Performers You Won't Want to Miss
All Strings Attached
Estonia
Circle Show
Contortion, acrobatics, and dance pushed to their absolute limits. Anna Ki bends in ways that seem physically impossible: graceful, breathtaking, and completely mesmerizing from start to finish.
This heart-warming and astonishing show is a must see!
Sponsored by:
Beat Boxing Workshop
Canada
Workshop [Sunday @ 11 AM]
Learn the art of beatboxing with Canadian Beatbox Champion Scott Jackson, as seen in the finals of Canada's Got Talent. In this fun, interactive workshop, participants will discover how to create beats, rhythms, and sound effects using only their voice. No experience or signup required—just bring your voice and get ready to make some noise!
Be sure to take part in this workshop on Sunday, August 30th at 11 AM.
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Boots the Troll
Canada
Roaming [Sunday]
Watch your step - you may encounter a troll! Thankfully, Boots is one of the friendliest trolls you'll ever meet. With a curious spirit and a love of adventure, Boots roams the festival searching for new friends, hidden treasures, and magical moments. Stop and say hello, snap a photo, and help Boots discover what makes the Waterloo Busker Carnival so special.
Watch for Boots the Troll as he emerges from the forest for special appearances on Sunday.
Cartoon Bob
Canada
Installation [Fri-Sun]
Join the fun and become part of the tradition by getting your caricature drawn by Cartoon Bob! Each year, people return to create a bit of history and cherish the nostalgia of their personalized cartoon portraits. Don’t miss your chance to be immortalized in a unique and whimsical way—come down and get your caricature taken by Bob, and add a touch of artistic flair to your festival experience! Visit Cartoon Bob for a caricature from Friday-Sunday.
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Flower Girls on Stilts
Canada
Roaming [Saturday]
Blooming high above the festival crowds, the Flower Girls on Stilts are impossible to miss. These vibrant floral characters bring colour, energy, and playful interactions to every corner of the site. Stop for a photo, share a smile, and experience a little festival magic as these towering blossoms wander among the crowds.
As day turns to night, the magic continues as the Flower Girls reappear in illuminated costumes, glowing against the evening sky and creating a truly enchanting festival experience.
Look for the Flower Girls on Stilts making appearances throughout the day and evening on Saturday.
Grant Goldie
Ireland
Circle Show
A wordless whirlwind of juggling, charm, and jaw-dropping skill. Grant turns a simple case into a playground of absurdity: part performance, part projectile assault on gravity. A seven-time Gold Award winner at the International Street Theatre Festival in Germany. You won't see juggling like this anywhere else.
Non-verbal
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Hoop You
Canada
Fire Show [Friday @ 10 pm]
Hoop You is an all-female fire performance troupe that combines dance, rhythm, and mesmerizing fire artistry into a stunning nighttime spectacle. Using fire hoops, poi, staff, and specialty props, these talented performers create a beautifully choreographed show filled with grace, power, and excitement.
With seamless teamwork and breathtaking skill, Hoop You delivers an unforgettable performance that will leave audiences glowing.
Catch them — Friday, August 28th at 10 PM in the Waterloo Public Square.
Sponsored by:
Inferno Force 5
Canada
Fire Show [Saturday @ 10pm]
Inferno Force 5 is the world's premier flaming circus act, combining jaw-dropping fire manipulation, acrobatics, rhythm, and comedy into an unforgettable spectacle. Featuring an international cast of elite performers, this high-energy show pushes the limits of skill and entertainment with breathtaking stunts and nonstop action.
Dubbed the "United Nations of Fire," Inferno Force 5 has captivated audiences around the world with a performance that is equal parts danger, precision, and fun.
Don’t miss this explosive finale — Saturday, August 29th at 10 PM in the Waterloo Public Square.
Sponsored by:
Kate Ryan
Canada
Circle Show
Kate Ryan: Comedy, Circus, Very Tall Woman combines world-class circus artistry with laugh-out-loud comedy. A Canadian circus artist specializing in hula hooping, face balancing, and physical comedy, Kate takes audiences on a wild ride filled with impressive skills, audience interaction, and witty humour.
With an impressive client list that includes Cirque du Soleil, Princess Cruises, and Cartoon Network, Kate has performed in more than 45 countries across six continents—including Antarctica. Showcasing her talents as a comedian, acrobat, and circus performer, this high-energy performance is guaranteed to entertain audiences of all ages.
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Kalen Davidson
Canada
Roaming [Sunday]
Emerging from the forest canopy, this towering stilt-walking character blurs the line between nature and imagination. Wrapped in twisting vines and woodland textures, Kalen Davidson transforms into a living forest spirit, delighting audiences with playful interactions and larger-than-life presence. Keep an eye out as this gentle guardian of the woods wanders the festival, creating magical moments and unforgettable photo opportunities for visitors of all ages.
Look for appearances throughout the festival on Sunday.
Lift - Acrobatics and Fun!
Canada
Circle Show
Lift! is a two-person acrobatic spectacle about rising: physically, emotionally, and together. No matter the venue, Jayme Nickel and Daniel Craig deliver a high-impact blend of hand balancing, cyr wheel, fire juggling, partner acrobatics, and big laughs. At its core, Lift! is about support: lifting each other up, leaning in, and finding shared strength. Celebrating resilience, connection, and the courage to pick yourself up when you're down, Lift! climbs higher, hits harder, and shines brighter with every moment. A high-energy, heart-driven experience, it lifts the performers and the audience right along with it! Performances of Lift! in 2026 are dedicated to Andy Giroux. Santé!
Sponsored by:
Rhinestone Roaming
Canada
Roaming [Friday]
Yeehaw! Keep an eye out for these rhinestone cowgirls as they roam the festival spreading smiles, bubbles, and a little Wild West magic. Featuring juggling, hoops, stilt walking, and plenty of playful audience interaction, Rhinestone Roaming brings energy, colour, and surprise to every corner of the festival.
Whether they're creating giant bubbles, showing off circus skills, or posing for photos, these larger-than-life cowgirls are always ready for a rootin'-tootin' good time.
Look for Rhinestone Roaming making appearances throughout the festival grounds on Friday.
Same Same but Different
Argentina
Circle Show
Physical comedy, juggling, acrobatics, and a fresh take on clowning, all wrapped up in one fast-paced, family-friendly show straight from Buenos Aires. Shaped by years of performing on streets and stages around the world. Hard to explain and impossible to forget.
Sponsored by:
The Fire Ninja
Estonia
Circle Show
High-energy ninja-style fire performance unlike anything you've seen. From fireballs to fire-eating to a finale mushroom cloud explosion, The Fire Ninja turns every circle into a full-on spectacle. Think new-age Mortal Kombat, with fire!
Sponsored by:
The Kobbler Jay Show
Canada
Circle Show
He has the energy of ten puppies with none of the mess, and the attention span of a single goldfish (with none of the mess). He performs the fastest and most furious apple juggling routine you are ever likely to see, and walks barefoot on broken glass while juggling flaming torches. Pair that with tossing knives atop a terrifying tower of tables treacherously teetering on a tube, and you end up with a show that you just cannot miss!
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