The submission period is now open. We are looking for comics of all genres interested in showcasing their work in the San Gabriel Valley. Early bird $25 (September 1-October 31, 2026), regular submission $40 (November 1-December 31, 2026), and late submission (January 1-February 28, 2027) $55.
To apply, click here: https://www.theastronautcity.com/store/p/sangabrielvalleycomedyfestivalentry2026-cyzbt
When applying, please use an email address that we can contact you.
About the San Gabriel Valley Comedy Festival
San Gabriel Valley Comedy Festival is a week-long stand-up comedy festival in Arcadia, California featuring comedians from across the United States. Located in the heart of the San Gabriel Valley near Pasadena and Los Angeles, the festival includes live comedy showcases, comedy competitions, industry networking opportunities, and special events for comedy fans. It is produced and hosted at Astronaut City.
In its inaugural year, the festival featured nearly 80 comedians and welcomed hundreds of audience members, establishing a strong foundation of energy, enthusiasm, and local support. The second year built on that momentum, delivering just as much joy, discovery, and connection while continuing to grow the festival’s reach and reputation. Beyond the shows themselves, the San Gabriel Valley Comedy Festival serves as a valuable networking opportunity for comedians, producers, and industry professionals, fostering collaboration and community both on and off stage.
Many San Gabriel Valley Comedy Festival alumni have gone on to accomplish amazing milestones with their comedy careers while also establishing a relationship with Astronaut City Comedy Club, which was voted the best comedy club in Arcadia. This relationship has resulted in headlining, hosting opportunities, show bookings, and appearances at the Netflix Is a Joke festival.
The San Gabriel Valley Comedy Festival was created to help comedians build their careers. Here are some of the comics who have gone on to produce shows, headline festivals, perform in Netflix Is A Joke programming, and grow their audiences after participating.
SAN GABRIEL VALLEY COMEDY FESTIVAL ALUMNI:
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Deja Fabro
Deja Fabro was named Best of the Fest at the 2026 San Gabriel Valley Comedy Festival. She runs the popular Thursday night mic, THAT’S SHOWBIZ BABY, at Astronaut City, and produces a monthly show at the venue.
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Corinna Yee
Corinna Yee competed in the 2025 San Gabriel Valley Comedy Festival, and she has since went on to perform regularly at Astronaut City. Recently, she was named Best of the Fest of the San Gabriel Valley Comedy Festival 2026.
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Matt Kinney
Matt Kinney won the 2025 San Gabriel Valley Comedy Festival Judge’s Pick, where he received votes from judges including Modern Family executive producer Danny Zuker and talent agent Adam Lieblein. He is now headlining the 2026 San Gabriel Valley Comedy Festival and has gone viral on social media.
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Mat Salud
Mat Salud was a finalist in the 2025 San Gabriel Valley Comedy Festival. He now produces a monthly show at Astronaut City called “A Very Asian Time of Our Lives” and he is hosting the 2026 San Gabriel Valley Comedy Festival. He was also a featured performer for New Joke City at Astronaut City, which was included in the 2026 Netflix Is a Joke Festival.
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Alex Durazzo
Alex Durazzo won the 2025 San Gabriel Valley Comedy Festival Award Award. He is now headlining the 2026 San Gabriel Valley Comedy Festival and produces a weekly open mic at Astronaut City.
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Jamie Acevedo
Jamie Acevedo competed in the 2025 San Gabriel Valley Comedy Festival, where he was scouted by Astronaut City bookers. He recently performed at Astronaut City’s Netflix Is a Joke Festival inclusion, New Joke City.
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Ai Yoshihara
Ai Yoshihara competed in the 2025 San Gabriel Valley Comedy Festival. She later went on to join the New Joke City troupe, which was included in the 2026 Netflix Is a Joke Festival.
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Jon Kim
Jon Kim competed in the 2025 San Gabriel Valley Comedy Festival. He later went on to perform at Astronaut City’s New Joke City show, which was featured in the 2026 Netflix Is a Joke Festival.
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Joey Massaro
Joey Massaro competed in the 2025 San Gabriel Valley Comedy Festival, where he was scouted by Astronaut City bookers. He is now a regular performer at Astronaut City and was featured in the 2026 Netflix Is a Joke Festival at Astronaut City.
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Greg Sanchez
Greg Sanchez was a quarterfinalist in the 2025 San Gabriel Valley Comedy Festival. He is now the producer of the Makeshift Mic at Astronaut City and headlines all over Los Angeles.
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Erick Esteban
Erick Esteban competed in the 2025 San Gabriel Valley Comedy Festival, and he is currently the producer of Karaoke Comedy Allstars, a hit monthly show at Astronaut City.
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Mitch Narito
Mitch Narito competed in the 2025 San Gabriel Valley Comedy Festival, and he is currently the producer of Karaoke Comedy Allstars, a hit monthly show at Astronaut City.
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Teresa!
Teresa! competed in the 2025 San Gabriel Valley Comedy Festival, and she has since moved on to hosting at Astronaut City, including the 2026 San Gabriel Valley Comedy Festival.
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Nisreen Soufi
Nisreen Soufi was a semifinalist in the San Gabriel Valley Comedy Festival 2025, and she has since become a regular performer at Astronaut City, including winning the title of Karaoke Champion.
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James Graves
James Graves was a quarterfinalist in the 2025 San Gabriel Valley Comedy Festival, and he now produces a monthly show at Astronaut City called Evil Genius.
