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 three rounds of the finest, most cringe-worthy, utterly un-bear-able wordsmithery you'll ever witness, and we mean that as a compliment. Whether you're here to compete or just enjoy the pun-ishment from a safe distance, you're in the right place.
FAQs
Do I need to pre-register to compete?
Sign up ahead of time to secure your spot or at the event. https://forms.gle/7VrzVqMBE7NWdyx69
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 enjoy the lovely craft cocktails that Freeman has to offer. And tip the bartender!
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.
Official Rules
REGISTRATION
Sign up ahead of time to secure your spot, or register at the event. Contestants may enter one or more rounds.
ROUND 1: DAD JOKE-OFF (Up to 6 competitors | Last joke standing)
All competitors take the stage at once. Contestants take turns delivering dad jokes — one at a time, around the group. When a competitor runs out of jokes, they sit down. The last person standing wins the round. If the round runs long, the emcee may call it and award the win based on audience response. Judges will score on audience laughter, pun quality, and delivery.
ROUND 2: 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.
ROUND 3: 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. The audience chooses the topic. 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.