MFC - Comedy on State

Madison’s
Funniest
Comic

Annual Competition  ·  2026

Every Wednesdayin April 2026
 
Doors 6:30 PMShow at 8:00 PM
 
202 State StreetMadison, WI

Competition Format

The Road to the Title

Wisconsin’s best up-and-coming comedians compete across five weeks. Audience votes and judge scores determine who advances.

1

Preliminary 1

Wednesday, April 1st

Prelim

2

Preliminary 2

Wednesday, April 8th

Prelim

3

Round 1

Wednesday, April 15th

Quarter

4

Semi-Finals

Wednesday, April 22nd

Semi-Final

5

Finals Night

Wednesday, April 29th

Championship

April 2026

This Year’s Lineups

Preliminary round lineups are set. Semi-final and final participants are determined by elimination.

Preliminary Round 1April 1st
Advancers Round 1April 15th
Preliminary Round 1 Lineup – April 1st

Doors 6:30 PM  ·  Show 8:00 PM  ·  Tickets at the door

Preliminary Round 2April 8th
Advancers Round 2April 22nd
Download Competition Criteria Sheet

FAQ

Questions

Can I buy tickets in advance?
No — tickets are only available at the door on the night of each show. There is no advance ticket purchase for Madison’s Funniest Comic Competition events.
Can I save seats for friends who are running late?
Unfortunately, no. Seating is strictly first come, first served due to the popularity of these events. Seats cannot be held for guests who are not yet present.
How do I get a ballot to vote for my favorite comic?
Ballots are distributed at showtime (8:00 PM) to audience members who are present. You must be seated before the show begins to receive a ballot — this ensures judging remains fair to all contestants.
What's the difference between this and the regular Open Mic?
Unlike the Open Mic, where everyone gets an equal shot to perform each week, the Competition is an elimination format. Performers advance based on audience votes and judge decisions, with the field narrowing each round until a champion is crowned on April 29th.
Who is eligible to compete?
Comics must be based in Wisconsin to enter. This is a competition celebrating local talent — the stage belongs to Wisconsin’s best.
What time should I arrive to guarantee a seat?
We strongly recommend arriving at or near door time, 6:30 PM. These shows tend to sell out and seats fill quickly. Arriving no later than 7:30 PM gives you a good chance of getting in, but earlier is always better.

Since 2010

Hall of Champions

Fifteen years of Wisconsin’s funniest voices, crowned right here on State Street.

2026 👑

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2025

Sasha Rosser

2024

Rich D’Amore

2023

David Louis

2022

Ton Johnson

2021

Pandemic Hiatus

2020

Kayla Ruth

2019

Rory Rusch

2018

Johnny Walsh

2017

Nick Hart

2016

Charlie Kojis

2015

Geoffrey Asmus

2014

Stacey Kulow

2013

David Fisher

2012

Bryan Morris

2011

Mike Schmidt

2010

Sean Moore