Downtown – 4 blocks where Ross and Gaetz intersect – will again be the site of CentreFest, Red Deer’s annual street performers festival.
If wonder, magic, smiles, tasty treats, intriguing vendors, Kids World and art and artists is your thing, you’re sure to find it at CentreFest.
It’s a show without walls, like no other. Join us on Friday at noon in City Hall Park for the CentreFest Kick-Off – for a sneak preview of the festival performers.
CentreFest has become Red Deer’s largest festival and a one-of-a-kind celebration in Central Alberta. Nearly 25,000 people get in on the act each year. Will you?
FAQs
What’s a street performer?
Street performing or busking is an ancient form of entertainment. It is a style like no other. Street performers are that rare breed of entertainer in search of the best place or “pitch” to perform their art. Buskers can be dancers, mimes, artists, clowns, magicians, musicians, puppeteers, snake charmers, jugglers, acrobats, sword swallowers, tumblers, living statues, comedians, and just plain weird.
There is no form of entertainment that is so diverse and eclectic than street performing. A good busker draws upon the audience, adapting to his or her surroundings. No two shows are ever the same, which makes street performing a truly unique form of entertainment.
Where do they come from?
Depending on their motivation, street performers travel the globe with their impromptu performances. Performers at CentreFest come from far and wide, as close as Red Deer as far as New Zealand.
What do they do?
What don’t they do? The list is way too long to print here!
Where? When?
Downtown Red Deer on Ross Street at Gaetz Avenue.
Saturday, July 31th from Noon to 8pm and Sunday, August 1st from Noon to 6pm.
Join us for the ATCO Gas Kick-Off BBQ in City Hall Park at Noon on Friday, July 30th for a taste of CentreFest.
How much?
It’s up to you how much you pay. Street performers earn their living by “passing the hat”. So when you enjoy their performance, let them know with your loonies and toonies and… Change is available at the Toonie Tent.
What’s on site?
Street performers “pitches”, Kids World, Street Market and Food vendors and roving entertainment. Portable washrooms are available on-site. There is a Toonie Tent for change to "put in the hats". HSE Integrated provides emergency first-aid services. Parking is available all around the site, but Ross Street is closed from 49th Avenue to 51st Avenue and Gaetz Avenue is closed from 51st Street to 49th Street.
Parking and access?
Public parking is available all around the site and is FREE on Saturdays and Sundays, but Ross Street is closed from 49th Avenue to 51st Avenue and Gaetz Avenue is closed from 51st Street to 49th Street.
NEW this year!
Scheduled circle show performances. Performers and show times will be available prior to and at the Festival this year.
What else should I know?
Sunscreen, hats, sunglasses, comfortable footwear are in high fashion at CentreFest.
Asphalt and concrete can be very hot – too hot for paws. We strongly encourage you to leave your pets at home where they will be more comfortable.
Bicycles must be walked and skateboards carried while enjoying CentreFest.
Warning: If your cell phone rings during a show you may be shamed mercilessly. Please turn off your cell phone during performances. Videotaping is not permitted.
CentreFest is open to the public. The all-ages event is wheelchair accessible. Entrance is free, but your donation helps keep CentreFest alive. All performances are in the “pass the hat” tradition - so bring your Toonies.
The show goes on - rain or shine.
