Street performers return to thrill Salt Lake City in two-day busker fest

SALT LAKE CITY (ABC4) — Magic, comedy, music, juggling, and more will all be in one spot in the heart of downtown Salt Lake City as the sixth-annual Busker Fest returns in May.

What is a “busker?” They are more commonly known as street performers – entertainers who dazzle onlookers with tricks, humor and quirky acts in public spaces and often for donations.

A street performer entertains a crowd in Salt Lake City during Busker Fest (Courtesy: Salt Lake City Arts Council)
A street performer entertains a crowd in Salt Lake City during Busker Fest (Courtesy: Salt Lake City Arts Council)
Street performers entertains a crowd in Salt Lake City during Busker Fest (Courtesy: Salt Lake City Arts Council)
Street performers entertains a crowd in Salt Lake City during Busker Fest (Courtesy: Salt Lake City Arts Council)

This year, Salt Lakers will be entertained by more than 15 acts all happening simultaneously at any given moment on May 24 and May 25. Like years past, the Busker Fest will be held on the sidewalks of Block 70, which includes Main Street and Regent Street from 100 South to 200 South near the Eccles Theater.

The event is free to the public and while it isn’t necessary to tip the performers, it is highly encouraged to support the performers for their live entertainment.

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The weekend festival always showcases some of the best talent nationwide but the Salt Lake City Arts Council is also looking for some local talent to highlight – experienced or not.

“Organizers have been selecting nationally touring acts to wow the crowds with their amazing feats. Now, it’s time for our local performers to step off the stage and onto the street. We love to spotlight new artists or new acts – we applaud the traditional and we celebrate the weird,” said event director Kim Angeli.

If you’re a local up-and-coming performer or someone with loads of experience, the Salt Lake Arts Council is inviting you to apply for a spot in the Busker Fest. Opportunities are open to a variety of topics from magic and music to puppets and street theater.

Applications can be submitted on the Busker Fest website, here. The deadline to apply is April 28 and applications must be submitted in advance in order to participate.

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