LBC Summer Fest (August 10th - August 30th, 2026)

LBC Summer Fest is a new talent stand-up comedy competition that will take place between Monday, August 10th, and Sunday, August 30th, 2026. More than $2,000 in cash prizes; the winner receives $1,500, 10 show guest spots, and is automatically passed as a comic at LBC. Summer Fest will be held at The Buddha Room in Midtown Manhattan (Next to MSG); you must be available for your designated show date and time. Switching a show date or slot will not be permitted.

• $20 submission fee (includes free video of your set in the preliminary round); everyone is accepted into Summer Fest.
• All sales are final. No refunds or exchanges are permitted.

Who Can Apply

• Submission is only open to non-professional comedians, defined as anyone who does not make a living from performing stand-up. If you are a club regular getting paid, you would not be eligible.  If you have any questions about your status, please notify us before you submit at festival@laughingbuddhacomedy.com .
• You must be 16 or over to participate. Anyone under 21 is required to have a parent or guardian present at each performance.
• 1st place winners from any of our festivals are ineligible to submit.

Submission Tape

• You may only submit one application and video. Multiple submissions will not be considered.
• Your tape should be no more than 5 minutes in length. It can be longer, but only the first 5 minutes will be considered.
• Your tape must start at the beginning of your set when you take the stage. Any tape that does not start at the top of your set will not be considered.
• No edits, cuts, or montages.
• Video and audio must be clear and should show you from the front. It does not matter which venue your tape was recorded at.
• Your tape must be uploaded to a non-password-protected link (i.e., YouTube, Vimeo, Dropbox, etc.) Do not send your tape via Google Drive or iCloud.
• Once we receive your submission, there are NO REFUNDS, CREDITS, OR EXCHANGES.
• SUBMISSION GUARANTEES YOU A PLACE IN THE FESTIVAL.
• You will be notified of your Summer Fest Preliminary Round date & time by August 1st, 2026.