While the organizers behind Lewiston’s first busking festival didn’t get an official attendance tally, it was clear that those who came out, or stumbled upon the event, were captivated.

On social media, some described Saturday afternoon’s street performances as infectious and funny, and photos and videos of attendees show nothing but smiles.

Now, organizers are hoping the positive reviews for Lewiston Live can translate into more interest and momentum as they plan a multiweek stint along Lisbon Street next spring.

Joe Grochmal, special assistant to the city administrator and the staff lead behind the festival, said the city’s first attempt at a busking event was a success, with attendees and performers excited to be there.

He said the festival was essentially a test-run for a more robust slate of events next year, where the city can hopefully grow attendance through word-of-mouth over six or more weeks.

“We’re going to continue to build on it and grow, and I have very high hopes for next spring,” he said. “A lot of the pieces we need are in place and it’s just a matter of setting them up in the right format.”

Busking, the act of street performance in public spaces, can include music, dance, magic, acrobatics and other unique talents to engage passersby. Each performer received a stipend from the city, with buskers also having the opportunity to accept tips from the audience.

Grochmal said they issued a survey to guests that, along with feedback from performers, will be used to make adjustments ahead of the 2026 events.

“The big element is just getting the word out, but overall the feedback I’ve received is positive,” he said, adding that many of the artists expressed interest in returning for future events.

One of the most talked-about acts Saturday was Her Majesty’s Secret Circus, a stunt comedy group with stage names like Honeymoon.

City Councilor Eryn Soule-Leclair, who attended Saturday along the closed-down section of Lisbon Street, called the act “fabulous.”

“Thank you for the many, many belly laughs,” she said. “I can’t wait for the next one!”

Mayor Carl Sheline said while “there was a lot of competition for people’s time this past weekend and more people is always better, I’m happy with the turnout that we had.”

“I heard a lot of positive comments from festivalgoers throughout the evening and this absolutely sets the stage for a bigger event next spring,” he said.

The event, running from 4-7 p.m., showcased 15 different acts along the road. Grochmal said all the artists were either from Maine or had a connection to the state.

Heading into next year, he said there are already several acts that weren’t able to take part Saturday that he’s lining up for several weeks between mid-April into June.

Grochmal, who was part of a team that coordinated the popular Berkshire Busk festival in his hometown of Great Barrington, Massachusetts, said a multiweek run allows for organizers and the public to get into a rhythm and word-of-mouth can help grow attendance.

He said the city plans to look over the feedback from Saturday, “sit with it, and think critically about the festival and make it better in the spring.”

Grochmal first brought the idea to city officials in the spring as part of City Administrator Bryan Kaenrath’s renewed focus on the downtown and growing arts events.

He said the idea is to get people into downtown Lewiston and its restaurants and businesses, as well as the idea of “bringing people together.”

“That’s a critical element of what we’re doing,” he said.

Earlier this year, the city hired an organization called Community Busk to help develop the festival and will pay the organization $24,000 out of its marketing budget.