The Sun Life Waterloo Busker Carnival, a not-for-profit event driven by volunteers, has been entertaining families in the Waterloo Region since 1989. The Carnival brings the best international artists in the world to UpTown Waterloo for four days, featuring acrobatics, comedians, magicians, and fire breathers. Prepare to laugh and be amazed.
Though the use of a gigantic ball of yarn, Anna will take you on a poetic journey through acrobatics, dance, contortion and visual theatre that you are not sure to forget.
Look into the skies as Pogo Fred soars through the air on his pogo stick performing amazing flips and tricks right before your eyes.
The "We Connect the World" show combines break dancing, acrobatics and comedy through a rhythmic mix of energy and fun delivering a positive message on human values.
Stroll through the Carnival site and take in all the sights and sounds….you’ll never know who or what you may find including unscheduled performances from stilt walkers, face painters, clowns and jugglers. Be sure to be on the lookout for these amazing artists that have come to UpTown Waterloo to entertain you!
Take some time to stop at our vendors to enjoy some international foods and visit Artists Alley and do some shopping. Take in some of your favourite shows, try your hand at the midway games and don’t forget a ride on our famous ferris wheel with amazing views. There’s fun for the whole family.
Join us as we kickoff the 35th Waterloo Busker Carnival with Rhythm Works - a high energy drumming and comedy show, good for the whole family. (Free Carnival Swag for the first 350 attendees.)
Where there's smoke there's fire! We're turning up the heat with an Epic Fire Show you won't want to miss.
See all your favourite buskers as they perform one last time in this amazing closing event. Fun for all ages. Rain or shine. Don’t miss it!
Thank your for volunteering for the Carnival. We couldn’t have done it without you. Check back in the summer of 2024 when positions will be posted.
Our sponsors’ incredible generosity enables us to bring you the 2023 edition of the Sun Life Waterloo Busker Carnival. Thank you for supporting street performing as an entertainment form and for making Waterloo a hub for amazing entertainment!
The Waterloo Busker Carnival is a not-for-profit community event that began in 1989. It is one of the only festivals of its kind completely managed and operated by a Volunteer Executive Committee.