For four days, dozens of performers will take over seven stages in a Toronto park for the Toronto International BuskerFest for Epilepsy 2025. From musicians to jugglers to performance art that doesn’t yet have a name, a pass offers a dizzying array of acts to enjoy.
All proceeds support Epilepsy Toronto, which offers support and services to adults, children and youth living with epilepsy, as well as public education, and more.
Northfire Circus from Buskerfest Toronto 2024:
Buskerfest takes place from 4 p.m. on Friday, August 29 until 7 p.m. on Monday, September 1 at Woodbine Park in the Beach on Queen Street East, along with Emdaabiimok Avenue (formerly Lower Coxwell) between Lakeshore Blvd & Eastern Ave.
Alongside the spectacular street acts like Toronto-based fire-eating legend and Guinness World Record holder (most torches eaten in one minute), FireGuy, who’s been fire juggling and doing stunts for two decades, and the stunning acrobatics of Nairobi, Kenya, based Jambo Brothers, there will be music in a wide range of genres and styles.
Buskerfest: Music Highlights
Here are just some of the musical offerings for Buskerfest 2025.
Dr. Draw & The Strange Parade — the music of Moscow-born electric violinist Dr. Draw, aka Eugene Draw, brings Western classical music, jazz-rock, folk, and pop together for a unique and high energy style.
Adam Solomon is a JUNO Award winning lead guitarist, composer, and singer whose sounds blends traditional African blues and jazz, spiced with East African rhythms. He sings in English, Swahili, and Mijikenda (the Nine Tribes from Mombasa on the Kenyan coast).
Lynn S, a trained violinist, brings Eastern and Western traditions together in her music. She specializes in Chinese and Japanese music, and is a fan of Norwegian neoclassical duo Secret Garden.
Versatile musician Kyler Mackenzie combines Celtic and Spanish-inspired melodies in his unique guitar-based sound. He’s played his modern folk fusion on the Toronto streets, and across the globe, including Eastern Europe, France, and Portugal.
Old Man and The Kid, a father-son duo from London, Ontario, bring back the melodic rock & roll of the ’50s, ’60s, and ’70s. Standout guitar, tight harmonies, and father-son banter light up their performances. The Duo has toured internationally as well as in Canada.
Other Highlights
With so many acts, there’s far too much to list, but here are a few tantalizing gems to consider.
- Acrobatic duo HEROMACRO from Japan combine feats of unbelievable agility with the grace of a geisha.
- Native American Sam Malcolm of the USA blends fast paced improv comedy with juggling and circus skills.
- Julia Perron’s Plaf! is a rock ’n roll circus show where she spins and flips her German wheel, combining acrobatics and pyrotechnics.
Pastel’s Imaginarium will roam through the Park between noon and 4 p.m. daily, with its travelling circus and curiosity collection piloted by Pastel, Bebung and Me. You can join them as they tell tales, and demonstrate some of the wonders in their collection.
AND…
The Ultimutts is a talented team of stunt dogs and cats who will be performing every day at Bark in the Park TO. They’ll skateboard, walk across tightropes, and more. These cat and dog celebrities recently appeared on Canada’s Got Talent.
Add diverse food options and an artisan market to the list of what’s available.
- Find more details and passes available [HERE].
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