Frequently Asked Questions

  • PMCF is the one of the largest comedy festivals on the eastern seaboard, taking place this July 17th-20th. This year is our 10 year anniversary here in Sunny Portland, Maine. No, we are not located in Oregon.

  • There’s a reason why everyone and their grandma comes to Maine in the summer - it’s BEAUTIFUL! Ever seen a lighthouse? Ever worn a sweater over your shoulders? Ever eaten a lobster roll? Being in Maine in the summer is just awesome. Expect 67 and sunny for three days of the fest with one day being 52 and drizzling. We’re nothing if not honest.

    Beyond that, Portland boasts one of the best craft beer scenes known to man with nationally known breweries like Allagash and breweries you’ve never heard of that still rock like Goodfire. Not a drinker? The food scene is incredible with awesome seafood spots, killer pizza parlors, and some surprisingly good Thai food.

    Then, there’s the people. Maine is a tourist state but you wouldn’t know that when you talk to locals, which, if you can hear an accent you’ll know who you’re dealing with. Everyone’s friendly and fun and nice, and aside from the fishermen and comics, pretty good looking. It’s the spot to be at the end of August and the audiences eat up comedy like they eat up lobster rolls. You’ll perform in some incredible, unique rooms, meet some incredible folks, and network with some of the best comics in America. What’s not to love?

    Beyond a great trip up to Portland, we’ll have some fantastic headliners, killer features, and a great lineup of comics, sketch groups, improv shows all around.

  • Early Bird submissions run through the month of March
    Cost: $20

    Regular submissions run through the month of April
    Cost: $25

    Late Submissions run May 1st through Midnight May 9th
    Cost: $30

    Sketch and improv submissions cost an additional $10

  • We have a very complex mathematic equation that we use that involves lots of whiteboards and formulas and numbers and Matt Damon as a janitor.

    Basically? Make us laugh and you’re in! In addition to being the largest, we also have one of the highest acceptance rates of east coast comedy festivals. Submissions are judged by a volunteer crew of local comics, producers, and festival organizers.

  • We do not accept solicitations for headlining acts.

  • We’ll reach out via email shortly after each round of submissions close and include details about all the wonderful things to come!

  • All comics will perform at least two 8-10 minute sets over the weekend. Sketch and Improv groups will get either one or two 25-30 minute shows.

    If there’s days you specifically can’t perform (i.e. if you’d like to leave on Sunday or arrive on Thursday) we’re happy to accommodate scheduling-wise and still get you up as much as possible so long as we get communication in advance. Those kinds of things won’t affect your standing/acceptance into the fest either.

  • Unfortunately we can’t put people up, but we would love to if we could.

    We do provide welcome bags for everyone performing that include swag from local businesses. These are always popular and include plenty of coupons.

    We will be partnering with a local hotel to provide discounted accommodations as well.

    We are planning to have some communal meals for comics, provided by local restaurants.

    We also have Artists Liaisons - local comics who you’ll be paired up with who can provide things like food recommendations, parking instructions, directions to venues, and just a general friendly face to welcome you to Maine and make sure you’re having a great time at the fest. They’ll also be another point of contact as well, and will be serving as hosts at many of our shows.

  • This year we are accepting submissions for improv and sketch comedy groups! We’re also taking submissions for video sketches as well.

    Most of the info on this page is related to stand-ups though, so definitely reach out if there’s anything sketch/improv related that we can help with.

  • Probably not.