50th San Fransisco Comedy Competition Opening Night

Opening Night of the 50th San Francisco Comedy Competition: Preliminary Round One is coming to Folktale!

Join us for an unforgettable evening of wine, food, and big laughs as a set of 16 talented comedians take the stage! Experience the excitement of the competition and discover the next generation of comedy stars before they make it big!

Doors open at 7 PM | Show kicks off at 7:45 PM

Widely recognized as one of America’s premier comedy competitions, the annual San Francisco Comedy Competition is more than just a night of laughter; it’s a launchpad for the next generation of comedy stars. Over the years, the competition has featured legendary performers including Dana Carvey, Ellen DeGeneres, Louis C.K., Sinbad, and the iconic Robin Williams.

The high-energy competition puts comedians to the ultimate test as they deliver their strongest five-minute sets, competing for a chance to advance to the finals and take home a share of a prize pool exceeding $20,000. “Preliminaries can be the toughest,” says Fox. “A tight five minutes from a newer comic can outshine a seasoned performer used to longer sets.”

“Our mission is to find comedic diamonds in the rough and polish them into crown jewels,” producer Jon Fox says with a smile.

Founded in 1976 by Frank Kidder, who discovered the healing power of humor after a serious accident, the competition has become a cornerstone of the comedy world. With the support of Anne and Jon Fox, it has grown into a regional tradition spanning venues from Carmel to Grass Valley and Santa Rosa, including sold-out performances at the 1,600-seat Luther Burbank Center for more than four decades.

How to Purchase Tickets

Folktale Wine Club Members receive discounts on tickets.

1. Choose your table.
2. To add more guests, click the "Additional Tickets" button located on the left side of the seating chart.

*All ticket sales are final and cannot be refunded or transferred.

Planning a date night? A friend hang? A full-on crew? We’ve got you. Our flexible reservation system makes it easy to book a table and add as many tickets as you like. We blended cozy garden furniture with unique pieces from around the property to create a theater-style vibe that feels made just for you. With full table service, your only job is to enjoy the show.

If you need assistance with your tickets, please email Ashleigh, our Director of Entertainment, at [email protected] or call 831-293-7625