Busker Festival in Seaport Village

Prepare to be amazed! The awesome otherworldly talents of international street performers are coming to Seaport Village on April 16th and 17th for San Diego’s annual Busker Festival.

Known for their unusual and comedic acts in Boston's Faneuil Hall or standing statue-like, painted in gold on San Francisco's Pier 39, “buskers” were the first hustlers of our time, making a living by donning makeup, dazzling with fireworks, enchanting with stories, or mesmerizing with what most might think of as impossible contortions all for the spectacle it provides to passersby.

Today, buskers are commonly recognized for their improvised balloon art, stunts, and musical numbers among a multitude of other talents. Every year, San Diego hosts the annual Busker Festival at Seaport Village to pay homage to these talented and innovative performers. Not only is it wildly popular, but it is the only one of its kind in Southern California.

This year’s festival will feature ten talented buskers performing a wide range of acts including fire stunts, inconceivable balancing acts, out of this world juggling tricks and riotous comedy shows. On Saturday and Sunday, performances will take place all day throughout the Village and at the top of every hour starting at 12pm in the West Plaza Fountain Area and every half hour starting at 12:30 in the East Plaza Gazebo.

This kind of street theater is honored around the world, and performers from everywhere are known to make their way down to Seaport Village for the weekend long event. From death-defying acrobatics and pogo stick tricks, to spellbinding juggling tricks and slapstick comedy routines, Saturday and Sunday action-packed lineup of performances are sure to appeal to younger audiences so make sure to round up the kiddies for family time.

What makes the San Diego Busker Festival especially unique is its appeal to all ages. Buskers After Dark on Saturday April 16th from 6pm to 10pm, is an evening for the adults where the buskers will perform edgier, uncensored acts. With wildly hilarious and bizarre acts amongst a thriving party setting of include DJs, food, and $1 beer specials, this show is so raunchy it is recommended for individuals who are 18 and up.

To add to the excitement, the restaurants and shops in the neighborhood at Seaport Village will be open for the duration of the festival and will be hosting special offers for its Busker’s audiences. Parking at the Seaport lot can be validated for up to 2 hours and there will also be a complimentary shuttle going to and from the County Administration Building. For more information, please visit seaportvillage.com/busker.

Discover more entertainment ideas in our San Diego events calendar.