Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the Festival & WHERE TO PARK
Kemptville Buskerfest is located along Prescott st. in the historic Downtown in Kemptville, Ontario, Canada. Just 30 mins from ottawa we are a small community thats known for its incredible trails and events.
Parking is available at the Municipal Centre located at 285 44, Kemptville, ON K0G 1J0 - Free shuttles to and from the parking lot. Park and walk locations include NGDHS, South Branch Public School and Riverside Park Ball Diamond 3.
How much does it cost?
The Festival is free admission and everyone is welcome - but we do encourage you to tip the performers.
Busking is the one form of entertainment that allows you to watch the show, and then decide how much to pay. Performers at the festival make their money by what is placed in their hats!
What to bring:
We encourage people to bring water, a small snack, something to sit on (blanket, pillow, folding chair) and, of course, a hat and sun screen! If the weather seems gray, bring an umbrella just in case. Our shows will often go on, even in the rain.
The event runs rain or shine so prepare for the weather! Hats & sunscreen encouraged, umbrellas for backup.
A Reusable Water bottle to use at refill station located in zone 3 ( Old NGDHS lawn near the Law office of Connie Lamble)
Tips for buskers & cash for vendors and food trucks.
Picnic Blankets & Small lawn chairs are permitted but spots can NOT be reserved - please be conscious of the view of those around you and avoid having lawn chairs in the centre of the street.
Food trucks & restaurants are located on-site but snacks are welcome!
Do I Need to Tip The Buskers?
Street performing is one of the most honest forms of entertainment – it allows you to watch the show, and then decide how much to pay for all that laughter and amazement.
What is Kemptville Buskerfest?
Kemptville Buskerfest is a one day event celebrating unique street talent, immersing you in the sublime. Featuring street performers, musicians, comedy, and fun for the entire family. Audience members will be taken on a journey of awe, shock and amazement through the historic storytelling and fun that can be found in our downtown core. You won’t want to miss out on the activities planned including breathtaking acts, unique vendors and interactive entertainment. Kemptville Buskerfest has just begun to make its mark in our historic downtown and excited to bring more action, excitement, and wonder to our local community each year.
WEATHER FORECAST
May 20th is currently set for 12mm of rain throughout the day - bring your umbrellas just in case!
In The News:
"Party horns kick off Kemptville Buskerfest with a bang"
Published by The Kemptville Advance - Kemptville’s downtown is closed to traffic today as street performers and buskers take over the streets for the inaugural Kemptville Buskerfest. Blowing brightly-coloured party horns, municipal officials and organizing committee members joined the jester Buskerfest mascot to officially open the festival at 9 a.m. “Welcome to our first Kemptville Buskerfest!” exclaimed Old Town Kemptville BIA chair Meagan Cumming. Buskerfest organizing committee chair, Sierra Jones-Martel, said this day has been a long time coming after the pandemic “threw wrenches into our plans” countless times. “We put our blood, sweat and tears into this … but at last Kemptville Buskerfest is here to take the stage and show visitors that downtown can be a festive and thrilling place,” she continued.
Let’s see what you’ve got, Kemptville! Buskerfest launches Kemptville’s Got Talent contest
Published by Inside Ottawa Valley - With less than a month to go before the 2022 Kemptville Buskerfest Presented by Urbandale Construction makes its debut in downtown Kemptville on Saturday, May 21, the volunteers of the organizing committee have created a fun social media contest called Kemptville’s Got Talent. The contest is social media-based and encourages people to record themselves performing their own unique talent. The talent can be anything from pet tricks to singing and dancing. Winners will receive “free pizza for a year” from Mr. Mozzarella and an invitation to perform at the Kemptville Buskerfest on Saturday, May 21.
‘Something to look forward to’: Kemptville Buskerfest signals return of festivals to community
Published by Inside Ottawa Valley - Tuesday, April 5, 2022 | On May 21, Kemptville’s downtown will be filled with buskers, celebrating arts and culture, but also marking the return of events to the municipality after two long years of isolation. Plans are progressing for the inaugural Kemptville Buskerfest, co-ordinated by the Old Town Kemptville BIA. The event got a boost March 25 with the announcement of its title sponsor, Urbandale Construction. Members of the organizing committee and municipal representatives donned colourful jester hats for the occasion, held in Rotary Park.
