First-Ever Busker Fest Brings 'The Weird, The Wacky' To Central Street

EVANSTON, IL — Can you mime? Or maybe play an instrument or sing? Maybe you're an expert street magician. Whatever your talent, Central Street Evanston is looking for you to participate in its inaugural Busker Fest.

Upcoming this September, more than 25 performers will line Central Street to showcase their diverse talents. The festival will also include family-friendly activities and will be surrounded by local businesses that populate the area.

Performers are encouraged to apply by Aug. 25.

"We want people to come and share their talent, the weird, the wacky, whatever they want, with us. Our goal is to fill up the entire district with a nice variety of performers," Organizer Angela Shaffer told Patch.

With this being the first year the event will be held, Shaffer said the goal is to grow it and make it an impactful event. There will be set locations throughout the street for performers, as well as a stage set up at the new Independence Park.

There will also be activities sprinkled throughout the street and a specific area meant for kids to enjoy on the west end of the street.

Some local organizations have already gotten involved in the fest, Shaffer said. The Evanston Art Center and the Music Conservatory of Illinois will be involved and organizers have also reached out to local dance studios.

Busker Fest will also help give visibility to businesses on the street, 90 percent of which are independently owned, according to Shaffer.

"It's a really cool, funky district and it's a destination we just want so many people to know about," Shaffer said.

Busker Fest is also looking for sponsors, with opportunities starting at $250 and going up to $1,000.