Comedy Jobs and Festival Submissions
June Deadlines
Milwaukee Comedy Festival takes place October 5–11, 2026, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and accepts submissions for stand-up, one-person shows, alternative comedy acts, and musical comedy. The festival features performers from across the country at venues throughout Milwaukee. Submission fee: $25 standard (through June 7), $40 late submissions (June 14). Submission deadline: June 14, 2026. Submit here.
Woodstock Film Festival takes place October 14–18, 2026, in Woodstock, Saugerties, and Kingston, New York, and is an Academy Award®-qualifying festival for Short Narrative, Short Documentary, and Short Animation films. Named one of MovieMaker Magazine's Top 50 Film Festivals Worth the Entry Fee, the festival showcases independent films from around the world and features filmmaker Q&As, panels, live music, and extensive networking opportunities. In 2025, the festival welcomed more than 9,000 attendees and more than 90% of participating directors attended in person. Submission deadline: June 12, 2026. Notification date: September 5, 2026. Submit here.
INDIE-pendence Day Fest '26 takes place July 4, 2026, in New York City, New York, at The PIT and is one of the longest-running indie improv festivals in the city. The festival highlights independent improv teams from around the world and includes special guest performances, improv jams, and a community barbecue picnic for participants. Open to both new and established teams, the festival has a history of showcasing groups that have gone on to successful runs at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, Off-Broadway productions, and other major comedy events. Teams may request 10-, 15-, or 20-minute performance slots, and professional theater technicians are available. Submissions require a team description, performance preferences, and payment of the festival submission fee. Submission fee: $30. Submission deadline: June 13, 2026, at 5:00 PM ET. 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.
Let’s Fest Comedy Festival takes place September 3–6, 2026, in Indianapolis, Indiana, featuring stand-up performances in the Fountain Square neighborhood with opportunities for both emerging and experienced comedians to showcase their work. Selected comedians receive at least two feature spots, payment for performances, reimbursement of their submission fee, and a one-night hotel stay. Submissions require a completed application and payment via PayPal or Venmo. Submission fees are $25 through May 30 and $30 from June 1–June 15 (non-refundable). Submission deadline: June 15, 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 $30 and close June 15, 2026. Submit here.
The Heat International Improv Comedy Festival takes place January 26–31, 2027, in Vancouver, British Columbia, bringing together improvisers from around the world for performances, workshops, and collaborative shows. The festival is seeking both small headlining troupes and individual performers for its new Festival Ensemble, which includes coaching, workshop access, multiple performance opportunities, complimentary show tickets, and a $100 CAD honorarium. Performers are responsible for their own travel and accommodations. Application fee: $15 CAD (Festival Ensemble applicants). Submission deadline: June 15, 2026 for headlining troupes and July 6, 2026 for Festival Ensemble applicants. Submit here.
San Francisco Improv Festival takes place August 12–16, 2026, in San Francisco, California, at Silk Road Bar near Union Square. The festival celebrates long-form improvisation and community, with all selected groups guaranteed a 30-minute performance slot. Performers also receive festival bracelets for unsold seats, drink specials at the venue bar, and early workshop sign-up opportunities. Submission fee: $45. Submission deadline: June 20, 2026. Notification date: Early July 2026. Submit here.
Empire Comedy Classic takes place July 12–September 5, 2026, in Portland, Maine, and features a multi-round competition with cash prizes, guest spots, and opening opportunities for national acts. Comics are judged on writing, delivery, stage presence, and crowd reaction. No submission fee. Submission deadline: June 15, 2026. Lineup announced: June 22, 2026. Submit here.
Diablo Improv Festival takes place October 16–18, 2026, in Walnut Creek, California, at the Lesher Center for the Arts. The festival features improv performances, workshops, parties, jams, and networking opportunities, bringing together improvisers of all experience levels from across the region and beyond. Performance applicants must submit a 10–15 minute video of their group performing in front of an audience, and selected groups should be prepared to perform a 25-minute set. Submission deadline: June 22, 2026. Submit here.
Asheville Comedy Festival takes place August 6–8, 2026, in Asheville, North Carolina, marking the festival’s 18th annual event. The non-competitive stand-up comedy festival features packed showcase performances attended by entertainment industry professionals, along with workshops, panels, networking opportunities, and community activities open to all comedians — even those not selected to perform. Organizers emphasize showcasing performers in front of industry guests without overlapping showcase schedules. Submission videos should be 5–8 minutes in length, and accepted performers will be announced June 30, 2026. Submission fee: $45. Submission deadline: June 22, 2026. Submit here.
Keep It Clean Komedy Fest – Connecticut Edition takes place July 25, 2026, in Connecticut (exact venue and city TBA), and is dedicated exclusively to clean comedy, showcasing comedians who can perform strong material without profanity or vulgar content. The inaugural festival welcomes submissions from comics across the country and offers two audition options: submitting a 3–5 minute video set or performing a 3–5 minute set live via Zoom. Selected comedians will be notified on June 30, 2026, and will join a lineup celebrating family-friendly and clean stand-up comedy. Submissions require a completed application and either a video link or Zoom audition request. Submission fee: Free to apply; selected comedians must pay a $35 nonrefundable participation fee due July 1, 2026. Submission deadline: June 23, 2026. Submit here.
Greater Manchester Fringe (GM Fringe) takes place July 1–31, 2026, across Greater Manchester, UK, featuring a wide range of performances including stand-up comedy, theatre, music, and more as part of a month-long arts festival. Performers have the opportunity to stage their own shows, reach diverse audiences, and be part of one of the UK’s largest fringe festivals. Submissions require registering a show through Eventotron, including securing a venue and performance dates. Submission deadlines: May 15, 2026 (brochure inclusion) and final deadline June 25, 2026 (web listings only). Submit here.
Nottingham Comedy Festival takes place October 30–November 8, 2026, in Nottingham, UK, featuring a wide range of performances including stand-up, sketch, improv, drag, podcasts, music, and more across multiple venues. Performers have the opportunity to stage their own shows, reach new audiences, and be included in festival programming and promotion. Submissions require a completed application with show details and a confirmed venue, along with a £45 registration fee (plus £30 per additional performance), non-refundable. Submission deadline: June 26, 2026. Submit here.
Short Com International Comedy Film and Animation Festival takes place September 25, 2026–August 2027 (screenings across London and other locations in the UK/Europe), featuring comedy short films and animations from around the world, with opportunities for filmmakers to showcase work at a BAFTA- and BIFA-qualifying festival and compete for multiple awards. Selected participants receive festival screenings, industry exposure, and potential career support through the Short Com network. Submissions require a completed FilmFreeway application and applicable entry fees based on deadline tier. Submission deadlines: Early (Dec 19, 2025), Regular (May 22, 2026), Late (June 26, 2026), and Final (July 10, 2026). Submit here.
Eyes Up Here Comedy Festival returns July 22, July 24, and July 25, 2026, across Jersey City and Morristown, New Jersey, with a finale competition on August 8, 2026, at Dojo Comedy Club. Each competition night advances the top two comedians to the finals, where comics compete for cash prizes and festival recognition. Submissions require a 5-minute YouTube set (no compilations and no videos over 7 minutes). Comics with questions can contact [email protected] for more information. Submission fee: $15. Submission deadline: June 28, 2026. Submit here.
Out of Bounds Comedy Festival takes place November 5–8, 2026, in Austin, Texas, featuring improv, sketch, stand-up, clown, and variety performances with a strong emphasis on collaboration and community among performers. Selected acts receive two performance slots for improv/sketch (25–35 minutes), stand-up showcase spots (5–10 minutes), and opportunities to connect with other comedians and industry peers. Submissions require a completed application and applicable materials, with fees based on group size: $15/$35 (Early: May 1–May 31) and $25/$45 (Regular: June 1–June 30), with fee waivers available upon request. Submission deadline: June 30, 2026. 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.
Latina Comedy Festival takes place October 1–3, 2026, in Chicago, Illinois, featuring Latina comedians from around the world performing in English, Spanish, and Spanglish across multiple showcases and festival events. Selected performers receive at least two showcase performances, access to networking opportunities, comedian workshops, festival after parties, professional photo/video footage, and complimentary snacks and drinks. The festival is open to stand-up and stand-up musical comedians at all career stages, with priority given to Latina, Latinx, Latine, Afro-Latina/x/e, and Hispanic performers. Submission fee: $35. Submission deadline: June 30, 2026. Submit here.
Lookout Comedy Festival takes place October 14–17, 2026, in Chattanooga, Tennessee, featuring stand-up performances across multiple venues with opportunities for emerging comedians to perform, network with industry professionals, and gain booked work at local clubs. Selected comedians receive at least two 8-minute spots, a $100 stipend, free headshots, and access to panels and festival events. Submissions require a 5-minute unedited stand-up video, completed application, and an application fee: $35 (June 1–30), all non-refundable. Submission deadline: 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.
Austin Comedy Film Festival takes place September 26, 2026, in Austin, Texas, featuring comedy films, stand-up, sketches, and screenplays from creators around the world, with opportunities for filmmakers and comedians to showcase their work in a theatrical setting and compete for a wide range of awards. Selected participants gain screenings, award consideration across multiple comedy categories, and industry exposure. Submissions require a completed FilmFreeway application and applicable entry fees depending on category and deadline tier. Submission deadlines: Rolling tiers ending with a final deadline of June 30, 2026. Submit here.
Seattle SketchFest takes place September 24–27, 2026, in Seattle, Washington, celebrating over 25 years as one of the country’s longest-running sketch comedy festivals. The festival features sketch groups from the Pacific Northwest, across the U.S., and internationally, with performances held at the Unexpected Productions Market Theater. Selected groups receive 10-, 15-, or 25-minute performance slots depending on availability and festival programming. Submissions require a 7–12 minute live performance video, group information, tech needs, and promotional materials. Submissions run April 1–June 30, 2026. Submission fee is sliding scale. Submission deadline: June 30, 2026. Submit here.
Portland Comedy Film Festival takes place September 21, 2026, in Portland, Oregon, featuring comedy films, stand-up, sketches, and screenplays showcased in a theatrical setting with opportunities for creators to gain exposure and compete for a wide range of awards. Selected participants receive screenings, award consideration across multiple comedy categories, and access to a network of filmmakers and industry professionals. Submissions require a completed FilmFreeway application and applicable entry fees based on submission tier. Submission deadlines: Multiple tiers ending with a final deadline of June 30, 2026. 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.
New South Comedy Festival takes place November 11–15, 2026, in Greenville, South Carolina, and is the longest-running comedy festival in the Southeast. The festival features stand-up, sketch, improv, and variety acts, bringing hundreds of performers together for one comedy-packed weekend. Accepted performers receive free admission to all festival shows, a catered Saturday lunch, comedy jams, after-parties, and discounts on workshops led by veteran comedians. Submission fee: $35 (early bird pricing available through June 20). Submission deadline: June 30, 2026. Notification date: Early August 2026. Submit here.
Oakland Comedy Festival takes place October 15–17, 2026, in Oakland, California, featuring stand-up and other comedy performances with opportunities for comedians to showcase their work across festival lineups. Selected performers are guaranteed at least one show (with potential for more) and exposure to festival audiences. Submissions require a completed application and a 5-minute performance clip, with a non-refundable fee of $15 (April 1–May 31) or $25 (June 1–July 1). Submission deadline: July 1, 2026. Submit here.
Red Rocks Improv Festival takes place September 17–19, 2026, in Cedar City, Utah, bringing improvisers from across the country together for a weekend of performances and community. Accepted groups receive free admission to festival shows, access to special events including parties, meet-ups, and adventures, plus snacks and beverages throughout the weekend. Performance slots are 25 minutes per group. Submission fee: $30. Submission deadline: July 1, 2026. Submit here.
Black Women in Comedy Laff Fest takes place February 24–28, 2027, in New York City (specific venues were not listed), and is seeking Black women comedians, including LGBTQ+ performers. Selected comics will perform on three showcases, attend four workshops, and Best of the Fest winners will perform on closing night and be invited back as a featured performer for the 2028 festival. Comics must submit a 5-minute clear and audible set plus a headshot. Submission fee: $30 non-refundable. Submission deadline: July 1, 2026. Notifications: August 1, 2026. Submit here.
Clown Days Festival (The PIT) takes place June 28–29, 2026, in New York City, New York, featuring a two-day showcase of clowning performances including short-form acts and full-length shows, with opportunities for performers to be part of curated blocks or headline their own set. Selected performers gain stage time in a variety of formats and inclusion in a new festival highlighting NYC’s clown scene. Submissions require a completed application detailing the act, experience, and technical needs, with no submission or participation fee. Submission deadline: Not specified (says “apply soon”). Submit here.
Baltimore Comedy Festival takes place September 2–6, 2026, in Baltimore, Maryland, featuring six days of live stand-up comedy showcases with 75–100 comedians performing at multiple venues throughout the city. Selected comedians perform alongside comics from around the country as part of the festival’s 10th annual event. Submissions require a minimum 4-minute stand-up clip, plus a headshot and full stage name, submitted via email with an unlocked video link. Submission fee: Free. No listed deadline. Submit by emailing [email protected]. Information on Facebook here.
Heartland Comedy Cup takes place throughout 2026–2027 in Norfolk, Nebraska, featuring a year-long stand-up competition with monthly qualifying rounds held on the first Wednesday of each month through February 2027. Up to 12 comedians perform a 7-minute set at each qualifier, with winners advancing to the championship for a chance to win $10,000. Additional perks include opportunities to open for touring headliners and a free edited video of each performance. Submission fee: None. Ongoing applications accepted while spots remain available. Contact organizers Justin Stephens or Carl Jameson for consideration.
June Fee Increases
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.
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.
Funny Is Female Comedy Festival takes place October 22–25, 2026, in Oak Park, Illinois, at Comedy Plex Comedy Club. The festival showcases female comedians from around the country and features multiple performance opportunities across the weekend. Comics can submit for clean, dirty, or musical sets. Submission fee: $40 regular (through June 30), $55 late (through August 1). Submission deadline: August 1, 2026. Submit here.
Denver Sketch Festival takes place October 8–10, 2026, in Denver, Colorado, featuring live sketch comedy performances and video sketches from across North America, along with festival events and parties. Selected performers have the opportunity to showcase live sketch shows or video sketches and be part of a curated lineup at RISE Comedy. Submissions require a completed application and applicable materials for live or video sketch work. Submission fee: $35 (Regular: June 1–June 30), and $40 (Late: July 1–July 19), with video sketch submissions at $20 (included if submitting live), all non-refundable. Submission deadline: July 19, 2026. Submit here.
First Coast Comedy Festival takes place November 12–14, 2026, in Atlantic Beach, Florida, just north of Jacksonville Beach. The festival features stand-up, improv, and sketch comedy, with beach parties, networking opportunities, gift bags, and professional 4-camera recordings of every performance provided to performers for future use. Stand-up acts receive approximately 10-minute sets, while improv and sketch groups receive approximately 20-minute slots. Submission fee: $35 ($30 through June 29 with code STILLEARLY). Submission deadline: July 27, 2026. Notification date: August 24, 2026. Submit here.
July 2026 Deadlines
St. Marks Comedy Club is accepting submissions for its 2nd Annual Comedy Competition in New York City. Comics can submit a five-minute set, with selected performers competing live beginning July 22 for $3,000 in prizes and a full year of spots at the New York club. Submission fee: $20. Submission deadline: July 3, 2026. Submit here.
Vatos Locos Comedy Festival 2026 takes place September 23–26, 2026, across Denver, Longmont, and Greeley, Colorado, featuring stand-up comedy showcases presented by Side Splitting Entertainment. Comics interested in performing must submit a tape via email to [email protected] and send the submission fee through Venmo. The festival notes that the submission fee will not increase, though no additional details about performer perks or compensation were listed. Submission fee: $20. Submission deadline: July 4.
Comedy Prize at Prize Fest takes place October 14–18, 2026, in Downtown Shreveport, Louisiana, as part of the larger multi-event Prize Fest celebration. Finalist comedians perform live at Comedy Prize on October 15 and receive a two-night hotel stay, VIP festival passes with free food and drinks, networking opportunities with industry judges, and $500 to perform. The competition winner receives an additional $2,500 cash prize. Submissions require a 5–7 minute comedy set performed in front of a live audience, along with a bio, headshot, and comedian profile materials. Comics with questions can contact Comedian Liaison Chris Lyon at [email protected]. Submission fee: not listed. Submission deadline: July 7, 2026. Submit here.
PIT Fringe Festival takes place July 11–12, 2026, in New York City, New York, at The PIT, showcasing solo, theater, comedy, and variety acts preparing for the Edinburgh Fringe and other festival runs. Performers may submit short sets ranging from 5–20 minutes or full hour-long productions, with performances staged across multiple venues of varying sizes and technical capabilities. The festival is designed as a launchpad for developing and testing fringe material in front of live audiences before larger festival appearances. Submissions require a completed application describing the act, performance experience, and technical needs. Submission fee: Free. Submission deadline: Rolling submissions accepted, with applications potentially considered up to the week of the festival if space remains available. Submit here.
World Cup of Comedy takes place June 12–July 9, 2026, across venues in New Jersey and Jersey City, featuring a World Cup-style stand-up comedy tournament inspired by the FIFA World Cup. Thirty-two comedians compete in head-to-head, three-minute knockout matches, with audience applause determining who advances and a professional comedian panel serving as tiebreakers. Qualifier rounds are held throughout June and early July, culminating in a finals showcase at the 300-seat JDW Theater inside Liberty Science Center. Prizes include $500 and a 6th Borough Comedy residency through the end of 2026 for first place, $100 and professional headshots for second place, and $50 plus a prize package for third place. Finalists also receive access to a catered green room during the championship event. Submissions require a headshot, bio, and availability for both the finals on July 9 and at least one qualifying round. Submission fee: $25. Submission deadline: Submissions close once all 32 tournament spots have been filled and paid for. 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.
Big Sky Comedy Festival takes place October 6–11, 2026, in Billings, Montana, bringing together 24 comedians for more than 10 shows across the city. Selected comics compete in the festival’s signature team-based competition, with the top eight advancing to the grand finale at the Alberta Bair Theater. The festival also provides direct access to industry professionals including managers, agents, club bookers, cruise line bookers, college bookers, and TV bookers. Selected comedians receive accommodations, local transportation, food, and activities during the festival (airfare not included). Submission fee: $35. Submission deadline: July 15, 2026. Submit here.
The Rule of Three Comedy Competition takes place August 22, 2026, at The Meteor in Windsor, Ontario, where six comedians compete for a $500 cash prize across three rounds: one-liners, off-the-cuff riffing/crowd work, and storytelling. Unlike traditional comedy competitions, winners are determined by randomly selected audience judges, not industry panels, and the competition is not a bringer show. Organizers are looking for comics with strong writing, stage presence, crowd work ability, and storytelling skills. Applicants must submit a live audience set of 10 minutes or less featuring original material. Submission deadline: July 15, 2026. Prize: $500 cash to the winner. Submit here.
IF Cincy takes place October 15–17, 2026, in Cincinnati, Ohio, and is the city's first and only national improv festival. The festival showcases improv acts from around the country and is looking for dynamic, original performers with strong ensemble play and a distinct point of view. Performance sets typically run 20–25 minutes, with workshops held on Saturday. Submission fee: $20. Submission deadline: July 15, 2026. Notification date: August 1, 2026. Submit here.
Cleveland Comedy Festival takes place September 30–October 3, 2026, in Cleveland, Ohio, celebrating local and independent comedy with multiple showcases each night featuring a mix of emerging performers, regional favorites, and national headliners. The festival welcomes comedians of all experience levels and backgrounds, with opportunities to perform alongside diverse voices from across the comedy scene. Organizers are also open to considering live podcast recordings and special tapings during the festival. Submissions require a 5–7 minute continuous stand-up video in front of a live audience and a completed application. Submission fee: $25. Submission deadline: July 25, 2026. Submit here.
Helena Comedy Festival takes place November 12–14, 2026, in Helena, Montana, showcasing stand-up comedians from across the country. Selected performers receive three 10-minute sets throughout the festival weekend, perform at unique venues across downtown Helena, connect with comics from around the country, and receive HD footage of their performances when available. Organizers review every submission and notify all applicants of their status by August 31, 2026. Submission fee: $35. Submission deadline: July 31, 2026. Submit here.
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 (May 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.
August 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.
St. Pete Improv Festival takes place September 10–12, 2026, in St. Petersburg, Florida, at Spitfire Comedy House. The festival is seeking 23 improv teams from across the country and offers a weekend of performances, workshops, networking, and community-building. Selected performers have the opportunity to teach workshops, connect with improvisers nationwide, and perform at one of the Tampa Bay area's most established comedy venues. Teams selected for the festival will have about a month to prepare for travel, and Spitfire has arranged discounted hotel rates through Hotel 1888. Applicants should note that requesting a specific performance date does not guarantee placement on that date; accepted teams will receive a final performance schedule after selection. Submission fee: $15. Submission deadline: August 3, 2026. Submit here.
Boston Comedy Festival Comedy Contest takes place November 10–14, 2026, in Boston, Cambridge, and Somerville, Massachusetts, featuring 72 comedians competing through preliminary, semifinal, and final rounds for a $7,000 prize pool. The long-running festival has helped launch comedians including Nate Bargatze, Marc Normand, Joe List, and Learnmore Jonasi, and performances take place at venues including City Winery, The Comedy Studio, The Rockwell, and Somerville Theatre. Submissions require a short bio and an unedited 5–7 minute performance video. Prize money: $5,000 for first place, $1,000 for second place, and $500 for third and fourth place. Submission fee: $35 ($45 for late submissions after August 1). Submission deadline: August 1, 2026 (late submissions accepted through August 15). Submit here.
Crooked Mouth Comedy Festival takes place October 15–18, 2026, in Endicott, New York, at Crooked Mouth Brewing, featuring more than 30 comedians from across the region alongside five festival headliners. The four-day festival includes multiple showcase performances, headliner events, and a Sunday brunch finale, providing selected comedians with opportunities to perform in front of comedy fans from throughout New York’s Southern Tier. Submissions require a completed application, headshot, bio, and a performance video under five minutes in length. Submission fee: $20. Submission deadline: August 1, 2026. Submit here.
World Series of Comedy takes place throughout 2026 across various cities in the United States and Canada, culminating in a national “Main Event” festival in August/September, featuring stand-up competitions, industry panels, networking events, and booking opportunities with club owners and managers. Selected comedians compete in satellite contests with the chance to advance to the Main Event, where top performers can earn paid work opportunities, industry exposure, and a potential recording deal. Submissions require creating an account and submitting a performance video for review. Submission deadlines: Rolling across satellite events, with an overall deadline around August 16, 2026 (varies by location). 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.
September Deadlines
Seattle International Comedy Competition takes place November 2026 across multiple venues in Western Washington (Seattle area), featuring a four-week stand-up competition with preliminaries, semifinals, and finals, bringing together 32 comedians from around the world. Selected comedians perform in at least one full week of shows, with the opportunity to advance through multiple rounds and compete for a $15,000+ prize pool (including $5,000 for first place), while gaining industry exposure and networking opportunities. Submissions require a completed application, a 5–10 minute continuous performance video, and a short comedy bio, along with a $25 non-refundable application fee. Submission deadline: September 6, 2026. Submit here.
New York City Short Comedy Film Festival takes place November 8, 2026, in New York City, New York, and is dedicated exclusively to comedy short films. The festival accepts comedy films 20 minutes or less and sketch comedy videos 5 minutes or less, with awards including Best Picture, Best Director, Best Cinematography, Best Actor, Best Actress, and Best Script. Selected filmmakers receive a complimentary festival pass, though travel and lodging are not provided. Submission deadline: August 31, 2026. Notification date: September 15, 2026. Submit here.
Unclear, Much Later, and Rolling Deadlines + Opportunities
Steel City Arts Foundation Grants are rolling grants for stand-up comedians pursuing comedy as a primary career. Applicants must be 18+, have performed stand-up at least 50 times, and have at least one year of comedy experience. Grants range from $200–$1,000 and require a 5+ minute stand-up video submission. No application fee. Applications accepted on a rolling basis. Apply here.
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.
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.
LA Comedy Film Festival takes place December 3–6, 2026, in Los Angeles, California, and accepts comedy submissions in a variety of categories, including feature films, short films, TV pilots, web series, sketch comedy, animated shorts, music videos, and short shorts. Selected projects screen as part of the festival and may receive exposure to industry professionals. Submissions must include an online screener link and all entries must be in English or subtitled/dubbed in English. Submission fee: starting at $65 (fees increase by deadline tier). Final submission deadline: October 16, 2026. Notification date: October 28, 2026. Submit here.
Cookies & Comedy Film Festival takes place March 13, 2027, at the Harris Theater in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, showcasing comedy short films from around the world alongside live stand-up comedy, filmmaker Q&As, networking opportunities, and plenty of cookies. The festival packed the house in 2026 with more than 40 comedy films and is returning for another day of screenings and live entertainment. Films must be primarily comedy, completed on or after January 1, 2025, and 20 minutes or less in length. Submission deadline: December 31, 2026. Schedule announcement: January 14, 2027. Submit here.