Sun Life Waterloo Busker Carnival

Event Description

The Sun Life Waterloo Busker Carnival is a long-standing, 4-day international street performers festival in Uptown Waterloo, drawing around 50,000 attendees annually and heading into its 37th year. Here, world-class buskers—including jugglers, acrobats, contortionists, comedians, fire acts, and musicians—gather crowds, perform incredible acts, and then “pass the hat.” Many of our buskers have trained at prestigious circus schools or Cirque du Soleil, with performers from Canada, the U.S., Ireland, Australia, Mexico, Estonia, and England to name a few. With over 64 scheduled performances across the weekend, plus roaming entertainers, free workshops, midway rides, and Artist Alley, the carnival offers something for everyone. Uniquely, the festival is accessible to all—attendees watch the show and decide what to pay based on what they can give, making it possible for everyone to enjoy high-quality entertainment regardless of financial means. Entirely volunteer-driven, the event brings the community together in an inclusive atmosphere, creating a true celebration of summer’s end for attendees of all ages.

The Sun Life Waterloo Busker Carnival is a long-standing, 4-day international street performers carnival in Uptown Waterloo, drawing around 50,000 attendees annually and heading into its 37th year. Here, world-class buskers—including jugglers, acrobats, contortionists, comedians, fire acts, and musicians—gather crowds, perform incredible acts, and then “pass the hat.” Many of our buskers have trained at prestigious circus schools or Cirque du Soleil, with performers from Canada, the U.S., Ireland, Australia, Mexico, Estonia, and England to name a few.

With over 64 scheduled performances across the weekend, plus roaming entertainers, free workshops, midway rides, and Artist Alley, the carnival offers something for everyone. Uniquely, the festival is accessible to all—attendees watch the show and decide what to pay based on what they can give, making it possible for everyone to enjoy high-quality entertainment regardless of financial means. Entirely volunteer-driven, the event brings the community together in an inclusive atmosphere, creating a true celebration of summer’s end for attendees of all ages.

Location of the Waterloo Public Square event