Buskers on the Boardwalk is set for four days of waterfront entertainment, featuring 48 free performances this year.

Professional street artists from across Canada and around the world will perform Thursday through Sunday at the waterfront plaza.

The festival was revived in 2024 after a pause that began in 2020 due to COVID-19.

Organizers aim to continue growing the event, and this year features two stages at the waterfront plaza.

“We brought it back last year in partnership with Envision Saint John and Market Square,” said Trevor Georgie, president and CEO of JSM Sports and Entertainment.

“Now we’re adding more performers, more shows, and an extra day.”

Georgie said the revitalized waterfront space has become an ideal site for public programming.

“It’s a large, welcoming area where people can move between stages,” he said.

“Evening shows especially showcase the waterfront at its best—sunsets, crowds and performers all in one scene.”

The shows happening this week start as early as 1 p.m. and continue into the evening, with final acts wrapping around 9 or 10 p.m. each night.

Performance times vary daily. Visitors are encouraged to arrive early and catch multiple sets.

Over the four days, there will be a mix of acrobatics, juggling, physical comedy, fire flow, and live music.

Highlights include:

• Good Baite – a double Dutch rope team from Japan making its Saint John debut
• Zap Circus – fire and circus routines by an Edmonton-based troupe
• Satya Bella – a Vancouver performer known for her fire and flow artistry
• Mike Wood – a Toronto comedian specializing in physical and prop humour
• Pancho Libre – a Montreal-born acrobat and juggler whose high-energy show draws big crowds

Georgie added that the event helps the waterfront economy, especially for the restaurants and patios around the performance area.

“This is a give-back for the community,” he said.

“We’ve hosted nearly 120 free events on the boardwalk this summer alone, and Buskers will also be a key part of that.”

Georgie also emphasized that family-friendly programs make the city more lively and attract both residents and visitors.

Admission is free. Visit Buskers On The Boardwalk to see the full performance schedule and learn about the artists.