Comedy festivals, stand-up contests, auditions and calls for comics, and awards, month by month: when each one runs, when entries open and close, what it costs to enter, and its own site. The United States first, then Canada, Scotland, England, Wales, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, the Netherlands, Germany and India.
64 of 64: festivals, contests, auditions and awards, month by month.
The next twelve months: when each event runs, and the days entries open and close. A line marked On is running into that month from the one before. A name opens its card, with what it is, the cost to enter and its own site.
Birmingham, England
An independent city-wide comedy festival, running since 2001, that mixes West Midlands talent with well-known acts; 2026 is its 25th anniversary edition. Its Breaking Talent Award, made with The Glee Club Birmingham since 2014, is by invitation, with acts from the region nominated by comedians, promoters and comedy professionals.
Also given here: Breaking Talent Award
In SUCDb: Eden Voss →
London, England
Over 300 acts compete in heats at the Museum of Comedy for the title of New Comedian of the Year and a £1,000 prize, with the final in the Main House at Leicester Square Theatre. Open to non-professional acts performing for five years or less, with five minutes of material each.
Berlin, Germany
The Quatsch Comedy Club's monthly newcomer competition in Berlin, started in 2003 as the Talentschmiede: up to eight comedians get six minutes each and the audience's applause decides who goes through. Once a year the favourites meet in a final in Berlin before an expert jury, including founder Thomas Hermanns, for the title Hot Shot des Jahres.
Seattle, WA
Emerald City Comedy Club's yearly contest to name Seattle's Funniest Person, run in semi-final rounds and a finals night at the club on Broadway East.
New York, NY
New York Comedy Club's invitational comedy competition, held since 2015, featuring the club's favorite up-and-coming comics at its Midtown room on East 24th Street.
Perth, Western Australia, Australia
Perth's open-access summer fringe festival, running for nearly four weeks across January and February; the 2026 festival brought together 2,700 artists in more than 600 events. Anyone from anywhere can register a show.
Breckenridge, CO
Three nights of comedy in high-altitude Colorado towns: Gypsum on Thursday, Breckenridge on Friday and Georgetown on Saturday, with comics from around the country and late-night television headliners. It is run by the team behind the Vail Comedy Festival.
Newport, RI
A twice-yearly stand-up festival in Newport, Rhode Island, running since 2015 and featuring nationally touring comedians and rising talent. The fall edition plays Stoneacre Garden, Newport Craft Brewing, the Newport Pickleball Club and the Jane Pickens Theater.
In SUCDb: Eeland Stribling → Fumi Abe → Janet McNamara →
New York, NY
Cost to enter $25 to 8 October; $30 on 9 and 10 October
Laughing Buddha Comedy's stand-up competition for non-professional comics at The Buddha Room in Midtown Manhattan; every submission is guaranteed a spot to compete. The winner receives $1,500, 10 show guest spots at various clubs and is passed as a comic at LBC; second place $300, third $200.
Amsterdam, Netherlands
The Netherlands' long-running festival-competition for cabaret and kleinkunst in the broadest sense, from stand-up-style cabaret to spoken word and Dutch theatre song, now in its 40th edition. Three finalists compete for the AKF Sonneveldprijs, the AKF Publieksprijs and the AKF Shaffy Cheque (2,500 euros), then tour theatres across the country.
Brighton, England
Brighton's open-access arts festival, running for a month across May and June, with comedy among its many strands. Acts register their own shows.
London, England
Comedy Bloomers' competition for emerging LGBTQ+ stand-ups, now in its fifth year, with heats in London, Edinburgh and Manchester and semi-finals in London. Finalists compete at The Comedy Store for a £1,000 cash prize and a professionally filmed final released on YouTube.
Montclair, NJ
A week of comedy in Montclair, New Jersey, now in its second year, with acts chosen by a selection committee of comedians, producers and community members. Tickets go on sale in October, sold per show.
Cologne, Germany
Germany's big autumn comedy festival in Cologne: 20 days, more than 150 shows in over 30 locations, with stand-up, solo and mixed shows, podcasts, readings, cinema and a family programme. The 1LIVE Comedy-Nacht XXL arena shows are among its highlights.
Galway, Ireland
Billed as Ireland's largest comedy festival, a week of Irish and international comics across Galway's theatres and rooms each October.
Las Vegas, NV
Three days of stand-up, comedy films, live tapings and industry events in Las Vegas, now in its fifth year, with showcases at L.A. Comedy Club at The STRAT and screenings in the Arts District. Every show is filmed live.
Dublin, Ireland
A stand-up competition run by the Dublin International Comedy Film Festival, with heats at Molly's Bar on Francis Street in Dublin 8 and tickets at 5 euros. The October heat is billed as a spooky fancy-dress night with a trip to the USA on offer.
Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
Billed as the biggest arts festival in the Southern Hemisphere, five weeks across Adelaide each February and March, with comedy among its strands. Acts register their own events, from seasoned pros to first-timers.
Burlington, VT
Cost to enter $30
Vermont Comedy Club's yearly contest for comics living in Vermont, with new judges in each round and cash and prizes for the winner. Comedians perform to big crowds and are seen by industry judges.
Miami, FL
Cost to enter $25 until 31 August, $35 from 1 September to 31 October
A nonprofit festival celebrating Miami's comedy scene, pairing local comics with national talent across venues in the city; 2027 is its third edition. The 2026 festival ran 14 shows at 12 venues over three days.
Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
A week of comedy across Winnipeg each spring, built around themed, televised Mega Shows; the 2026 edition, its 25th anniversary, ran 30-plus shows in nine venues with 85 comics.
Vail, CO
Cost to enter $25 at first, then $30 in November, $35 in December, $40 in January and $45 in February
A Memorial Day weekend festival in Vail Village with more than 20 events across stand-up, comedy film (FILM@Vail Comedy Festival) and street magic, within a short walk of the covered bridge. Accepted comedians receive help with lodging and several showcase spots.
In SUCDb: Casey Balsham → Robby Slowik → Tom Thakkar →
New York, NY
Ten days of stand-up across New York's five boroughs: the 2026 festival lists more than 100 shows and 200 comedians, in rooms from Madison Square Garden and the Beacon Theatre to Town Hall and Kings Theatre.
In SUCDb: Dave Chappelle → Hasan Minhaj → Jon Stewart →
Boston, MA
A week of stand-up in Boston built around a national stand-up competition: 96 comedians compete in eight preliminary rounds for 32 semi-final spots and $7,000 in prize money — $5,000 for first place, $1,000 for second, and $500 each for third and fourth — with the final at the Somerville Theatre.
In SUCDb: Joe List → Liz Glazer → Nate Bargatze →
St. Louis, MO
A comedy festival across St. Louis venues featuring stand-up, improv, sketch and variety shows, with Just for Laughs showcases and industry panels. Four-day badges are on sale, with single-show tickets following the full lineup announcement.
Greenville, SC
The Southeast's longest-running comedy festival, bringing stand-up, sketch, improv and variety acts to Greenville, South Carolina. The 13th annual edition is one big weekend with 16 shows and 7 workshops.
Raleigh, NC
Cost to enter $25 for feature comics; free for North Carolina comics
Three nights and more than 20 shows of up-and-coming comics in Raleigh, North Carolina, with industry representatives attending. North Carolina comics submit free of charge.
Glasgow, Scotland
Cost to enter £47 to £222 by venue capacity (2027 fees subject to change)
Cost to enter £27 to £93 by venue capacity (2027 fees subject to change)
Scotland's big spring comedy festival, filling Glasgow's theatres, arenas and bars for nearly three weeks each March. Stand-up solo shows sit alongside mixed bills, improv, musical comedy and a festival gala, and the festival is open to acts who register their own shows.
In SUCDb: Chris Forbes → Daniel Sloss → Susie McCabe →
Bridgewater, VT
Four days of live comedy in central Vermont across Woodstock, Killington and Bridgewater, home of The Woolen Mill Comedy Club, with industry networking, workshops and a 1 Minute Stand Up Battle. Timed as a kickoff to the holiday season, with Rachel Feinstein headlining on 4 December 2026.
In SUCDb: Rachel Feinstein →
London, England
The UK's showcase for emerging musical comedy acts: 40 acts are picked from video entries for six heats at the Phoenix in Oxford Circus, ending in a ten-act final at the Bloomsbury Theatre. The 2027 winner receives £500, with £250 for the audience favourite and £200 for the Best Newcomer.
In SUCDb: Mae Martin →
Leiden, Netherlands
A platform for young cabaret and comedy talent since 1978, organised by the Leidse Schouwburg – Stadsgehoorzaal, with professional directors working with the participants. From 2027 the jury prize winner receives the Gouden Geit, and the three finalists go on a tour of about 40 theatres across the Netherlands.
Twentynine Palms, CA
A two-day desert festival at The Palms in Wonder Valley mixing stand-up, sketch, drag, improv, music, film and theatre, now in its third year. Selected performers receive a stipend.
San Francisco, CA
San Francisco's month-long comedy festival, founded in 2001, mixing national headliners, local favourites and up-and-coming groups in sketch, improv, stand-up and alternative comedy, along with tributes and panel discussions. The 2027 lineup is due to be announced in November.
Brighton, England
Komedia Brighton's new act award, run with Comic Boom Comedy Club and arts journalist Victoria Nangle, for stand-ups gigging for under three years. The winner becomes Komedia New Act of the Year and receives a framed certificate, an award and a spot at Comic Boom Comedy Club.
Paris, TX
Three nights and 15-plus shows in downtown Paris, Texas, bringing in more than 100 comics and podcasters for showcases, headliner shows, panels and clinics. Traditions include an annual Roast Battle and a comedians' "Hysterical Tour" of the town.
In SUCDb: Eddie Ifft → Jerry Wayne Longmire →
Hamburg, Germany
Hamburg's comedy competition for soloists, duos and trios in comedy, stand-up, Kabarett and musical comedy, played across ten cultural centres with 45-minute sets in the main round. Seven finalists compete at Schmidts TIVOLI for 6,000 euros in prize money, with the top three places decided by the audience and a separate 500-euro jury prize.
Temecula, CA
Cost to enter $35 to 15 October 2026; $45 from 16 October to 30 November 2026; $55 from 1 December 2026 to 31 January 2027
A four-day spring festival in the Temecula Valley wine country with showcases, a comedian competition with cash prizes, and a "Stand Up For Autism" night that raises funds for a local autism nonprofit. 2027 is its third annual edition.
Las Vegas, NV
A competition festival with live satellite rounds at partner comedy clubs and a Main Event in Las Vegas. A top-three finish at a satellite guarantees a place in the Top 101 of the Main Event.
Utrecht, Netherlands
Billed as the biggest comedy festival in the Benelux, twelve days of comedy across Utrecht, with the Big Binge of Comedy among its highlights. It also runs talent awards for new comics in both languages.
Harford County, MD
A week of comedy shows spotlighting Harford County, Maryland, in its event spaces, restaurants and breweries, for seasoned and new comedians alike. 2027 is the festival's second year.
Atlanta, GA
A festival in Atlanta's historic West End featuring more than 50 comics from around the country at Wild Heaven Garden Club, Wild Heaven Lounge and Plywood Place. Selected comics get two to three shows, and one receives the $500 Best of West Award.
Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
A comedy festival launched in 1987 by Barry Humphries and Peter Cook that runs for three and a half weeks each autumn around Melbourne Town Hall. Its Pinder Prize, honouring co-founder John Pinder, takes an act to the Edinburgh Festival Fringe to play Assembly; the 2026 recipient was Lizzy Hoo with Says Hoo?
Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
Sydney's autumn comedy festival, running for five weeks across venues in the city and suburbs, with shows touring regional New South Wales and beyond.
Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
Brisbane's autumn comedy festival, presented by Brisbane Powerhouse and running for five weeks. The 2026 festival was its biggest yet, with more than 93,000 attendees.
Perth, Western Australia, Australia
Perth's autumn comedy festival, running for four weeks from mid-April into May.
New Zealand
New Zealand's award for emerging comedians, presented by the New Zealand Comedy Trust and named for Billy T James; 2027 marks its 30th year. The five 2027 nominees each perform a one-hour solo show during the festival, and the winner takes home the yellow towel and $5,000 towards professional development.
New Zealand
New Zealand's international comedy festival, three and a half weeks of shows each autumn, closing with the Last Laughs Awards Gala, where the Billy T Award nominees give their final performances.
Cape Town, South Africa
Cape Town's winter comedy festival at the Baxter Theatre, a month of South African comics and international variety acts on one stage, running since 1997. The winner of its talent search, the Jive Funny Championship, joins the bill.
Edinburgh, Scotland
A three-week festival of the performing arts held in Edinburgh each August, with comedy among its many shows. It began in 1947, when eight theatre groups arrived uninvited to perform alongside the Edinburgh International Festival; 2027 is its 80th edition.
In SUCDb: Chris Forbes → Elf Lyons → Jamie Wolf → Kate Dolan → Mark Nelson → Sam Eley → Shane Torres →
Seattle, WA
The Comedy Underground's Seattle competition, sister to the San Francisco Stand-Up Comedy Competition, now in its 46th year.
San Francisco, CA
The Comedy Underground's long-running judged competition across San Francisco and the Bay Area: 32 comics, 20 shows, one champion.
Chicago, IL
A week of stand-up showcases, live podcasts, panels and honors in Chicago, founded by Knowledge Beckom and Lil Rel Howery to spotlight Black and Brown comedians. Its Icon Award went to Bill Bellamy in 2026, after Mary Lindsey (2024) and Bob Sumner (2025).
In SUCDb: Bill Bellamy →
Edinburgh, Scotland
Edinburgh Fringe awards begun in 2005 to celebrate anything-goes comic originality in Malcolm Hardee's spirit, with prizes for Comic Originality, the Cunning Stunt and the Act That Should Make a Million Quid; organised by British Comedy Guide with Malcolm's family since 2019. 2026 winners: Yogie Belle (Comic Originality), Zoe Wohlfeld (Cunning Stunt) and Kate Smurthwaite (Million Quid).
Edinburgh, Scotland
Awards for comedy at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, established in 1981, with three prizes: the Audible Best Comedy Show, the Taffner Family Best Newcomer and the Audible Panel Prize. The 2026 winners were Chris Cantrill (Best Comedy Show, Rewilding), Marty Gleeson (Best Newcomer, Dog Ear) and One Joke by Liebenspiel (Benjamin Alborough and Ellie BW), Jonathan Oldfield and Lorna Rose Treen (Panel Prize).
Also given here: Audible Panel Prize
In SUCDb: Chris Cantrill →
Edinburgh, Scotland
Volunteer-run Edinburgh Fringe comedy awards, first held in 2023, with a panel that sees eligible shows and the sponsorship going to the winners. 2026 winners: Harriet Dyer and Paul Foot (Best Show), Sam Eley is Basil Crumbwick (Best Newcomer), the five nominees jointly for the panel prize, Josie Shipp and Tim Lewis (Tech) and Matthew Gallagher (Joke of the Fringe).
Edinburgh, Scotland
Edinburgh Fringe prizes chosen by the performers themselves: comedy shows at the Fringe vote, with no judging panel. Founded by comedian Barry Ferns in 2014; the 2026 winners were Kate Dolan (Best Show, Trout), Marty Gleeson (Best Newcomer) and Claire McCluskey, head of production at Monkey Barrel Comedy (Best Person).
In SUCDb: Kate Dolan →
Edinburgh, Scotland
Gilded Balloon's new stand-up competition, created in 1988, with regional showcases from spring, heats at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe and a Grand Final in August. The winner receives a cash prize, a paid Fringe run at Gilded Balloon, a paid Latitude slot and further festival and club opportunities.
In SUCDb: Aisling Bea → Joshua Khoury → Peter Kay → Tommy Tiernan →
Edinburgh, Scotland
Chortle's annual stand-up contest for students, with heats around the UK and a final at the Edinburgh Fringe; the 2026 final was at the Pleasance. Eva Peroni won in 2026, the first Scottish act to take the title, with Adam Ernest Pickard runner-up.
In SUCDb: Eva Peroni →
Jamestown, NY
The National Comedy Center's annual festival in Lucille Ball's hometown of Jamestown, New York, with over 50 live events.
In SUCDb: Bert Kreischer → Jerry Seinfeld → Seth Meyers →
Machynlleth, Wales
A weekend comedy festival in the mid-Wales town of Machynlleth each May, with stand-up alongside comedy in Welsh, music, theatre and kids' shows.
Mumbai, India
Billed as India's first all-headliners comedy festival: one stage, fourteen comics across two evenings at Dome SVP Stadium, Mumbai.
Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
The Melbourne International Comedy Festival's national open-mic competition: five minutes of original material in a heat near you, with the best reaching the National Grand Final during the festival. The national winner receives a trip to the Edinburgh Fringe to compete in So You Think You're Funny?
In SUCDb: Joshua Khoury →
Bath, England
Bath's spring comedy festival, running for around four weeks across the city's theatres and rooms, with year-round seasons in between. Its New Act Competition runs heats and a judged Grand Final, with paid gigs for the winner.
United Kingdom
The BBC's nationwide search for new stand-up talent, with regional heats and a televised final; the winner receives a paid commission to write and perform a 30-minute audio pilot, a trophy and prize money. The 2025 final was filmed at the Alhambra Theatre in Bradford; the BBC's pages list no 2026 series yet.
Each festival, contest, audition and award here was read on its own official site, or its organiser's: the dates, the place, the entry window and its cost are the event's own. A line marked Next is the next edition the site gives; On now is running today; Last is the latest edition the site gives, while the next one waits for its dates. Entries open and Entries close are the window for comics to enter, apply or submit; a fee is shown only where the event states one. An award given at a festival is listed with it.
A comedian is linked to an event when the event's own pages name them, or when a story names them together. Their records are in SUCDb, the stories are on Stand-Up Comedy in the News, and the nights near you are on the Comedy Calendar.