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Submission Guidelines for the Festival of Fools  

Every year Festival of Fools takes place the first weekend in August and features a number of performance acts. A core troupe of in-residence street buskers forms the backbone of our lineup. Buskers from all over the world come to the Festival and perform 40-minute shows multiple times a day.  

The Festival also features street and stage musical performances and other special event activations. Our programming door is always wide open as we strive to present the most unique and interesting Festival in the country. 

  • Performers of all types can submit their ideas via email to the Festival and Event Director at zwilliamson@burlingtoncityarts.org. Please include your website and other relevant links. Videos of performances are particularly helpful.  
  • A three-person creative team that includes the Festival Director, Artistic Director, and Musical Director work together to determine and approve programming.  
  • The programming period is fluid, but generally takes place from September to February. 
  • We encourage applicants with varied talents.  
  • All acts are paid, provided with lodging (if needed), and provided hospitality. 

Thank you for your interest in the Festival of Fools! 

2023 Festival of Fools STAFF

Festival Director: Zach Williamson

Festival Director: Zach Williamson
Artistic Director & Co-Founder: Woody Keppel
Music Programming: Signal Kitchen
Event Manager: Abra Clawson
Company Manager: Madeline Bell
Street Designer: Carl Talent
Volunteer Coordination: Kyla Waldron
Operations Leads: Julia Moriarty, Mark Balderston
Street Audio and Street Operations: BCA Event Staff
Catering: Jenna Giguere
Security: Chocolate Thunder Security

Burlington City Arts STAFF

Executive Director: Doreen Kraft
Assistant Director: Sara Katz
Communications Director: John Flanagan
Design Director: Ted Olson
Marketing & Sponsorship: Elena Rosen
Festival & Event Director: Zach Williamson
Event Manager: Abra Clawson
Development Director: Joyce Cellars
Development Coordinator: Meara McGinniss
Administrative Assistant: Jenna Giguere

Media Requests

All media inquiries should be directed to John Flanagan, Communications Director at jflanagan@burlingtoncityarts.org or 802.865.5355

Photograph Requests
Media may request photographs to be used in publications and electronic communications. Contact John Flanagan for more information.

Please credit all photographs “Courtesy of Burlington City Arts” unless instructed otherwise. Photos may not be used for commercial purposes. Photographs found on this website are not suitable for printing purposes.