Blue Ridge BuskerFest returns to Abingdon August 31st

Blue Ridge BuskerFest returns to Abingdon August 31st

Abingdon, VA – The popular street festival BuskerFest returns this Labor Day weekend with a new name and a more interesting and diverse line-up than ever before.  Presented by Blue Ridge Auto, Blue Ridge BuskerFest takes place Saturday August 31^st along Main Street in downtown Abingdon, with jugglers, aerielists, magicians, stiltwalkers, musicians and more.  The fun starts with kids activities at the Imagination Station at 11:00am, then street performers are scheduled for 12:00-5:00pm.  Adults 21 and up are invited to Buskers After Dark, 7:00pm to 8:00pm at the Abingdon Market Pavilion.

Also new this year is presenting sponsor Blue Ridge Auto, which has allowed Blue Ridge BuskerFest to expand, bringing in even more world-class performers. 

A busker is simply a street performer who plays for tips, and Abingdon Music Experience has recruited weird and wonderful artists from all over the country to perform. New artists for 2019 include Brittany Sparkles, a 12-year veteran circus performer, who has been called “America’s Circus Barbie Sweetheart,” breakdancer Teflon Yak, and “The Statue of New England,” a living statue from Massachusetts. Visitors will also see some returning favorites, including Miss Kitty’s Cosmonauts, Jonathan Austin, Jalopy Junction Vaudeville Theatre, and Mekkah Jael bellydancing.  A full schedule can be found at https://www.blueridgebuskerfest.com

Kids of all ages will find something to enjoy at the family friendly Blue Ridge BuskerFest. In addition to performances along Main Street 12pm to 5pm, William King Museum of Art is sponsoring the Imagination Station, including free interactive art activities and a live glass-blowing demonstration.  Younger children will also enjoy the ball pit provided by Play Date at Lois H. Humphreys Park across from the Abingdon Post Office.

For adults looking for a different kind of experience, Buskers After Dark is the official after party for BuskerFest.  Guests are encouraged to come in carnival costume, and mingle with the performers of Imagine Circus. Emcee Tony Steinbach will greet the guests at 7:00pm, and the performance by Imagine Circus begins at 8:00, with aerial artists and a fire finale.  Ages 21+ only, with photo ID (no exceptions). Suggested $5.00 donation at the door for the programs of Abingdon Music Experience.

Visitors are encouraged to park at the Abingdon Municipal Lot (238 W Main Street) or Roses near exit 19 (751 E Main Street). Shuttles will run to downtown Abingdon 11:30am to 5:30pm.

Schedule

11:00am – 3:00pm      Imagination Station                Barter Square

12:00pm – 5:00pm      Buskers on Main Street          From Court St. to Russell Rd.

7:00pm – 10:00pm      Buskers After Dark                 Abingdon Market Pavilion

For more information, visit blueridgebuskerfest.com, or email Event Coordinator Sara Saavedra at ssaavedra@abingdon-va.gov.

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