buskerfest

What to expect at Buskerfest 2015

Toronto Buskerfest is back for a 16th year. The annual street festival is sure to draw a crowd to Yonge St. this week with more than 170 entertainers expected to make an appearance. Expect to see local talent as well as acts from around the world including musicians, acrobats, strongmen, mimes and everything in between.

Here's what you need to know about the 2015 Buskerfest in Toronto.

TIME & LOCATION

From August 27th to 30th Yonge Street will be closed from Queen to College, making way for buskers and vendors. Trinity Square Park, Dundas Square, and Gould Street will also be devoted to the fest. On Thursday and Friday the event will run from 12pm-11pm, Saturday from 11am-11pm, and on Sunday from 11am-8pm.

ENTERTAINMENT

At Buskerfest the roster of musicians is anything but ordinary, with a rock choir and bassoon team rounding out the line-up. Fourteen bands are slated to perform, including The Boxcar Boys, Samba Squad, and Turbo Street Funk. Side stages will host a bevy of equally impressive, mostly non-musical acts, with everything from an extreme makeup artist to a hoop dancer juggling flaming rings.

Aside from shows on the main and side stages, roaming entertainers will be putting on street level performances for the crowds. On your journey down Yonge expect to come across stilt dancers, a drumming troupe, human statues, and more.

FOOD & DRINK

Buskerfest has partnered with a number of local eateries, giving you ample options when it comes to food. Get your fix of savoury fare from outposts like Friendly Greek, Vesta Lunch and Salad King. Or, if you're jonesing for something sweeter, Bruce Country Nut & Fudge, Tiny Tom Donuts, and Choco Churros will be on the street serving up sugary bites.

For those looking to amp up their festival experience, there will be a beer garden where you can indulge in a little pregame action (right at the intersection of Yonge and Gerrard). Believe me, watching someone try to consume fire or contort their body is ten times more fun once you've thrown back a few pints.

IT'S ALL FOR A GOOD CAUSE

Proceeds from the event go Epilepsy Toronto, a local charitable organization with the goal of bettering the lives of those who live with Epilepsy and spreading awareness abut the disorder - so think big when you donate at the gate.

buskerfestThanks to Reds Midtown Tavern for sponsoring this post.

What did I miss? Let us know Buskerfest acts and eats you're excited for in the comments. Photo by Kian Tang in the blogTO Flickr pool.


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