Comic Submissions

The 2025 submission period for the third annual Whale City Comedy Festival opens Monday March 17th and will remain open till the submission deadline of June 1st.

This Labor Day Weekend, Thurs Aug 28-Sun Aug 31, Whale City Comedy Fest returns to unique venues in and around historic, New Bedford, Massachusetts.

  • The submission board of Whale City Comedy aims to create a diverse line-up of talented and original comedians. To apply, you must submit an uncut video link that is at least five minutes long and can be accessed publicly. Please note that only the first five minutes of your video will be reviewed. Hence, if your best joke is at the end of a ten-minute video, there is no guarantee that it will be seen.

  • All booked comics are paid for their performance(s). Payment varies based on the type of spot and is made electronically within two weeks after the festival.

    Comics also get a festival t-shirt, custom badge and complimentary green room snacks and drinks, invites to after parties and admission to all fest shows as space allows.

    Comics may also be connected with other local and regional show / club bookers.

  • We understand that the cost of lodging can deter exceptionally talented comedians from applying to a festival. That's why we offer lodging to those who need it. We inquire about lodging preferences ahead of time, which helps us accurately gauge the number of traveling comedians we can accommodate. This allows us to accept more traveling comedians who prefer to make their accommodation arrangements. You can find this option on the submission form. Please note that lodging accommodations are only made for comedians traveling from a distance greater than three hours away from SouthCoast, Massachusetts.

  • There is a $30 application fee. Fees are allocated towards paying members of the submission board to diligently review hundreds of submission tapes, often more than once, to narrow the field to select the comics we believe best fit for our audiences. Fees also go towards enhancing your experience at the festival, including green room supplies, food, drinks, festival gear, lodging, and other costs for in-town transportation.

  • The submission period opens March 17, 2025 and ends June 1, 2025. COMICS WILL BE NOTIFIED 1-2 WEEKS AFTER CLOSE OF SUBMISSIONS.

  • Headliners are TBA! Follow us on social media for updates.

2025 Whale City Comedy Fest Submission
$30.00
  • Paid spots

  • Perform alongside national headliners

  • Lodging option

  • Festival tees

Whale City Comedy runs multiple pop up shows each month. Submitting to the festival also means being considered for the many showcases we produce leading up to the festival in 2025.

PLEASE NOTE THAT SUBMISSION TO THIS FESTIVAL DOES NOT GUARANTEE ENTRY.