Edmonton International Street Performers Festival 2026
Streetfest, as the locals call it, turns Edmonton’s Churchill Square into busker central for ten days in July. It’s gasp-with-joy public circle shows, roving acts, comedy, circus tricks and live music - all outdoors, and all free, every July in Edmonton. It’s a festival that’s been around for more than forty years - and a beloved part of summer in Edmonton.
Event Details
Dates: July 3 – 12, 2026 - full day schedules
Location: Sir Winston Churchill Square, downtown Edmonton (10205 102A Ave NW)
Admission: FREE. Shows run on the "Pass the Hat" busking tradition, so bring cash to tip performers
Info & schedule: edmontonstreetfest.com
About StreetFest
Parents should note that most shows are all ages, and just show up when you can! You can view the online schedule to roughly plan what you’re going to see during the festival but part of the magic is just showing up - and seeing what’s on!
There’s only one ticketed, 18+ show. Visit during the day for all ages, kid-friendly shows - and find international artists like jugglers, acrobats, unicyclists, musicians, comedians, sword-swallowers, and masked characters roaming the Square through the full ten day festival.
Festival Highlights
Circle shows & roving acts. High-skill street theatre throughout the day
Busker Academy. Here, you can try circus skills yourself, from juggling and stilt walking to aerial silks and tight-wire (all ages)
Troupe Variety Shows. Special showcase performances on select evenings at 5 p.m. (these shows may be ticketed)
Late Night Madness Cabaret. The festival's after-dark showcase
Admission & Tickets
The festival itself is completely free — no gate, no ticket. Performers earn their living by donation, so cash tips ("passing the hat") keep the show going. The one exception is the Late Night Madness Cabaret, an adult-only (18+) ticketed show held off-Square at the Citadel Theatre on Friday, July 10 and Saturday, July 11 at 10:15 p.m. Tickets for those shows are separate.
Getting There
Churchill Square sits in the core of downtown, directly served by the Churchill LRT station and multiple bus routes. Transit is by far the easiest option given limited and paid downtown parking.