After being voted one of the best new festivals in Ontario, Crowfest is returning to Chatham-Kent for its second year.
Crowfest 2023 will be held in Chatham from October 11-14 on and around King Street, featuring multiple days of activities, over 70 vendors, and 21 busker performers from around the world.
“I think we learned a lot from last year as far as getting the word out early,” said event Co-Chair Andrew Thiel. “Overall, it was such a great success, it was really a stepping stone for us to add a couple of new sections to the event and continue on with the ones that were successful.”
The festival kicks off on Wednesday the 11th, with the “Olde Crows Tea” luncheon at Retro Suites Hotel, and the “Great Balls Of Fire Event” at Garden on King with four pyro performers. The day will close out with a performance by the “Great Canadian Dueling Pianos” at the River Rock.
On Thursday the 12th, the Crowfest Gala returns for another year, with a murder mystery theme entitled “A Murder of Crows”.
On Friday the 13th, the buskers and vendors will take to King Street, with art classes and a paint party also being held at the Crowbar.
“We want the street to really look full and for it to be interactive,” said Thiel.
The buskers and vendors will return to King Street the following day on Sunday, along with the Crowfest costume contest. A wrap-up party called “Busk After Dusk” will then cap off the event at Sons of Kent Brewery.
Festivals and Events Ontario named the inaugural Crowfest in downtown Chatham the “Best New Festival with a budget of $100,000-$500,000” for 2022.
“That’s what makes Chatham-Kent so special — the combination of everyone coming together. It’s no one person that’s making it. Collectively, we’re coming together as a community to make this event happen,” said Mayor and Co-Chair Darrin Canniff.
For more details about the event or for those interested in volunteering, click here.
