole outing, archery, museums, after parties, and karaoke. Submission fee is $40 and $20 for Arkansas-based comedians. Submit here.
Oak City Comedy Festival takes place October 14–18, 2026, in Raleigh, North Carolina. The festival highlights national talent and underrepresented voices, bringing together stand-up, improv, and sketch performers as part of Raleigh’s growing comedy scene. Submissions require a short bio, headshot, and a 5–7 minute unlisted, unedited YouTube or Vimeo video (no compilation clips). Early bird submissions are $20 from March 1–April 12, increasing to $30 from April 12–June 30, with a final submission deadline of June 30, 2026. Submit here.
Empire Comedy Festival takes place July 24–26, 2026, in San Antonio, Texas and features five stand-up showcases across the weekend. Selected comedians receive a recorded set from their performance, along with opportunities to attend industry panels, workshops, networking events, and headshot sessions with bookers and industry guests. Submission fee: $35 early bird, increasing to $45 (unclear when price increases). Submission deadline: May 31, 2026. Submit here.
Laugh Out Loveland Comedy Festival takes place July 30–August 2, 2026, in Loveland, Colorado and features 15–20 comedians performing across festival showcases throughout the weekend. Selected comedians receive at least two showcase spots (typically 10-minute sets), and the festival provides lodging for performers traveling more than 2.5 hours away along with some meals during the weekend. Submission fee: $25. Submission deadline: May 31, 2026. Submit here.
June Deadlines
Big Tomato Comedy Festival takes place August 20–23, 2026, in San Diego, California. This feedback-focused festival is designed for comedians looking to improve their craft, offering performance spots plus individualized written feedback, industry evaluations, writing roundtables, and 1:1 consultations with professionals. Additional perks include networking opportunities, workshop summaries, and discounted accommodations. Submission deadline: June 5, 2026, with lineup announcements on July 15. Submission fee is $18.50, with an optional $20 add-on for a written review of your video and bio. Submit here.
Funny Under Fifteen Minutes Comedy Film Festival takes place March 26–27, 2027, in Hamilton, New York. Film screenings followed by Q&A sessions, panel discussions, and networking opportunities for filmmakers. Submissions must be 15 minutes or less in duration. Early bird submissions run through June 8 ($15), with subsequent deadlines continuing until February 14, 2027. Submit here.
Laugh After Dark ComedyFest runs October 26–28, 2026, in Las Vegas, NV. Now in its fourth year, the festival features stand-up, indie films, and red carpet events celebrating comedy culture in the heart of Vegas. Submission deadline: June 30, 2026, with tiered fees starting at $29 and increasing to $59 for last-chance submissions. Submit here.
Secret City Improv Comedy Festival takes place October 8–10, 2026 in Oak Ridge, Tennessee at the Historic Grove Theater. The festival accepts all improv styles (solo acts, teams, musical, short-form, long-form, etc.) and has no submission fee. Submission deadline is June 14, 2026 (11:59 PM), with decisions sent by June 30, 2026. Submit here.
Mountain Fresh Comedy Festival runs October 8–10, 2026, across the Colorado Mountains. A clean-comedy event from the creator of the Vail Comedy Festival, it features top national talent, mentorship opportunities, and stunning venues during peak leaf season. Submissions are $25 and close June 30, 2026. Submit here.
Colorado Queer Comedy Festival takes place October 1–4, 2026, in Denver (we think…no city listed!) and highlights LGBTQIA+ comedians from Colorado and across the globe through a weekend of stand-up showcases. The festival aims to amplify queer voices and create more opportunities for LGBTQ+ performers on stage. Submissions are open January 1–June 30, 2026, with a final submission deadline of June 30, 2026. The submission fee is $20, with need-based waivers available by contacting the organizers. Performer selections will be announced August 1, 2026, and selected comics are typically given two sets, with pay structured at $10 per minute of performance time. Submit here.
Ha Ha Harvest Comedy Festival takes place October 2–4, 2026, in Jersey City and Hoboken, New Jersey, featuring stand-up comedians and independently produced shows, with opportunities to perform, host, and collaborate in a grassroots festival environment. Submissions require a 5–7 minute performance clip, headshot, and completed application, with options to submit as both a comic and show producer. Regular submissions run April 1–June 30 ($25), late submissions run July 1–July 31 ($35), and extended submissions run August 1–August 7 ($45). Submission deadline: August 7, 2026. Submit here.
July 2026 Deadlines
Tower City Comedy Festival takes place January 28–30, 2027, in downtown Paris, Texas. Featuring 15+ shows and over 100 comics, podcasters, and performers, the festival offers stage time, panels, clinics, networking, and perks like meals, a hospitality suite, professional photos, and industry access. Submission deadlines: Early (March 31, 2026 – $25), Regular (July 31, 2026 – $35), Late (August 31, 2026 – $45). Comics must submit a video clip (at least 5 minutes). Notifications go out November 1, 2026. Submit here.
Dyen for Laughs Comedy Competition runs October 10–11, 2026, in Palm Springs, CA at The Rock Gallery Comedy Club. The live stand-up competition features comedians performing in front of industry judges for a chance to win $5,000 in cash prizes. Submission deadlines: Early Bird ($20) March 1–April 1, Standard ($35) April 2–July 1, and Late ($45) July 2–August 1, 2026. Applicants must submit a 5-minute video, short bio, and Venmo handle with their application. Submit here.
PunchlineKang Comedy Festival takes place August 4–6, 2026, in Orlando, Florida, featuring a multi-round stand-up competition where comedians perform across preliminary rounds and finals, with finalists selected by judges and audience vote. The winner receives prizes including paid bookings and a complimentary 6-day, 5-night Carnival Cruise performance opportunity. Submissions require a 3–5 minute performance video, headshot, and completed registration form. Early Bird registration runs April 11–May 31 ($35) and general registration runs June 1–July 10 ($50). Submission deadline: July 10, 2026. Submit here.
Unclear or Much-Later-On Deadlines
Free Comedy Special Filming (The Little Room) in Merrillville, Indiana offers comedians (focused on clean material) free professional taping and footage. Reach out to Patrick Ken Barry on Facebook if interested.
Shelter Cove Comedy Festival takes place August 7–9, 2026 in Shelter Cove, California. No submission fee is required, and lodging is encouraged at the Inn of the Lost Coast, with the main venue listed as Mario’s Marina Bar. Submit here.
DEAD MIC COMEDY presents KILL IT LIVE takes place August 1, 2026 in Altoona, Pennsylvania at Funky Claude’s. The show is selecting 25 comedians from video submissions (no bucket pulls), with a 3-minute set for all comics and the top 3 returning for 5 minutes. Prizes include a NYC headlining showcase spot + $200 for 1st place. No submission deadline mentioned. Submit here.
Trailhead Comedy Festival runs October 8–10 in Summit County, Colorado. Comedian submissions are open for the festival, a three-day event spanning three towns and built around community, strong crowds, and great comedy. Submit here.
Atlanta Comedy Film Festival runs January 22–24, 2027, in Atlanta, GA, at 7 Stages Theatre. Now in its 8th year, the filmmaker-first festival showcases comedy in all its forms through screenings, screenplay competitions, panels, workshops, and networking. The festival accepts short and feature-length comedy films, including stand-up, sketch, animated, dark comedy, horror comedy, mockumentary, series/episodic projects, comedy music videos, and LGBTQ+ comedy, as well as short and feature screenplays. Early bird submission deadline: January 30, 2026; final deadline: December 31, 2026. Submit here.