11 Things You Didn’t Know About the Busker Festival at San Diego’s Seaport Village

Seaport Village invites visitors from near and far to experience the most bizarre, colorful and entertaining street performers at its annual Spring Busker Festival.

On Saturday, March 7 and Sunday, March 8, 2020, fire breathers, sword swallowers, stilt walkers and contortionists will travel from all over the world to excite and amaze during a spectacular weekend of live street entertainment at San Diego’s historic waterfront.

“We’re thrilled to be working with the Port of San Diego to host the 14th annual Busker Fest, a tradition that celebrates the extraordinary talents of street performers and musicians. With over 24 acts this year, plus new family-friendly activations, the entertainment will be endless all weekend long.” – Scott Andrew, Marketing Director at Seaport Village

Here are reasons why you should attend this weird and wacky festival.

It’s a BIG Deal

The Seaport Village Spring Busker Festival is the largest festival of its kind in Southern California, and one of only a few in the U.S. Each year, the festival attracts more than 1,500 locals and visitors.

International Performers

Busking—or street performing—is a centuries-old tradition of performing for tips in public.

The festival has attracted international acts including buskers all the way from Norway and Japan.

Free Admission

While the event is free to attend, visitors are encouraged to bring cash to tip performers—it’s how they make a living!

A New Kids’ Zone

This year, guests will be able to enjoy Busker Kid Zone on Saturday only which is complete with plenty of hands-on entertainment such as a ‘Kid Wonder’ playscape gym with a mini kid-friendly America Ninja Warrior training experience, an interactive ‘Storybook Slime’ adventure, a ‘Busker University’ main stage, an ‘EcoArts’ crafting station and more.

Attendees Can Vote for a Favorite

Visitors can vote for their favorite act to win the People’s Choice Award. In addition to serious bragging rights, the winning busker will receive a $500 airline voucher.

Guests Can Win, Too

There are plenty of opportunities for guests to win too—the event emcee will be asking trivia questions throughout the event for chances to win prizes from Seaport Village.

Performances on Stages and Elsewhere

There are two main performance stages, but buskers can be found performing all throughout the village each day.

Experienced Acts

Guests can expect to see contortionists, acrobats, knife jugglers, ladder balancing, hula hoopers, breathtaking circus stunt shows and more!

Many performers have more than 10 years experience under their belts, with professional training from circus and juggling schools.

Year-Round Fun, Too

Seaport is home to a big busking scene year round; visitors can enjoy unique performances from mimes to fire breathers along the boardwalk.

After attending the festival, you might just have a better appreciation for what our year-round buskers do.

Shop and Eat

Adding to the Spring Busker Festival flair, visitors can enjoy shopping and dining at more than 50 locally owned Seaport Village shops and eateries from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Festival-goers can also head to Seaport’s sister property, the Headquarters at Seaport for additional shopping from locally owned stores, beautiful outdoor seating and lounge areas and dining from restaurants including Puesto, Eddie V’s and Flour & Barley.

Getting There Can Be Easy

Parking available in the Seaport Village lots. Additionally, Seaport Village is easily accessible on Metropolitan Transit System Trolley, via the Seaport Village stop on the Green Line.

Dates: Saturday, March 7 and Sunday, March 8
Times: Noon – 6 p.m.