SO WHAT'S THIS I HEAR ABOUT A FESTIVAL?
The prestigious 16th annual SLO Comedy Festival is set to unfold in San Luis Obispo, CA, February 26 - March 1, 2026. This exciting event will bring together comedians from all corners of the world to connect, enjoy themselves, and display their incredible talents.

WHAT'S THE DEAL WITH SUBMISSIONS?
We invite submissions from all comedians interested in participating in this year's festival. We're seeking established professionals, hardcore road dawgs, and emerging talents who are new to the scene. The aim of this festival is to unite exceptional comics and provide a fantastic opportunity. A committee panel will evaluate and choose the selected candidates. Comedians from across the globe are welcome to apply for a chance to be part of the SLO Comedy Festival lineup.

WILL ACCOMMODATION BE PROVIDED?
Well, kind of. You will have to arrange your own accommodation at your own expense. However, you will be given a room voucher valued at $150. The festival will cover the initial $150 of your hotel expenses. These vouchers can be combined but cannot be exchanged for cash. This means that if two comedians opt to share a room, the first $300 of your hotel charges will be covered.

I LOVE TO EAT, WILL FOOD AND DRINK BE PROVIDED?
Absolutely! Food and drinks will be available throughout the weekend. Additionally, we’ve set up discounts at all the venues for food, so if our selections aren’t quite what you’re looking for, you can still enjoy meals at a 10-25% discount at our fantastic venues. Just show your "Comedian Pass" to enjoy these offers. Every year, we strive to provide the best experience for all comedians!

MY MOM THINKS I'M FUNNY, HOW DO I SUBMIT?
To submit your entry for the festival, simply fill out the submission form and attach a YouTube or Vimeo link to a video that is 5 minutes long. DO NOT SUBMIT A PASSWORD PROTECTED VIDEO. It can be a compilation of your best moments rather than a single set, minimal edits are best. If you have any club recommendations, feel free to include them. After completing the submission form, make sure to finalize your entry by making a payment through PayPal.

DO YOU BOOK ANY COMEDIANS FOR THE FESTIVAL?
YES, we book a few comedians. We kindly ask that you refrain from inquiring about reserved spots, they have already been allocated. The simplest way to join the "Funny 40" is by completing a submission form.

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I HAVE A SIGNIFICANT PRESENCE ON SOCIAL MEDIA, DOES THAT INCREASE MY CHANCES?

Absolutely not. Our focus is solely on discovering the best comedians. Metrics such as views, likes, or followers will have no impact on our selection process whatsoever.

CAN I DO THE FESTIVAL MULTIPLE YEARS?
Yes, but due to overwhelming interest, there are restrictions. If you took the stage last year, you'll need to take a break for one year before reapplying. For those who have performed multiple times (two or more), a two-year hiatus is required between appearances. Our aim is to showcase as many fresh talents as possible each year. Remember, just because you’ve been selected in the past doesn’t guarantee a spot this time around. Each year is a brand new opportunity!

I HAVE A KILLER 77 MINUTE VIDEO, CAN I SEND A LINK OF THAT?
ABSOLUTELY, the only thing is, we’ll only be checking out the first 5 minutes of the video. After that, we’ll move on to the next one. It’s a good idea to kick things off with you right away. No need for the M.C. to take a whole minute introducing you since we’re only doing a quick 5-minute review.

HOW MUCH WILL THIS SET ME BACK?
Sept. 12 - Sept. 30, 2025  .......  $30  (Eager Beaver)
Oct. 1 - Oct. 31, 2025  .............  $35  (ON IT!)
Nov. 1 - Nov. 30, 2025  ...........  $40  (Dilly-Dallying)
Dec. 1 - Dec. 31, 2025  ............  $45  (Procrastination)
Jan. 1 - Jan 7, 2026  .................  $50  (REALLY!?!?)

CAN I PAY YOU IN GOATS?
All U.S. and international submissions must be paid in full with US Dollars, US DOLLARS ONLY!!!

WHEN IS THE CUTOFF?
The festival submission deadline is 11:59PM Sunday, January 7, 2026.

WHAT ARE MY CHANCES OF BEING CHOSEN TO PARTICIPATE?
Participation odds are contingent upon the total number of eligible submissions received.

I ALREADY KNOW I MADE THE CUT, WHEN WILL EVERYONE ELSE FIND OUT?
The line up for the festival will be announced on January 20, 2026. Only comedians that made the festival line-up will be notified by email.

WHAT IF YOU DON’T PICK ME? I WANT MY MONEY BACK JACK!
All submission fees are nonrefundable. Work on your video, and resubmit for next year.

I DIDN'T MAKE THE "FUNNY 40", CAN I STILL HANG OUT WITH EVERYONE?
Definitely! We’re excited to announce a showcase for all comedians who didn’t make it into the "Funny 40." If you submitted to the festival, you’re invited to perform in the SLOcase and Poisoned (limited spots available). We can’t wait to see you at all the shows and after parties! Just make sure to confirm with us by February 7, 2026.

DO I GET FULL ENTRY INTO ALL THE SHOWS?
Well, sort of. When you check in, every comedian gets a PASS. This lets you join any show as long as there’s room. Just keep in mind, TICKET HOLDERS HAVE PRIORITY!​