ImprovFestivals.orgBay Area Musical Improv Festival
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Dates | October 22-25, 2026 |
| Edition | 3rd |
| Location | Oakland, California |
| Venue | All Out Comedy Theater |
| Language | English |
| Organizer | Bay Area Musical Improv (501(c)(3) nonprofit) |
| Website | bayareamusicalimprov.com |
| BayAreaMusicalImprovFestival | |
| @bayareamusicalimprov |
Overview
The Bay Area Musical Improv Festival is a four-day festival dedicated entirely to musical improv, bringing together performers from the San Francisco Bay Area and across the country. The volunteer-run nonprofit festival features eight shows, seven workshops taught by visiting musical improv teachers, and community events including an Opening Pizza Party, a Closing Party with live-band improvised karaoke, and the "Jam & Bread" - a free event that's part potluck, part mixer, part jam with a live band.
The festival is held at All Out Comedy Theater in Oakland's Uptown district, a 90-seat venue a short walk from the 19th Street Oakland BART station. The 2025 edition drew over 700 audience members across 25 acts featuring 117 performers, with seven sold-out workshops. Performers have traveled from Chicago, Honolulu, Los Angeles, Portland, Seattle, and beyond. The festival is the successor to the West Coast Musical Improv Festival (2015-2019) and launched in 2024.
Submissions
Applications are open for performers and workshop teachers, with a deadline of June 1, 2026. The application fee is $25, with waivers available upon request. Applications must include an unedited performance video (at least 10 minutes) uploaded to YouTube or Vimeo. Each application is reviewed by at least two of four festival producers.
Acceptance notifications are expected by June 14, 2026, with a 10-day window to confirm attendance. All performers receive a festival pass for free entry to all shows, contingent on space availability. Teams needing a local musical director/accompanist can arrange one for $60, which includes a 30-minute rehearsal.
Mixer Team applications (for individuals without a team) open July 1 and close August 1, 2026. Teacher applications follow the same June 1 deadline, with preference given to those also performing.