What is the Busker Festival?
The Festival runs for six days over Nova Scotia’s Natal Day long weekend. With hundreds of shows over six days, the Festival includes performances on multiple stages.
Founded in 1986, the Busker Festival scours the globe for the best street performers and musicians to perform at the annual event. From musicians and fire breathers, to acrobats and magicians, the Busker Festival brings the best street performers in the world to the Halifax and Dartmouth waterfronts.
From the unique to the sublime, audience members will be taken on a ride of shock and awe, laughter and storytelling, fun and frivolity. Don’t miss out on the mid-way and carnival rides, and enjoy our vendors offering food, clothing, jewellery and more. Whether you're 8 or 88, there is something for everyone to enjoy at the Busker Festival.
Where is the Festival?
Along the vibrant Halifax and Dartmouth Waterfronts in Nova Scotia, Canada.
When is the Festival?
The 2023 festival is August 2 to August 7.
When will performance schedules be available?
Early July.
How much does it cost?
The Festival is free admission and everyone is welcome - but we do encourage you to tip the performers. Busking is the one form of entertainment that allows you to watch the show, and then decide how much to pay. Performers at the festival make their money by what is placed in their hats.
Are there rides this year?
Yes, the East Coast Amusements Midway will be at Alderney Landing in Dartmouth. Details coming in July 2023.
What should we bring?
We encourage people to bring water, something to sit on (blanket, pillow, folding chair) and, of course, a hat and sun screen! If the day is grey, bring an umbrella just in case. Our shows will often go on, even in in the rain.
We do not encourage bringing non-service animals/pets to the festival. The festival is very hot and crowded, and that isn’t any fun for a dog getting caught under foot.
When are the fireworks?
The Halifax Natal Day fireworks are over the harbour at 10pm on Saturday, August 5.
How do we get from Halifax to Dartmouth, or Dartmouth to Halifax?
There is a ferry between the Halifax Waterfront and Alderney Landing. Plan your trip with Halifax Transit.
Where can we park?
Visit this link for details on parking in Halifax and Dartmouth.
Where should we stay?
We encourage you to book your accommodations with one of our sponsor hotels, many within walking distance to the Festival.
The Festival runs for six days over Nova Scotia’s Natal Day long weekend. With hundreds of shows over six days, the Festival includes performances on multiple stages.
Founded in 1986, the Busker Festival scours the globe for the best street performers and musicians to perform at the annual event. From musicians and fire breathers, to acrobats and magicians, the Busker Festival brings the best street performers in the world to the Halifax and Dartmouth waterfronts.
From the unique to the sublime, audience members will be taken on a ride of shock and awe, laughter and storytelling, fun and frivolity. Don’t miss out on the mid-way and carnival rides, and enjoy our vendors offering food, clothing, jewellery and more. Whether you're 8 or 88, there is something for everyone to enjoy at the Busker Festival.
Where is the Festival?
Along the vibrant Halifax and Dartmouth Waterfronts in Nova Scotia, Canada.
When is the Festival?
The 2023 festival is August 2 to August 7.
When will performance schedules be available?
Early July.
How much does it cost?
The Festival is free admission and everyone is welcome - but we do encourage you to tip the performers. Busking is the one form of entertainment that allows you to watch the show, and then decide how much to pay. Performers at the festival make their money by what is placed in their hats.
Are there rides this year?
Yes, the East Coast Amusements Midway will be at Alderney Landing in Dartmouth. Details coming in July 2023.
What should we bring?
We encourage people to bring water, something to sit on (blanket, pillow, folding chair) and, of course, a hat and sun screen! If the day is grey, bring an umbrella just in case. Our shows will often go on, even in in the rain.
We do not encourage bringing non-service animals/pets to the festival. The festival is very hot and crowded, and that isn’t any fun for a dog getting caught under foot.
When are the fireworks?
The Halifax Natal Day fireworks are over the harbour at 10pm on Saturday, August 5.
How do we get from Halifax to Dartmouth, or Dartmouth to Halifax?
There is a ferry between the Halifax Waterfront and Alderney Landing. Plan your trip with Halifax Transit.
Where can we park?
Visit this link for details on parking in Halifax and Dartmouth.
Where should we stay?
We encourage you to book your accommodations with one of our sponsor hotels, many within walking distance to the Festival.
