Let’s rip the Band-Aid off: some comedy festivals are legit, career-changing opportunities. Others are glorified open mics with a $65 application fee and a lineup that reads like a Facebook friend suggestion page. The difference? Everything. And if you don’t know what to look for, you’ll waste your money, your time, and your hope.

At Broken Drift, we’ve been producing Big Pine Comedy Festival since 2016—and we’ve also attended, partnered with, and reviewed dozens of other fests. So believe us when we say: you deserve more than a “goodie bag” and a six-minute spot for your submission fee. A good festival gives you access—to club owners, agents, managers, industry panels, and other comics who are actually working. It offers education, networking, and replays—not just a photo of you standing under a banner that says “Fest.”

Ask these questions before you apply:

Who is attending? (And are they people you want to work with?)

What shows are curated vs random bar fillers?

Are there workshops, panels, or legit networking events?

Are industry and bookers actually present—or just mentioned in passing?

Do past participants say it helped their career—or was it just “fun”?

A great festival will respect your time and talent. It’ll provide feedback, community, and a sense of actual momentum. A cash grab will send you a generic rejection letter and never think of you again. Don’t just chase festivals. Chase the right ones. Ask around. Do your research. And if you’re still unsure—email someone who’s been.

Your comedy is your business. Don’t spend your business budget on a festival that wouldn’t even remember your name without the submission fee.