Performers from all around the world will entertain, amaze, and double-over audiences with laughter
this August 9th and 10th. Some of the best buskers in the world will grace the picturesque streets of Downtown St. Catharines. Friday August 9th and Saturday August 10th for the First Annual Downtown St. Catharines Busker Festival. Watch performers dance with fire, defy gravity, and entertain audiences downtown on St. Paul Street
from Queen to Carlisle and James Street from King to St. Paul.
Kobblestone Productions in cooperation with the St. Catharines Downtown Association (SCDA) bring the marquee event of the summer complete with local vendors, musicians and much more. The event is free to attend and appropriate for all ages and demographics. Buskers receive an honorarium for their performances, but they also rely heavily on gratuities so generosity is appreciated.
“We’re really excited to bring this unique event to Downtown St. Catharines,” said Rachel Braithwaite, Executive Director of the St. Catharines Downtown Association. “This is going to be a great opportunity to Do More in the Core and get people out downtown.” Friday’s festivities will kick off at 5:00 pm with a death-defying Grand Opening stunt by Danny Zzzz and will wrap up with a Fire Spectacular at 9:00 pm where the event’s fire performers will light up the streets. Both will be held at the intersection of James and St. Paul. Then on Saturday, things get started earlier at 11:00 am and run all the way into the evening culminating with Busk After Dusk at the new back patio at Ludology Boardgame Café where the world-renowned Monsters of Schlock will host a night more appropriate for the drinking crowd.
“I was born and raised in the Niagara Region,” said Kobbler Jay, a variety show busker who specializes in juggling, fire eating, and balancing acts. “I can’t wait to come home and put on a show for my hometown.” For performer schedules and more information, visit stcatharinesbuskerfest.com. Press Conference to be held at Ludology on Wednesday June 12th at 11:00am.
Members of the media are encouraged to attend the Festival’s press conference on June 12th at 11:00am at Ludology Boardgame Café (52 St. Paul Street, Unit 2). Kobbler Jay, a local busker, will be there to perform tricks and ask questions along with world-renowned Escape Artist Danny Zzzz and members of the St. Catharines Downtown Association. Snacks and beverages will be available for members of the media at the press conference.
About the St. Catharines Downtown Association: The St. Catharines Downtown Association (SCDA) is a non-profit organization that represents approximately 700 members including commercial property owners, retailers, restaurants and professional offices in the designated BIA (Business Improvement Area). The mandate of the St. Catharines Downtown Association includes participating in programs aimed at the physical improvement and beautification of the core, as well as the promotion of the Downtown as a great place in which to shop, work, dine, play, meet, live and explore.
About Kobblestone Productions Inc.: Kobblestone Productions Inc. was established in 2024 by Founder and General Manager Jay Henderson. Henderson has over 20 years of busking experience and more than ten years of experience running busker festivals. Kobblestone’s busking festivals bring streets alive with mesmerizing performances, celebrating the diverse talents of entertainers from around the globe. Rooted in a love for spontaneous expression, Kobblestone brings its unique talents to cities and towns all over Canada, turning every
space into a vibrant stage where creativity knows no bounds.
