Question 1

Who can submit?

Accepted Answer

This year's Albuquerque Funny Fiesta will specifically showcase comedic performers from New Mexico (or the sovereign nations in the area) or with a strong tie to New Mexico (e.g. you've lived here before). We consider "comedic performers" to be stand-up comedians, improvisers, sketch writers, humorous drag acts, humorous magic acts, humorous burlesque, humorous musicians and humorous poets. If you don't see your discipline listed here, don't self-reject! We love to be surprised by new and innovative humorous arts. Please note: our primary focus will be on individual stand-up comedians, then established improv and sketch teams, individual variety acts, and fully developed, proven show concepts that allow stage time for multiple performers.

Question 2

Is it necessary to submit, or will I be considered without submitting?

Accepted Answer

If you would like to be considered for this year's Funny Fiesta, you will need to submit through the form on this page. The only exception to this rule was Marc Maron, our festival headliner. Please submit! We'd love the chance to have you perform. Submitting the form on this page is the only way to submit.

Question 3

When is the last day to submit?

Accepted Answer

Submissions will close on December 7th, 2026 at 11:59 PM.

Question 4

What does it cost to submit?

Accepted Answer

Submissions this year are free.

Question 5

What do I need in order to submit?

Accepted Answer

To submit to the 2026 Albuquerque Funny Fiesta, you will be asked to provide your name, zip code, demographic information, T-shirt size, a headshot or publicity image, and a brief bio or description of your show/team. 
If submitting a stand-up performance, please provide a link to a 3-5 minute tape. Tapes must be of one continuous set. Please do not include different sets cut together.

Question 6

If submitting a live performance of any other kind (dance, improv, sketch, etc.)

Accepted Answer

please provide a 3-5 minute sample of the performance. If you do not have a video sample, you can use a video describing the concept. This can be as simple as you talking about the project or a sample of similar work you have done. Please note that videos showing the content of the show are preferred over videos in which the concept is simply described.

Question 7

If submitting a full show or a team act

Accepted Answer

please provide a 3-5 minute tape of the show in question, of your team performing together, or a video that otherwise gives us an idea of what you'll be doing/what the show will consist of.  If you do not have a video sample, you can use a video describing the concept. This can be as simple as you talking about the project or a sample of similar work you have done. Please note that videos showing the content of the show are preferred over videos in which the concept is simply described.

Question 8

What should I do if I want to be accepted?

Accepted Answer

1. Be funny! 2. Submit! That's pretty much it. Our panel of reviewers will judge submissions based on originality, writing, stage presence, and professionalism.

Please note: This year, there are fewer spots for performers, so admission to the fest will be more competitive. Send us your best! As always, any comedians can sign up for our festival open mics, regardless of whether you were accepted to the festival, so there will still be ways for locals to participate if you are not accepted to the fest.

Comedy, like all art, is subjective, so if you are not accepted to the festival, it doesn't mean that you're not funny. It just means that for whatever reason, you were not a fit for this year's festival. Don't forget to triple check your submission before you send. (It always pains us when we have to reject someone because they didn't follow directions.) Unfortunately, we are not able to provide individual feedback on submissions.

Question 9

When will I be notified that I've made it into the festival?

Accepted Answer

Festival decisions will be sent out by mid January 2026.

MARCH 2-8, 2026

SUBMISSIONS ARE NOW CLOSED!

Frequently asked questions