For millennia, street performers have injected a lot of heart–and a lot of spectacle–into the character of cities from India to San Francisco. These musicians, acrobats, magicians, and other entertainers, collectively called “buskers,” are a rare breed in many places these days, but in San Diego they have their own world-class festival.

At the end of March, don’t miss this celebration of all things daredevil, sleight-of-hand, and happy-go-lucky: The Spring Busker Festival at Seaport Village will open before you know it!

Buskers of All Stripes

The Spring Busker Festival, the only such event in Southern California, takes place on March 29 and 30 from noon to 6 p.m. each day.

This is your chance to be amazed by unicyclists, jugglers, sword-swallowers, minstrels, and all manner of other street performers. There’s no admission charge, but you’ll want to have a few tips handy to reward your charismatic entertainers.

On Saturday, there’ll also be nighttime busking delights: The “Buskers After Dark” event, open to attendees 18 and older, thrums along from 7 to 10 p.m. Once again, the proceedings are free with performers graciously accepting tips; there are also $1 beer and food specials available with an RSVP.

Past performers at the festival have included such legends as Murrugun the Mystic, Jimmy Talksalot, Jason Escape, and those physics-defying dancers called the Ring Masters.

Logistics

The Sofia Hotel, drenched in history and full of character, is eager to put a roof over your head during the Spring Busker Festival. You couldn’t ask for more convenient accommodations: We’re less than a mile from the event, which is set right in the heart of downtown a stone’s throw from San Diego Bay.

The Spring Busker Festival–with all its sword-swallowing, fire-juggling action–is one of San Diego’s most thrilling and unique extravaganzas. You’ll want to be there–ready to be amazed!

(Image: BozDoz)