10722 SE Main Street | 2nd Floor | Milwaukie, OR 97222
Join us for Milwaukie’s funniest and punniest event, where wordplay reigns and groan-ups are encouraged. The Pun Contest is four rounds of the finest, most cringe-worthy, utterly un-bear-able wordsmithery you'll ever witness, and we mean that as a compliment. Prizes are awarded each round, because every great pun deserves its reword. Whether you're here to compete or just enjoy the pun-ishment from a safe distance, you're in the right place.
Sign up at the event!
FAQs
Do I need to pre-register to compete?
For Levels 1, 2, and 3, yes! Sign up ahead of time to secure your spot. Level 4 (Beat the Pun-isher) is a walk-up sign-up at the event.
Can I compete in more than one level?
Absolutely, if you're brave enough. Each level is its own competition, so you're welcome to sign up for multiple levels.
Is this event free to attend?
Yes! But please tip the bartender and support B-Side by buying some of the delightful wares.
What makes a good pun at this competition?
Great puns balance clever wordplay with strong delivery. The audience is your judge — if they groan AND laugh at the same time, you're doing it right.
Who is the Pun-isher?
The reigning Queen of Puns. Her identity will be revealed on the night of the competition. Challengers beware: she's been training her entire life for this.
Official Rules
REGISTRATION
Registration is required for Levels 1, 2, and 3. Contestants may enter one or more levels. On the day of the event, registered contestants must check in before the competition begins. If you cannot attend, please notify the organizers in advance. Level 4 (Beat the Pun-isher) is open to all walk-up sign-ups on the night of the event.
LEVEL 1: PUNNY JOKES (Up to 10 competitors | 30 seconds each)
Each contestant delivers their punniest joke in 30 seconds or less. Contestants may use any format: one-liner, setup/punchline, or short bit, but it MUST include a pun. A timekeeper will signal when time is up; contestants who exceed 30 seconds will be disqualified. Judges will score each performance on audience laughter, use of pun, and delivery.
LEVEL 2: PUN-ALOGUE (Up to 6 competitors | 2 minutes each)
Each contestant delivers a pun-filled story or monologue. At 90 seconds, a warning signal will sound. At 2 minutes, a final signal will sound and the contestant must stop. Contestants who exceed 2 minutes are disqualified. Judges will score each performance on audience laughter, use of puns, number of puns, and delivery.
​
LEVEL 3: PUN-OFF (Up to 8 competitors | 3 rounds | Single elimination)
Contestants compete head-to-head in tournament-style matchups. Each pair is given a word or theme. Contestants alternate delivering puns on that topic. You have 5-ish seconds to respond after your opponent. If you exceed the 5 seconds, repeat a word or pun already used, or cannot deliver a pun, you receive a strike. Three strikes end the round. The contestant who outlasts their opponent advances. The topic will not change once a round begins. The emcee and referees (judges become refs for the final 2 rounds) have final authority on timing and rulings.
LEVEL 4 — BOSS LEVEL: BEAT THE PUN-ISHER (Open sign-up at the event | Bonus round)
Anyone can sign up at the event to face the Pun-isher, the self-proclaimed Queen of Puns, in a head-to-head pun battle. Standard Pun-off rules apply. To win, you must outdo the Pun-isher as determined by the judges and audience response. The refs have final authority.
JUDGING & FINAL AUTHORITY
Contestants will be scored by a panel of judges. In the case of a tie, tied contestants will return to the stage for a tiebreaker round, with the winner determined by audience response and the judges' panel. The emcee and judges have final authority over all competition phases, rulings, and rule interpretation.
​
RESPONSIBILITY
Event organizers, emcees, and judges shall not be held liable for the final outcome of any competition or any other matter related to the event.