Ottawa 
Downtown Ottawa will be alive with award-winning street performers from across the country from August 8 to 10.
Ottawa International Buskerfest
Ottawa International Buskerfest will take over Sparks Street from Kent Street to Elgin Street, showcasing free high-flying performances on five stages, by over twenty contortionists, acrobats, balloon artists, face-painters, strolling performers and firebreathers.
Performances will run daily from late morning into the evening, with the event remaining free to attend, though performers earn income through audience donations.
Artists include Cate the Great, a circus entertainer who has performed in 11 countries, and South Korean magician Charming Jay, known for blending classical stage magic with theatrical flair. From Calgary, Dan the One Man Band will showcase his multi-instrumental act, while New Zealand’s Fraser Hooper will deliver comedic boxing skits. Japan’s HEROMACRO, a ninja-and-geisha duo, will combine acrobatics with cultural humour, and Quebec’s Kaylie Kreatrix will perform fire spinning and the rare “buugeng” prop manipulation.
Other highlights include Pyromancer from the Netherlands, with more than 25 years of fire performance experience, and Rockabilly Joe, a New Zealand circus artist with a 1950s theme. Canadian acts range from the trampoline stunts of Spring Action to The Jerry Show’s comedic cycling tricks. Montreal’s BreakCity All-Stars will merge breakdancing with theatre and comedy, while Toronto’s Silver Elvis will bring his living statue act to the streets. Dawn of Dreams will add clowning and hula-hooping to the mix, and Quebec’s Julia Perron will blend rock-and-roll nostalgia with acrobatics and fire tricks.
Credit: Ottawa International Buskerfest
Special events include Buskers and Burlesque on Saturday, August 9, at 9 p.m. in the Ottawa Marriott Hotel ballroom. This adults-only show, featuring local burlesque performers and international variety acts, is ticketed at $43.93. On Sunday, August 10, at 5 p.m., the Grand Finale will take place at World Exchange Plaza, showcasing collaborative performances and presenting the People’s Choice Award.
The festival will span five blocks of Sparks Street and include a new performance space at World Exchange Plaza. Acts typically run between 35 and 50 minutes, with unscheduled street performances—such as jugglers, stilt walkers, and clowns—appearing throughout the area. Organizers note that the lineup and schedule remain subject to change.
Ottawa International Buskerfest runs August 8–10 on Sparks Street, with performances from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, and 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. The festival, except for the Buskers and Burlesque, is free to attend (tips to buskers are encouraged).
