Burlington City Arts announced on Friday that the popular Festival of Fools will not happen in 2025. Citing the City of Burlington’s “unique financial difficulties,” BCA decided to pull the plug on the weeklong celebration this summer but also said it plans to host the festival again in 2026. The free outdoor event featured world-class cirque performers, acrobats, magicians and buskers along the Church Street Marketplace and in City Hall Park.
“For the past few months, BCA has been rallying our arts community around the phrase ‘Art Is Essential,'” BCA executive director Doreen Kraft said in a press release announcing the cancellation. “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.”
The press release cited the city’s goals of protecting community safety, providing housing opportunities and addressing climate challenges, which have led departments to “make hard but strategic decisions.”
Since its 2007 founding, Festival of Fools has become one of the largest events in the state, according to BCA. But putting it on is a daunting task for the organization. By pausing the festival, BCA says it will be able to better support its other programs, including the Summer Concert Series, Splash Dance, Sunday Classical and the New Year’s Eve celebration, Highlight.
“While I’m disappointed we don’t have the resources to produce the 18th annual Festival of Fools this summer, I look forward to bringing the community together through events and concerts in City Hall Park all summer,” festival and event director Zach Williamson said. “And we’ll get back to work on Fools 2026!”