Burlington pauses Festival of Fools, citing city finances
BURLINGTON, Vt. (ABC22/FOX44) – Saying the city faces 'unique financial difficulties,' Burlington City Arts announced Friday that it will cancel this year's annual Festival of Fools, but 'fully expects' the popular Church Street performances to return in 2026.
'[A]fter months of internal and community dialogue, and after careful consideration of the arts organization's many essential programs that engage artists and community members of all ages, backgrounds, and experiences, BCA has made the difficult decision to pause the Festival of Fools for 2025,' BCA said in a press release.
Launched in 2007, the Festival of Fools draws buskers, street performers and musicians from around the world for a 'curated festival of street theater devoted to community engagement through the 'celebration of circus arts, music, and comedy for family audiences.'
Festival of Fools is back in Burlington
BCA said issues such as public safety, housing and climate change 'present unique financial difficulties' for the City of Burlington and that city departments are being asked 'to make hard but strategic decisions.'
'As we continue helping the City to achieve its goals, BCA will redirect resources—including budget items and staff—to ensure that the arts remain an essential component of Burlington's welcoming nature and cultural vibrancy,' BCA Executive Director Doreen Kraft said.
The pause will help the organization 'better protect the full integrity and deep engagement' of its other programs, BCA said, which include a Summer Concert Series, exhibitions and arts education.
'While I'm disappointed we don't have the resources to produce the 18th annual Festival of Fools this summer,' said Festival Director Zach Williamson, 'I look forward to bringing the community together through events and concerts in City Hall Park all summer, and we'll get to work on Fools 2026!'
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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