ImprovFestivals.orgBlue Whale Comedy Festival
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Dates | August 20-23, 2026 |
| Location | Tulsa, OK, USA |
| Founded | 2014 |
| Formats | Stand-up, sketch, long-form improv, short-form improv, musical sketch, video sketch |
| Organizer | Guthrie Green |
| Website | bluewhalecomedyfestival.com |
| @bluewhalecomedyfest | |
| Blue Whale Comedy Festival |
Overview
Blue Whale Comedy Festival, branded as "Oklahoma's #1 Comedy Festival," is a multi-day district-wide festival in the Tulsa Arts District. Founded in 2014 by Guthrie Green, the festival's mission is to put Tulsa on the national comedy map by networking local Oklahoma talent with established national performers. Over its 10+ year history, it has brought more than 200 comedy acts to Tulsa, with past headliners including Hannibal Buress, David Cross, Tig Notaro, Nikki Glaser, Eric Andre, Nate Bargatze, and Reggie Watts.
The festival spans multiple venues including Cain's Ballroom as the main stage for headliners. It explicitly welcomes long-form and short-form improv teams alongside stand-up, sketch, and musical acts. The 2024 edition featured over 20 shows across seven venues and drew a record 230+ submissions from across North America, with improv troupes from Nashville, Dallas, and New York. Guthrie Green also programs year-round comedy through the Blue Whale Nights monthly series at LowDown.
Submissions
Early bird submissions ($20) open February 1, with standard ($35) through April 15 and late ($50) through April 30. Sketch and improv acts perform 20-25 minute sets. Acceptances are announced in late June. Apply at bluewhalecomedyfestival.com/comic-submissions.