2026 lookout comedy competition
competition dates
friday, may 22 - sunday, may 24, 2026
All-Show Passes Now On Sale!
Click to purchase your pass today!
Competition Rundown
24 competitors total
20 available spots from online submissions.
4 spots reserved for audience favorites at the Comedy Catch open mic WILDCARD QUALIFIER on Wednesday, May 20.
Competition judging/scoring:
Progression of rounds will be determined by a panel of nonpartial, industry judges and audience vote.
Weighting of scoring breakdown:
Judge panel evaluation - 70%
Audience vote - 30%
Competition Schedule:
Wednesday, May 20: Local Comics Wildcard Qualifier
1 show at the Comedy Catch - 7:00 PM
4 comics advance to preliminaries
Friday, May 22: Preliminaries
2 shows at the Comedy Catch - 7:00 and 9:15
8 comics from each show advance to the next round
Saturday, May 23: Semifinals
2 shows at the Comedy Catch - 7:00 and 9:15
3 comics from each show advance to the next round
Sunday, May 24: Finals
1 show at the Comedy Catch - 6:00 PM* (time may be adjusted, TBA)
3 total winners - 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place
Prizes:
1st place - $1000
2nd place - $300
3rd place - $200
All cash prizes paid by The Comedy Catch!
1st, 2nd, and 3rd place winners will automatically get a spot as a featured comic in the 2026 Lookout Comedy Festival (Oct. 14-17).
All comics who are admitted to 2026 Lookout Comedy Competition have application fees waived for 2026 Lookout Comedy Festival.
apply for the 2026 lookout comedy festival!
Mark your calendars - the Lookout Comedy Festival is BACK AGAIN October 14-17 at the Comedy Catch, JJ’s Bohemia, Cherry Street Tavern, Barlery, and more!
Applications open April 8-June 30! Announcement of accepted comics in early-mid July.
WHAT TO SUBMIT:
1) Your best 5-minute stand-up video (should be 5 continuous minutes; no "best of"/cuts or edits or longer sets, please)
2) Application fee (EARLY: April 8-30 - $25; REGULAR: May 1-31 - $30; LATE: June 1-30 - $35)
3) All info required in the application questionnaire
LOOKOUT COMEDY FESTIVAL 2026 PERFORMER PERKS
- At least two (2) 8-minute spots
- $100 stipend
- Panels with industry members (agents, bookers, headliners)
- Free headshots
- Opportunities for booked work at The Comedy Catch + other clubs
- Local meetups and hangouts/afterparties
- All shows within walking distance in Southside Downtown Chattanooga
...and more!
Current Festival Show Schedule Rundown:
Wednesday, October 14
7:00 Show at The Comedy Catch (Headliner TBA)
9:00 Show at JJs Bohemia (Headliner TBA)
11:00 One-Minute Lightning Round Show
Thursday, October 15
7:00 Show at The Comedy Catch (Headliner TBA)
9:00 Showcase at Cherry St Tavern
Friday, October 16
7:00 and 9:15 Shows at The Comedy Catch (Headliner TBA)
8:00 Don't Tell Show at TBA (Southside Chattanooga)
Saturday, October 17
5:00 Improv vs. Stand-up Show (feat. Improv Chattanooga) at Barlery
7:00 and 9:15 Shows at The Comedy Catch (Headliner TBA)
?:00 Show at JJ's Bohemia (Headliner TBA)
QUESTIONS?
Email lookoutcomedyfest@gmail.com and someone will be happy to help!
Sponsors
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