About the Festival

Join us on Sparks Street this coming August 7 to 9th for the 2026 edition of the Ottawa International Buskerfest. Catch our biggest lineup of performers to date, with past People’s Choice Award winning shows and incredible acts from around the World.

It’s free to attend, family-friendly, and built around the simple, centuries-old magic of street performance: a circle of strangers, a daring act, and a reason to stop and watch.

What to expect

• Four stages — three spread along Sparks Street, plus the new World Exchange Plaza site just south of the mall — each running a full day of scheduled shows.
• Circus Factory workshops at the Elgin end — drop-in circus skills, noon to 4 pm daily.
• Strolling performers roaming the crowd between sets — unscheduled and unmissable.
• Special evening events, including the ticketed Buskers & Burlesque.
• Food, family activities, and a downtown that’s closed to cars and open to play.

Who’s behind it

The festival is presented by Orbital Talent and a not for profit board at the Circus Factory, in partnership with Ottawa’s Downtown BIA. Circus Factory also runs the busker academy — workshops and classes that train the next generation of street performers.

Planning a visit?

• Getting Here — the O-Train, buses, cycling and parking downtown.
• Frequently Asked Questions — cost, times, pets, food, first aid and tipping.
• Accessibility — step-free access, accessible washrooms and street-level shows.