Philadelphia entrepreneurs, this is your moment. After a record-breaking turnout last spring, Shark Tank casting producers are officially returning to Rivers Philadelphia for a second consecutive year.
🦈 When is the 2026 Shark Tank casting call?
In collaboration with WPVI-TV/6abc, the open casting call will place Wednesday, March 18th, 2026 at The Event Center at Rivers Philadelphia in Fishtown. Even bigger news? The will be one of the very few open casting calls nationwide —and the only East Coast audition for Season 18.
🦈 What to know before you go to the casting call
Casting producers from the multi-Emmy Award-winning ABC series will hear pitches for game-changing products, services, and ideas.
Here’s how the day will work:
- ⏰ Lineup begins at 8 a.m.
- 🎟️ Numbered wristbands will be distributed from 9-11 a.m.
- 🎤 Pitches starts around 10 a.m.
- 📝 Each entrepreneur gets a one-minute pitch
- 🚗 Complimentary parking + free shuttle service is available
And if this year’s shaping up to be anything like last year, it’s going to be massive. Over 900 attendees and more than 460 pitches were heard last year, with entrepreneurs traveling from as far as France.
“We were blown away by last year’s turnout and the quality of the entrepreneurs that presented to us,” said Mindy Zemrak, supervising casting producer of “Shark Tank, who has been casting for the show since its debut in 2009. “Returning to Philly was a no-brainer, and we can’t wait to see what innovative brands and entrepreneurs will impress us with in March”
Several businesses that pitched in Philly went on to land deals in Season 17, including Forte3D, which partnered with Lori Greiner, and Warrior Kid Medic, which struck a deal with Daymond John.
Other success stories tied to Philly include:
- 🧽 Scrub Daddy (Season 4)
- ✨ Bro Glo (Season 16)
🦈 Audition for Shark Tank- Submit your pitch
If you’ve been dreaming of bringing your idea to life, or already sitting on the next big thing but need a push, here’s your chance to make it happen.
If you pitched last year, you may audition again. Next, Sharks do not attend casting calls, and lastly, no audience members permitted.
Applications will be available online and on-site. For more information, visit here
Best of luck Philly!