Christchurch’s World Buskers Festival Set to Dazzle in 2026

The 33rd edition of the World Buskers Festival will take place in Christchurch from January 23 to February 1, 2026. This annual event promises to showcase an impressive array of street performances, featuring talented buskers from 12 countries. The highlight of the festival will be the headline act, Cirque Bonbon, presented by Christchurch Casino, which will feature an all-star ensemble of contortionists, acrobats, and dancers from Australia.

To support this vibrant cultural event, the Christchurch City Council has allocated $300,000. Festival directors Pitsch Leiser and Drew James from HooHa Productions are committed to transforming Christchurch into the circus capital of New Zealand. Leiser emphasized the importance of this vision, stating, “Making us the circus capital of New Zealand just makes sense – it’s bold, it’s fun, and it’s exactly where this city’s at.”

Celebrating Local and Global Talent

The festival will feature a diverse range of performances, including circus cabaret, dance, drag, comedy, and theatre. Notable acts include The Bitches Box, the Fiesta City Bus Tour led by El Jaguar, and the late-night cabaret show, among others. James highlighted the extensive efforts made in curating the lineup, stating, “We travel the world every year, picking the very best talent from streets, plazas, festivals, and events. The 2026 lineup is proof we’ve done our homework – these are some of the best acts performing anywhere right now, and they’re coming to Christchurch.”

The festival will not only feature international talent but also showcase local performers, with over half of the acts hailing from Christchurch and across New Zealand. “January marks thirty-three years of the World Buskers Festival, and we want to celebrate this milestone by showing the world what Christchurch is all about,” added James.

This year’s festival will also mark the launch of a new Māori and Pasifika cultural strategy and mentor programme. Leiser expressed enthusiasm about collaborating with Māori and Pasifika curators, stating, “We’re really excited to be working with Māori and Pasifika curators and seeing that line-up grow and thrive during the festival.”

Engaging the Community and Families

In addition to the main performances, the festival has partnered with Gap Filler to introduce a series of interactive games called 8 Days of Play. Designed for children and families, these activities aim to enhance community engagement during the school holidays.

Clarke McFarlane, a performer who will present his solo show, Mario, Queen of the Circus, and participate in the headline act Cirque Bonbon, shared his excitement about returning to the festival. “I’ve had such a storied history coming to the Christchurch Buskers Festival, and over the years, it’s been huge for my career. The city has meant so much to me, and it’s amazing I get to come back in January next year.”

The World Buskers Festival is a cherished event in Christchurch, contributing significantly to the city’s vibrant cultural scene. With new attractions like The Court Theatre and the upcoming One New Zealand Stadium at Te Kaha, the atmosphere in the city is notably energetic. Leiser concluded, “The World Buskers Festival is loved and cherished in Ōtautahi Christchurch – it’s part of what makes our city such a vibrant cultural centre.”

As the festival date approaches, anticipation builds for an unforgettable celebration of street performance that reflects the spirit and creativity of Christchurch.