Comedy Jobs and Festival Submissions

March Deadlines

• Detroit Women of Comedy Festival takes place May 15–16, 2026, in Hamtramck, Michigan. The festival showcases stand-up, improv, sketch, podcasts, and video. Submissions are open February 1–March 15, 2026. Regular fees: Improv/Group $60; Stand-Up/Solo $35; Podcast $35; Video $20. Submission deadline is March 15, 2026 at 11:59pm CT. Submit here.

• Lookout Comedy Competition takes place May 22–24, 2026 in Chattanooga, Tennessee at The Comedy Catch. The competition features 30+ comics across multiple rounds, with prizes of $1,000 (1st), $300 (2nd), and $200 (3rd), plus festival spots for the top finishers. Applications require a 5-minute continuous video and a $15 submission fee. Application window runs February 6–March 15, 2026. Submit here.

• Skankfest takes place November 13–15, 2026 in New Orleans, Louisiana. There is no submission fee, and applicants must submit a 5–8 minute stand-up tape (less than a year old), a high-resolution headshot, and a short bio. The tape link must remain active and publicly viewable through April 1, 2026. Submission deadline is 12pm EST on March 17, 2026, with comics notified by April 15, 2026. Submit here.

• The Elysian’s Spaghetti Festival (Los Angeles) returns Summer 2026, showcasing brand-new, boundary-pushing live performance and comedy. Artists are invited to submit an unproduced “big-swing” idea for a show that will receive a three-month development runway culminating in a world premiere on the Elysian stage. Selected showrunners receive artistic, production, and promotional support, subsidized rehearsal space, creative matchmaking, workshops, professional development, and more. The festival welcomes experimental theater, ensemble-devised work, genre-bending performances, solo or group pieces, and projects from diverse creators — comedy is welcome but not required. Submission deadline is March 20 at 11:59 PM PT (extended). Submit here.

• FunnyFest Comedy Competition (26th Annual) takes place April 9–18, 2026, in Calgary, Alberta (Canada) as part of the long-running FunnyFest Comedy Festival. Selected comedians compete in preliminary rounds (April 9–16), a semi-final on April 17, and a championship final on April 18, performing 5–8 minute sets judged by panels and audience response. The competition offers up to $5,000 in total prizes, including $2,000 for first place plus three paid performance spots in the FunnyFest Comedy Festival (May 28–June 7, 2026). Submission fee: $0. Submission deadline: March 20, 2026. Submit here.

• Columbus Comedy Festival runs August 27–30, 2026, in Columbus, Ohio, and is a multi-venue comedy showcase produced by Columbus Underground, featuring stand-up, sketch, and improv. The festival previously featured more than 150 performers with over 5,500 tickets sold in its inaugural year. Performer submissions are open to stand-up comics via a dedicated application and to improv, sketch, and variety acts through a separate form, with sets ranging from 5 to 60 minutes; applicants must submit a recent 8–10 minute performance clip and are responsible for their own travel and lodging if accepted. The submission window runs January 21–March 21, 2026 (or until the application cap of 500 is reached), with notifications sent on a rolling basis between March 1 and June 30, and the application fee is $15 per submission, which is non-refundable and supports festival operations. Standup submissions here; improv submissions here.

• Rogue Island Comedy Festival runs May 21–24, 2026, in and around Newport, RI. Rhode Island’s premier comedy festival since 2015, the event offers paid spots, optional lodging, swag, food, drinks, and after-parties, with submissions eligible for both Spring Fest and Fall Fest (October). Submission deadline: March 29, 2026. Comics must submit an uncut 5-minute video; headliner-level comics are welcome to apply for featured spots. Submit here.

• High Tide Comedy Festival runs June 5–7, 2026, in Providence, Rhode Island, and surrounding venues, welcoming stand-up, musical comedy, magic/comedy, and improv or sketch troupes. Submissions are open January 1 and close March 31, 2026, with performers notified by April 27. Comics submit a full 5–7 minute set. Submission fees scale over time: $20 through Jan 15; $25 through Jan 30; $30 through Feb 28; $40 through Mar 31. Accepted performers receive three shows of varying lengths, workshops, a work-it-out open mic, networking opportunities, headshots, and inclusion in an online comic directory. Submit here.

• iO Fest 2026 takes place July 23–26, 2026 in Chicago, Illinois (iO Theater) and accepts improv, sketch, stand-up, musical improv, solo shows, and other formats. The submission fee is $30 per act (non-refundable), and each registered performing cast member receives a complimentary weekend pass (not valid for workshops, headliner shows, or shows outside iO Fest Weekend). Invitations to perform will be sent out by late April. Submission deadline: March 31, 2026. Performance video is required for consideration. Submit here.

• Philly Sketchfest takes place June 4–13, 2026 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Submissions are currently open for both sketch acts and short films for the 2026 Sketch Comedy Film Festival. Submission deadline: March 31. Submit here.

• Jersey City Comedy Festival takes place June 9–13, 2026, in Jersey City, New Jersey, with showcases at Art House Productions and The Laugh Tour Comedy Club. Selected comedians perform 4-minute sets for industry judges and live audiences, with two comics from each showcase advancing to the Best of the Fest finale. Finalists compete for $500 cash prizes (Audience Pick and Industry Pick) along with performance opportunities at clubs and showcases. Submissions must include an unedited video of a full stand-up set (minimum 5 minutes) starting from when the comic walks on stage until the set ends. Submissions are $40 from March 1–31, with a final submission deadline of March 31, 2026. Submit here.

• Laugh Riot Comedy & Music Festival takes place July 11–August 29, 2026, in Cincinnati, Ohio, combining stand-up comedy competition shows with live music performances from local bands. 56 comedians (32 rookies and 32 veterans) are selected to compete in weekly preliminary showcases, where 4 rookies and 4 veterans perform each week for audience votes and judges’ scores to advance to the finals. Rookie finals take place August 28, and veteran finals August 29, both headlined by Daniel Van Kirk. Submission fee: $5 (March 7–15), increasing to $10 (March 15–30). Submission deadline: March 30, 2026. Submit here.

• North Carolina Comedy Festival takes place September 23–27, 2026, at The Idiot Box Comedy Club in Greensboro, North Carolina. Established in 2018 and produced by Jennie Stencel, the festival features stand-up showcases, multiple daily open mics, industry chats, after-parties, dinners, professional headshots, giveaways, and alternative shows. Selected comedians typically receive at least two shows, with 2–3 open mics available per day, and club bookers present at most showcases and mics. Submissions are for stand-up performers only. The submission fee is $35 (Venmo @Jen-Stencel), and the submission deadline is March 31, 2026. Submit here.

• Yellow & Co. 4th Annual Comedy Competition takes place May 22–23, 2026, in Mahomet, Illinois over Memorial Day weekend, where 16 comedians compete across preliminary and final rounds for prize money and feature spots. Comedians perform 5–7 minute sets in preliminary rounds with judges and audience voting, with 8 finalists advancing to perform 8–10 minute sets in the finals. Prizes include $400 for first place and $100 for second place, both with feature bookings. Submission fee: $20 (refunded upon participation if selected). Submission deadline: March 31, 2026. Submit here.

• Saratoga Comedy Festival takes place September 11–12, 2026, in Saratoga Springs, New York. The festival showcases stand-up comedians from across the country with multiple themed shows and performance opportunities throughout the weekend. Applicants must submit a short comedian bio and a 5–10 minute continuous stand-up video (YouTube link preferred; public or unlisted) starting from their introduction, with clear audio and lighting. Montage clips and file-sharing links like Dropbox are not accepted. Submissions are $25 from February through March 31 and $30 from April 1 through June 1, with a final submission deadline of June 1, 2026. Submit here.

• Ha Ha Harvest Comedy Festival runs October 2–4, 2026, in Hoboken and Jersey City, New Jersey, bringing a grassroots, DIY comedy festival vibe to multiple venues with stand-up comics and independently produced shows. Performers submit a 5–7 minute performance video, a headshot, and bio, with options to apply as a comic, a show producer, or both; producers may submit stand-up, themed or variety shows, podcasts, and other formats, with lineup approval required. Accepted performers play pro bono (unless a door deal is arranged for producers) and receive a T-shirt, discounted hotel rates, free shows and film screenings, and community perks. Early bird submission fee is $10 (free for comics with a New Jersey address until January 31, 2026) through March 31, the regular fee is $25 from April 1–June 30, the late fee is $35 from July 1–31, and the extended fee is $45 from August 1–7; the final submission deadline is August 7, 2026, with notifications sent on or before August 14, 2026. Submit here.

• Boulder Comedy Festival runs June 23–26, 2026, in Boulder, CO. The festival brings together nationally touring comics featured on Comedy Central, Netflix, and Amazon alongside festival winners and local comedians, with a strong focus on highlighting women and diversity in comedy, all set against Boulder’s outdoor scenery, breweries, and restaurants. Submission deadline: March 2025 (no specific date listed); suggested video length is 5 minutes. Submit here.

• Silicon Valley Pun Competition takes place May 31, 2026, in Sunnyvale, California (Rooster T. Feathers Comedy Club) and features 12 comedians competing in a wordplay-focused stand-up competition. The contest includes four elimination rounds with 4-minute sets, followed by a final round where the four winners perform jokes on a randomly selected topic. Top three performers receive cash prizes, including $100 for first place. Submission fee: free. Submission deadline not specified. Submit here.

April Deadlines

• 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.

• Motor City Comedy Festival takes place September 16–20, 2026 in Detroit, Michigan. Comedians accepted for showcase performances receive at least two showcase spots, festival perks (including workshops, networking events, food, and a festival shirt), and are also offered free lodging. Submissions require a 5-minute unedited clip (no reels, no AI effects, no Google Drive links). Early submissions run February 1–April 1 ($25) and regular submissions run April 2–April 16 ($35). Submit here.

• The Rule of Three – Live Comedy Competition takes place April 25, 2026 in Windsor, Ontario. Comics compete in one night across three rounds: One-Liners (2 minutes, rapid fire), Off-the-Cuff Riffing (live topics revealed on stage), and Storytelling (4 minutes) — for a $500 cash prize. The competition is judged by randomly selected audience members (not a bringer or panel-based show), with the winner determined by cumulative scoring across all three rounds. If selected: no props, no notes or phones, strict time limits (penalties enforced). Submission deadline: April 8. Selected comics will be contacted directly. Submit here.

• 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.

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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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

• 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, and highlights LGBTQIA+ comedians from Colorado and across the globe through a weekend of stand-up showcases produced by Rocky Mountain Equality. 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.

Later-in-2026 Deadlines

• 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.

Unclear Deadlines

• You can submit for the Netflix Comedy Series with Kevin Hart. Submit here.

• 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 now open for the festival, a three-day event spanning three towns and built around community, strong crowds, and great comedy. Submit here.

• Altercation Comedy Fest takes place November 4–7, 2026 in Austin, Texas. Comedians must submit a 5-minute or less live performance clip (YouTube or Vimeo), along with background info. Application fees are non-refundable and limited submission window, with notifications going out in late spring. No submission deadline mentioned :/ Submit here.

• The PIT Roast x Comedy Fight Club takes place in New York, NY, at The PIT NYC. Hosted by Matt Maran, this no-holds-barred roast battle pits two comedians head-to-head, with winners decided by a mix of judges’ scores and audience votes; comedians may apply solo or with a partner and will prepare jokes about each other in advance (undercard: 5 jokes each; main event: 7 jokes each). Submission deadline: not specified (submissions currently open). Submit here.