2027 Comic
Submissions ARE LIVE!

August 1st - Submissions Open

November 15th - Submissions Close

January 10th, 2027 - All Comics Notified

March 18th-20th, 2027 - Raleigh Comedy Festival

Feature Comic Submission - $25
Local (NC) Comic Submission - $0

if Selected
you will get...

  • 2 Spots

  • Professional Headshots

    by 8-Bit Photography

  • Networking
    opportunities

    with 2027 Industry Reps

  • Free FooD & Drinks

  • Discounted Lodging

  • AfterParties

  • Free T-shirt & swag

  • Workshops &
    Industry Q&A

Ready to Submit?

What we’re looking for...

Your best, unedited 5-minute tape.

You don't need to start at the beginning of your set — we just want to see your best, funniest, most polished set, in front of a live audience.

Videos can be shorter or longer than 5, but our judges will only watch 5.

Broken/private links will be disqualified without refund. Links must be active through February 2027.

Ready to Submit?

2027 Comic
Submissions

feature comic
submission

— $25 —

Submit

local comic
submission

Live in NC? Great news! This free submission category is a way for us to better celebrate and highlight homegrown talent.

— $0 —

Submit

Frequently Asked Questions

  • 2 sets over 3 days, with opportunities for more.

  • We aim for 8-10 minute sets.

  • While the festival will have a roaming videographer, sets will not be recorded. You are welcome to film your own sets.

  • We will notify all comics that submit whether they were accepted or not.

  • We have a panel of anonymous, impartial, third-party judges. They watch and grade every video based on a standardized and objective rubric.

    They will be looking at a combination of joke quality, stage presence, audience response, and professionalism.

  • If you’re local, you’re welcome to apply to both Feature and Local submissions.

    If you’re accepted as both a Feature and Local, we’ll give you the option of either.

    Locals that only apply as a Feature, but are not selected, will automatically be considered for Local Submissions.

  • We goofed! Free tees are back on the menu this year for featured performers.

  • “This fest fucking rules!” - Good Cop, Rad Cop (RCF 2025 Headliners)

Have any questions?