Burlington City Arts is proud to present the Festival of Fools, now in its tenth year, on August 4-6, 2017. The Festival of Fools is a curated festival of street theater devoted to community engagement through the celebration of circus arts, music and comedy for family audiences. In accord with Burlington City Arts’ mission to make the arts accessible in greater Burlington, the Festival of Fools offers free events, open to the public and appropriate for all age groups.
The Festival of Fools features the best international street performers from around the globe. Four main stage locations surrounding the Church Street Marketplace and City Hall Park will feature continuous street theater, performing to over 10,000 visitors to Church Street each day. The Festival wraps up on Sunday with a grand finale featuring all the performers of the festival. Visit www.vermontfestivaloffools.com for all the wacky details!
Festival of Fools is presented by Community Bank.
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Schedule At-A-Glance
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Friday, August 4
Noon-10 p.m.
Busking on Church Street
Join our street performers all along Church Street for a day of busking.
Free (tips are encouraged and appreciated)
5:30 p.m.
Foolish Parade on Church Street
Starts at Church and Pearl and goes to Main Street. All are encouraged to join in.
5:45 p.m.
Mayoral Proclamation
Join Burlington Mayor Miro Weinberger on the steps of City Hall.
5:45 p.m.
Block of Fools Street Party on Main Street
The best party all summer will feature live music, street performances, food trucks and cash bars. Free fun for the whole family!
7:30 p.m.
Rory Scovel at Vermont Comedy Club
Purchase your tickets here.
9 p.m.
Late Night Foolery with the Bindlestiff Family Cirkus at Club Metronome
Purchase your tickets here soon.
9:30 p.m.
Rory Scovel at Vermont Comedy Club
Purchase your tickets here.
11 p.m.
Late Night Foolery with the Bindlestiff Family Cirkus at Club Metronome
Purchase your tickets here.
11 p.m.
Fools After Party at Nectar’s: Funky Dawgz Brass Band
Purchase your tickets here.
Saturday, August 5
10 a.m.
Performances in City Hall Park
Enjoy live acts during the Farmers Market
Free
11-10 p.m.
Busking on Church Street
Join our street performers all along Church Street for a day of busking.
Free (tips are encouraged and appreciated)
noon-2 p.m.
The Hokum Bros at Leunig’s
Join us for live music
Free
6-9 p.m.
Live Concert in City Hall Park
Join us for live music, food and cash bar
Free
8 p.m.
Ben & Jerry’s Outdoor Movie at Top Block on Church Street
Join us for “It’s a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World.”
Free
7:30 p.m.
Rory Scovel at Vermont Comedy Club
Purchase your tickets here.
9:30 p.m.
Rory Scovel at Vermont Comedy Club
Purchase your tickets here.
11 p.m.
Fools After Party at Nectar’s: Barika
Purchase your tickets here.
Sunday, August 6
10-Noon
Mr. Woodard’s School of Foolery
Learn the art of circusry from highly skilled performers in City Hall Park
Free • Learn More
11-6 p.m.
Busking on Church Street
Join our street performers all along Church Street for a day of busking.
Free (tips are encouraged and appreciated)
2-5 p.m.
Kids Rock the Park in City Hall Park
Live music and activities.
Free
6 p.m.
The Last Laugh Festival Variety Show
in City Hall Park
Free
Oct 5, 2024, 10:30 AM to 12:30 PM
2024 Special Olympics Vermont Cornhole ClassicOct 6, 2024, 9:30 AM to 3 PM
Play Entitled: One Family in GazaOct 6, 2024, 7 to 8:30 PM