The Town of Okotoks invites all artists and performers to the ninth annual BuskersFest this weekend.
The festival will run from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. June 25 in the downtown district.
“BuskersFest encourages members of the creative community to join us on Saturday. We certainly encourage any talent to come down, whether or not they are singers, dancers, tap dancers, we'd love to see people from all ages join us,” said Janette Messer, the culture and heritage manager with the Town of Okotoks.
Musicians, actors, magicians, jugglers, street performers, dancers, b-boys, singers and entertainers of all ages are welcome to take part. Buskers will be performing on stages as well as busking throughout the event zone, but everyone has the opportunity to perform on stage as well. The event provides a chance for anyone to perform.
The Town has added a couple of new additions to the festival this year by partnering with MarketSquare to help grow events downtown and generate more interest. The artisan markets will feature vendors around the event area.
“We will have some book readings, which is completely new for this year, and we are also going to set up a children’s play area,” said Messer.
Last held in 2019, BuskersFest was cancelled for the last two years due to the pandemic.
The festival is free for everyone to enjoy, but people can show their support for the artists by tipping them.
“We are encouraging anyone who wants to perform in whatever medium that they come and register for the event,” said Messer.
The event encourages people to check out the cafes, restaurants, shops and galleries to support local stores.
Road closures along McRae Street and North Railway Street, from Veterans Way to Lineham Avenue, will be in effect from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Buskers can register online at https://forms.okotoks.ca/Forms/BuskersFest.
For more information, visit https://www.okotoks.ca/your-community/living-okotoks/community-event-calendar/buskersfest.
