Shelley Switzer, Artistic Producer, Edmonton International Street Performers Festival
Welcome to the 35th Annual Edmonton International Street Performers Festival
Do It Again. In the Gazebo!
First of its kind in North America and one of the top festivals on our planet that celebrates and honours the worlds’ best street performers is right here in Edmonton. 2019 Edmonton StreetFest will bring you, your family and friends to Dr. Wilbert McIntyre Park (it’s the Gazebo Park). Our dates will be Friday July 5 -14th, 2019.
For the extraordinary circumstances for this year we thank the City of Edmonton, City Council, Edmonton Civic Events department and the entire Old Strathcona neighbourhood for their extra, above and beyond support and amazing warm welcome. With the LRT and various other construction projects on our usual Churchill Square festival site we are on the move again.
35 years – we now have 4 generations of audience members bring friends and family members. That makes for approximately 4,575,000 visitors. Over the 35 years approximately 1200 Acts/artists have been invited to bring their art, their talent and awesomeness and increased the joy and laughter in Edmonton and created so many memories to be treasured for a lifetime.
What a democratic art form – there is no ticket required to access the Festival Site for Edmonton StreetFest. It is you, the audience member, who decides the true value of the performance at the end of each show by making a contribution directly to the artists. If you also love our festival you would also be welcome to make a donation (on site or through our website) $5, $35 for 35 years or $350 and because you love us that much, would all be much appreciated. (tax receipts can be provided).
There are miles of smiles along with eternal appreciation that goes out to our Board of Directors.
We truly could not do without the amazing and hardworking volunteers, coordinators and staff for the truly outstanding efforts they contribute to the festival each year.
Huge thank you to the City of Edmonton through the Edmonton Arts Council, the Department of Canadian Heritage, and the Province of Alberta through the Alberta Foundation for the Arts for their vital ongoing support to our festival. Many businesses, community mind people and generous philanthropists also support not just the Festival but ultimately to our neighbourhoods, communities and to the City – We thank you all.
On behalf of the world’s best artists, volunteers, board, staff, sponsors and supporters, welcome to the 35th annual Edmonton StreetFest.
May the Festival be filled with laughter, smiles and sunshine and May Your Hearts and Hats be full.
Shelley Switzer
Don Iveson – Mayor of Edmonton
On behalf of City Council and the people of Edmonton, welcome to the 35th annual Edmonton International Street Performers Festival!
This year marks an incredible milestone for this festival. Each summer, performers and entertainers from around the world descend on our fabulous city to deliver an array of comedic, emotional and mystifying performances throughout our streets and parks. This outdoor, family- friendly event is Canada’s oldest celebration devoted exclusively to street theatre, and is a beloved staple in our summer calendar, attracting more than 200,000 attendees annually.
I thank the International Street Performers Festival Society and all the wonderful volunteers and sponsors who make this festival possible. The enduring success of this event is a direct result of your diligent efforts, and Edmontonians are grateful for your determination to ensure the shows will go on in Dr. Wilbert McIntyre Park this summer.
Best wishes for an entertaining and enjoyable festival!
Yours truly,
Don Iveson
Mayor
Leela Sharon Aheer, Minister of Culture, Multiculturalism and Status of Women
Government of Alberta
As the Minister of Culture, Multiculturalism and Status of Women, I am pleased to welcome everyone to the Edmonton International Street Performers Festival.
StreetFest is a full buffet of performing arts. It is a wonderful opportunity for audiences to sample music, theatre, acrobatics, and dance, all in one place. It’s one of my favourite ways to experience arts and culture; interactive, accessible, and just plain fun.
Edmonton is known as a festival city for a reason. StreetFest was the first of its kind in North America, and during the last 35 years, it has continued to get bigger and better every year. This festival encourages local artists to pursue their passion and attracts top talent from around the world.
Even better, it demonstrates the incredible power of art to do good. The Comedy Cares program brings the festival to hospitals and long-term care facilities. The joy it gives patients and families when they need it the most is truly inspirational.
Thank you to the organizers and volunteers that work hard year-round to create this amazing festival. Thank you as well to the performers who give us a glimpse of magic, and to everyone who contributes to make this all possible.
Enjoy the festival!
Leela Sharon Aheer
Minister
Pablo Rodriguez, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Multiculturalism
Government of Canada
Welcome to the 2019 Edmonton International Street Performers Festival!
Our government is proud to support festivals like this one, which provide communities with live, interactive performances that promise to both enrich and entertain. Arts and culture play an important role in our lives; this is why Budget 2019 includes increased funding to help Canadians experience our culture and let Canadian artists shine. For 35 years running, this festival has enlivened the streets of downtown Edmonton, helping audiences discover talented and original artists who are eager to share their passion and creativity with the world.
As Minister of Canadian Heritage and Multiculturalism, I would like to congratulate the organizers, sponsors, volunteers and performers who make this excellent festival possible every summer. I applaud your efforts to showcase the diverse and exciting world of street performance.
The Honourable Pablo Rodriguez
Bienvenue à l’Edmonton International Street Performers Festival de 2019!
Notre gouvernement est fier d’appuyer des rendez-vous, comme celui-ci, qui offrent aux communautés des spectacles interactifs tous aussi divertissants qu’enrichissants. Les arts et la culture jouent un grand rôle dans nos vies. C’est pourquoi nous avons prévu dans le budget de 2019 un financement accru pour mettre la culture à la portée des Canadiens et permettre à nos créateurs de s’illustrer. Depuis 35 ans, ce festival anime les rues du centre-ville d’Edmonton et fait découvrir au public des artistes talentueux et originaux qui ont à cœur de partager leur passion et leur créativité.
À titre de ministre du Patrimoine canadien et du Multiculturalisme, je félicite les organisateurs, les commanditaires, les bénévoles et les artistes qui assurent chaque été la présentation de l’Edmonton International Street Performers Festival. Je salue vos efforts en vue de mettre en valeur le passionnant monde des arts de la rue.
L’honorable Pablo Rodriguez