SUBMISSIONS FOR THE 2026 JERSEY CITY COMEDY FESTIVAL STAND UP COMPETITION NOW OPEN!
Jersey City Comedy Festival Dates June 9–13, 2026

DIRECTIONS FOR HOW TO SUBMIT:
Submit your video link + application below for the opportunity to be selected for the 2026 Jersey City Comedy Festival.

You must be available JUNE 11, 12*, 13*, 2026 in Jersey City, NJ. [*If you are coming in from out of the region, please be available JUNE 12 & 13 - although we encourage you to see the other showcases to connect and network with other comics]

SUBMISSION DETAILS:
Comics must submit an entire single set with a minimum of 5 minutes. The recording must be unedited, starting from the moment the comic walks on stage until the set is fully completed. Highlights, selected jokes, or “best-of” reels are not allowed. 
Important: Submissions that don’t meet these requirements will be disqualified and fees are non-refundable.

SHOWCASE DETAILS:
Selected comedians perform 4 minutes on June 11 or 12 (7:00 PM – 10:00 PM) for industry judges and live audiences.

Two comics advance per showcase (1 Audience Pick + 1 Industry Pick) to perform 6 minutes in the Best of the Fest finale on Saturday, June 13 (8:00 PM – 9:30 PM).

Two winners, an Audience Pick and an Industry Pick, will be crowned Best of the Fest and receive $500 each in cash prizes plus performance spots at clubs!

NEW THIS YEAR:
2 wildcard comics will be selected to perform in the Best of the Fest finale on June 13.  [announced at the end of Fri June 12 showcase]

All finalists receive a $100 stipend.

All out-of-town comedians (flying in or driving 3+ hours) who do not advance to the finals receive a guest spot at The Laugh Tour Comedy Club on Saturday June 13.

LAST YEAR’S PRIZES INCLUDED:
- Paid spots at The Laugh Tour Comedy Club (NJ)
- Overall Industry Pick received a spot at West Side Comedy Club (NYC)
- Overall Industry Pick and Audience Pick received $500 each, plus spots on:
- Don’t Tell Comedy headliner showcase (NJ)
- Manhattan Comedy School showcase
- End of the Line @ QED Astoria

STAND UP COMEDY SUBMISSION DEADLINES + FEES:
DEC 15 - DEC 31, 2025 | Early Submission: $10
JAN 1 - JAN 31, 2026 | General Submission: $20
FEB 1 - FEB 28, 2026| Late Submissions: $30
MAR 1 - MAR 31, 2026 | Burn The Light: $40

JERSEY CITY COMICS*
DEC 16, 2025 - MAR 31, 2026 | $10 fee *with proof of Jersey City residency
[if you live in NJ but NOT in the city of Jersey City, you are NOT eligible]