What comics like about our festival
Transparent Selection process
Your submission videos will be viewed live on a server in the first two rounds of our National Comedy Contest, 24 comedians will advance to the festival. All comedians will get your score/feedback on your tape for our expect judges immediately after the contest rounds are completed.
Spots, Spots, Spots, Spots
Everyone who advances through National Comedy Contest gets at least Four (4) quality festival spots. In the contest, you'll perform at a minimum one time on both the main stage and our legendary comedy room in front of full crowds for the contest, those are 5-7 minute spots. The other 3 or more spots will be 10 minute spots or other fun opportunities like roasts, improv, and headliner shows more!
Networking & Industry
You can strengthen your network with your peers from across North America, you can also network with the headliners, WE BRING IN A LOT OF HEADLINERS! Last year we were able to bring in comedy bookers, this year we expect to have even more bookers, as well as representation, and other important industry contacts (more Industry presence is a big focus for us in 2025) So you can expect to be seen by industry and bookers all weekend. We had early success stories including headlining gigs booked, comics getting first spots at The Comedy Cellar, a full week of bookings at Standup NY, Cruise Ship audition, headlining weekend at The Riot Comedy Club, and that's just a few cool opportunities we know about.... so far.
Accommodations, Food, Beverage, Rides, & Swag
While you do have to get yourself to Houston ... We got it from there. Our teams top priority is to take care of our comedians. We will get you to and from airport, checked in at the hotel, we pay for your hotel! Then get you from hotel to festival grounds. While at the festival we feed you, keep you hydrated with alcohol (and water) and you'll leave with some cool swag bag full of merch and other goodies. Come hungry! You'll have access to our first annual Riot BBQ Cookoff Competition on Saturday, March 28th, 2026. You'll always feel taken care of when you visit The Riot Comedy Club.
High Quality tape of your festival performance(s)
Our cameras are always rolling during the festival. Everyone who makes it through our contest will be receiving a tape from our 3 x 4K Camera setup on us! You can also purchase your additional sets for a small fee.
We go big!!!
If the you aren't convinced peek over at this 30 foot inflatable astronaut that hovers over the festival grounds. This year we will have BIGGER parties, draw BIGGER crowds, and have a BIGGER industry presence. This festival is a BIG celebration of comedy and we do it right in the middle of Houston's iconic neighborhoods (Montrose)