Crowfest organizers say Crowfest is still on despite Mother Nature not co-operating.
Saturday is expected to be rainy, but organizers said Saturday morning will proceed as scheduled and they will continue to monitor weather conditions throughout the day.
If the rain puts buskers at risk in the afternoon, they will move indoors to The Garden on King and 100 King.
If the rain continues into the evening, Busk After Dusk will move indoors to The Garden on King.
***story updated from September 16***
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The fifth annual Crowfest in downtown Chatham runs through Saturday with lots of music, buskers, food, and attempts to break multiple world records along the way.
On Wednesday night, The Great Canadian Dueling Pianos will perform.
On Thursday, Crowfest will attempt to reclaim the World Record title for creating the World’s Largest Caesar Cocktail, a record that Pain Court held in 2018, with 1,260 litres of Canada’s favourite cocktail. Thursday evening will also feature music from Canadian rock band 40 Hours Over.
Organizers say buskers will attempt to set or break over 15 world records that range from the most rolls of a football behind the neck while juggling in a minute, the highest fireball blown from a standing position, and the most animal traps set off on a human body in one minute.
Friday features new and returning worldwide buskers performing on King Street, more than 80 artisan vendors and food trucks showcasing local makers, food and talent, and a glow-in-the-dark celebration and dance party. Festival-goers are encouraged to dress in their brightest neon, glow-in-the-dark, light-up gear for the free Crow Glow party on Friday night.
Saturday will feature more busker performances, more world record attempts, and vendors. Entertainment, including the costume contest, HUNTR/X, Theatre Kent, and various musical acts, will be held on the main stage on 5th Street.
An adults-only Busk After Dusk will wrap up the four-day festival on the main stage on Saturday night.
The 2026 Crowfest will also feature a cooling tent designed as a crow’s nest to offer visitors a quiet place to rest, recharge, and connect.
Click here for more information and a full schedule of events.
