Open category:
First place – Sponsored by SpaceLab
Winner: Jonathon Mettes
$1,000 cash prize and $150 Better Music Voucher
I sing and play banjo and guitar, with some accompanying kick drum and snare played by my feet. I have original songs and covers. I’m inspired by Kim Churchill – kind of acoustic-y folk-y roots-y. Generally pretty mellow.
Second place – Sponsored by Kivotos
Second place: Snowy Mountain Folk (Gabi Forman + Filip and Justin Klempfer)
$500 cash prize, Kivotos dining voucher and $100 Better Music Voucher
Youth category:
First place: Sponsored by SpaceLab
Winner: Ruby Holden
$500 cash prize and $100 Better Music Voucher
Ruby is a solo guitarist performing covers and originals she regularly busks at markets in Canberra and surrounding areas. She was at the annual Tamworth country music festival 2025. She was a finalist at the 2024 busking championships in Cooma.
Second place: Sponsored by 86 North Restaurant
2nd place: Kidz These Dayz
$300 cash prize and $50 Better Music Voucher
Sunday sessions. Stripped back pop classics. Old school legends. New skool bangers. Originals. Chilled vibes and big vocals. That’s Kids These Dayz.
Covering a wide range from Dolly Parton, John Denver, Elvis, Elton John and Billy Joel to INXS, Olivia Rodrigo, Adele, Zach Bryan and Billie Eilish (and a lot in between).
A gorgeous mix of guitar and keyboard with some stunning harmonies from a tight brother & sister duo.
People’s Choice: Sponsored by Shane Rattenbury and Bentspoke BrewPub
Winner: Aria Wallace
$500 cash prize and $500 Bentspoke Voucher
I’m a busker and singer based in Canberra with a year and a half of experience. I’d love to perform at the festival to gain more exposure, experience, and connect with new audiences.
@ariawallacemusic dreams by @Fleetwood Mac ⛈️ #fleetwoodmac #fyp #singing #singer #dreams #australia ♬ original sound – aria wallace
Performers
Baxter Lynn
I have busked about a dozen times over the last two years.
Jimmy McGrath
Jimmy McGrath is a Country, Folk, Singer-songwriter. Experiencing a Jimmy McGrath performance feels like sitting down with an old friend, where every lyric and melody resonates like a memory. His shows are intimate, weaving soulful melodies with insightful storytelling that feels both deeply personal and universally relatable. With a rare blend of emotional vulnerability and thoughtful intelligence, Jimmy’s music leaves a lasting impression, making you reflect long after.
Trev Takkenberg
My act incorporates synth guitar, looping and a drum machine, playing covers from the 60s through to the early 00’s.
DENI DOMINGUEZ MOLINA
Deni Dominguez (Mexico) is a dancer, street artist and puppeteer with over 20 years of experience in performing arts and teaching arts. She uses and mixes techniques such as shadow theatre, clown and contemporary dance to develop her artistic interests.
“Balloon Head” is a body puppet, this means that I use my body as a puppet, using objects that modify it and build the character and its little story. “Balloon Head” reaches planet Earth, tries to look normal among humans, dances, imagines and plays.
Jem Allen
I’ve been busking playing Australian pop music since I was 14 years old. I’m a musician who still loves to perform; I play acoustic guitar and I sing.
Wallace Mair
We love the atmosphere of busking.
Oliver Vickers
I am a singer/songwriter/guitarist. I previously worked as a professional opera singer but am now embracing the worlds of pop and rock.
John Stokes
A local Australian Alternative Country singer songwriter fresh from The Tamworth Country Music Festival. Using acoustic guitars, didgeridoo and effects with a battery operated PA system. Busking is a great way to entertain and interact with listeners. I like the closeness and interaction when performing.
Jake Braun
I’m a singer-songwriter currently based in Canberra. I upload vlogs and songs online, and I’ve done a handful of open mics around Canberra. I mostly sing and play guitar.
Ruby James
Vocalist and guitarist, playing a Gretsch electromatic, with Boss RC-500 pedal mixed through a Behringer Flow8 – noise provided through an Everse 8.
I have performed professionally at venues in lots of different cities. I enjoy the close-up nature of busking and the opportunity to cater a performance to different people. I play a mix of originals and covers (primarily 60s-80s pop, Australiana and popular acoustic music).
Linda Jean Gilbert
Classical Concert Violin Repertoire, professional performance standard.
Ishan Biddle
I play acoustic guitar and sing.
Fynnbar Clode
Music is my passion, and I love sharing it with others.
Lucious Nicholson
I play Lead Guitar to backing tracks
Bailey Jenkin
Living statue, have performed as part of a group for the Wangaratta Youthies Theatre Group, and solo at Cooma ANBC.
Ziqi Yang/People Pleasers
All four members of the People Pleasers have broad and varied musical backgrounds. In addition to being an avid pianist, the formidable Georgie also grew up taking part singing in choirs, musicals and eisteddfods. Sylvie is a magnificent vocalist also with background in piano. The enigmatic Lachlan loves piano and guitar, and has a rich background in jazz piano performing in solo and ensemble settings. Last but not least, the rambunctious Ziqi grew up playing the violin, piano and viola.
Ziqi Yang/People Pleasers Youtube
Tahi Winikerei
Lara Primmer
Lara performs an acoustic guitar set with a wide variety of songs such as Creep by Radiohead, Zombie by the Cranberries, Set Fire to the Rain by Adele and many more.
John Patrick Ruiz
I do general covers of songs from the 60s to the 90s.
Connor Jaye Harris-Cook
Acoustic guitar with amp, vocals, and loop pedal. Local Canberra busker.
The K Brothers
Filip and Justin Klempfer