About Military City Laugh Fest
Mission: Connection
Military City Laugh Fest is San Antonio's boutique comedy festival honoring veterans and military service — two nights and three competitions at Upstage Comedy Lounge, November 13–14, 2026. Built on opportunity, networking, professional development, and outstanding performances, this is a weekend where veterans, active-duty military, military families, comedians, and the whole San Antonio community come together through laughter. This is comedy the way Military City does it.
MCLF Championship — Open to All Comedians
Every accepted comedian performs twice — two sets, two audiences, no lottery. Audience votes and judges decide who advances, and the finalists battle it out Saturday night for the first-ever Military City Laugh Fest Championship title.
Funniest Veteran Contest — Veterans Only
A stage of their own. Veterans go head-to-head for a cash prize, the trophy, and first-ever bragging rights — Saturday night, right before the Championship Finals.
Battle of the Branches
Army. Navy. Air Force. Marines. Coast Guard. Space Force. Comedy teams go head-to-head for branch supremacy — Saturday at 5 PM. One Branch. One Cup. One Champion.
Comedians: Leave With More Than You Arrived With
Every accepted comedian gets two guaranteed showcase sets, professional headshots, a career-focused workshop, a sponsor swag bag, festival credentials, and a room full of producers, club owners, and sponsors to meet. Application fee: $15 (plus tax and processing). The $10 early-bird rate closed September 15. Submissions are still open, but the 2026 lineup is nearly full and slots are limited. Apply now, then pay your fee right here on the site.