ImprovFestivals.orgSF Sketchfest
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Dates | January 14 - 31, 2027 |
| Location | San Francisco, CA, USA |
| Language | English |
| Founders | David Owen, Cole Stratton, Janet Varney (2002) |
| Website | sfsketchfest.com |
| SFSketchfest | |
| @sf_sketchfest |
Overview
SF Sketchfest is San Francisco's annual comedy festival, founded in 2002 by David Owen, Cole Stratton, and Janet Varney, three SF State alumni who wanted to showcase Bay Area sketch comedy. From its 2002 debut at the Shelton Theatre with six local sketch groups, it has grown into a multi-week event spanning more than a dozen Bay Area venues, from national headlining acts to local groups.
The festival programs sketch, improv, stand-up, live podcasts, music, tribute shows, reunions, and alternative comedy. Past improv participants include The Groundlings and UCB. The 2027 edition runs January 14 through 31.
Submissions
Applications for SF Sketchfest 2027 are open via the festival's Airtable form. The early bird deadline is August 2, 2026 ($10 fee); the regular deadline is September 2, 2026 ($20 fee). All applicants will be contacted by November 13, 2026. The festival accepts stand-up, improv/sketch groups, solo shows, podcasts, musical comedy, short comedic plays, and alternative comedy acts. Accepted acts receive a stipend.