By Pam Wright
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
The motto of Crowfest 2026 could be described as “Let’s break some records.”
Because that’s what entertainers and volunteers plan to do in the fifth rendition of the popular downtown Chatham festival.
Running from Sept. 16 to 19, the event will feature at least 16 attempts to break Guinness World Book of Records milestones, including an attempt to concoct the world’s largest Caesar cocktail.
Led by Chatham restaurateur Brian Machado, the big Caesar initiative is slated for Sept. 17 at Sons of Kent. It’s a bid to bring the title back to Chatham-Kent, claimed by volunteers in Pain Court in 2018. But that record was broken by Lumsden, Sask. a year later.
If successful, this year’s giant “Flight of the Caesar” attempt will see a team of 15 volunteers combine 1,260 litres of fluid to make the drink. Plus, in order to win the title, the entirety of the cocktail must be consumed. It will be adjudicated by Chatham’s Luke Davidson, with music provided by the band 40 Hours Over.
“We need lots of people to come by and drink it up,” said Kaitlin Goulet, executive director of the Downtown Chatham BIA, lead organizer of Crowfest 2026. “We hope the breaking records idea goes over well, as it is unique.”
This year’s Crowfest may shape up to be the best yet, Goulet added.
“It’s one of our biggest events in the downtown,” she said. “I love seeing the streets shut down and full of people. It’s one of our best events for sure.”
Not to be outdone by a spicy drink, top-notch buskers at the event will try to break 15 records as well. These attempts range from fun, like the most rolls of a football behind the neck while juggling in one minute; to awe-inspiring, such as the highest fireball blown from standing; to the weird, which will see the most animal traps set off on a human body in one minute.
According to Goulet, the event will showcase around 80 vendors, including food trucks. Art installations will also be happening on King Street, as well as inside the mall.
Crowfest has been named by Festivals & Events Ontario (FEO) as a Top New Ontario Festival and a Top 100 Festival.
Crowfest 2026 Schedule:
Sept. 16 – The Great Canadian Dueling Pianos Act will kick off Crowfest in the evening with an event at Garden on King. Featured on Canada’s Got Talent, the dynamic duo offers an interactive experience with song requests and big hits. Tickets are $10 and are available at Garden on King, Sons of Kent, or at the door.
Sept. 17 – That’s when the big drink magic happens at Sons of Kent. Tickets for Flight of the Caesar are $10 and are available at Garden on King, Sons of Kent or at the door. Doors open at 6 p.m.
Sept. 18 – Buskers from around the globe will descend on King Street to treat patrons to some awe-inspiring performances, and vendors will also be on hand. A glow-in-the-dark “Crow Glow” dance party will also take place on Fifth Street, featuring DJ Andre Alridge. Participants are invited to dress in their best neon. Admission is free.
Sept. 19 – Events begin at 10 a.m., including more busker performances. The ever-popular crow costume contest will run from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. The day also features performances by HUNTR/X; Theatre Kent and other musical acts. The adults-only Busk after Dusk event will wrap up Crowfest at 8 p.m. on the mainstage. Tickets are available at Garden on King, Sons of Kent or at the door.
In Chatham, Garden on King is located at 193 King St. W. while Sons of Kent is located at 27 Adelaide St.
