Street performers are bedazzling Torontonians with acts of contortion, acrobatics and fire-breathing at the 12th annual Scotiabank BuskerFest.

Friday's acts started performing at noon on the festival's second day and will continue until 11p.m. The festival ends Sunday at 8 p.m.

CTV's Anwar Knight went down to Front Street beside the St. Lawrence Market, where he was encircled by a man in a horse costume riding a unicycle before being roped into, well, a rope trick.

The maniacal unicyclist is Mr. Toons from Denmark, explained MacKenzie Muldoon, BuskerFest's artistic director.

"Not only does he ride a crazy horse on a unicycle, he puts his entire body inside a giant balloon and does some hilarious things."

The rope man is Leapin' Louie Lichtenstein, "the funniest Jewish cowboy to ever come out of Oregon, U.S.A.," Muldoon said.

On cue, Lichtenstein moved into the shot and twirled his rope around Knight and Muldoon.

As to how he became a busker, Lichtenstein said: "I don't know. Just do your art and go out there."

His busking career has lasted more than 20 years and taken him to 24 countries, Lichtenstein said, adding, "And now Toronto -- the centre of the universe!"

As a bonus, his two children think he's a cool dad, he said.

There will be more than 100 performers at the festival.

The event’s organizers ask for visitors to donate to attend, as it is Epilepsy Toronto's major fundraiser for the year. Geoff Bobb, the organization's executive director, said the all money raised goes to support those living with epilepsy.

People are encouraged to bring lots of small-donation currency for another reason. The audience pays buskers, not the festival.

The event is centred around Front Street East between Yonge and Jarvis Streets, but events also take place southward on the Esplanade.

In Market Lane Park, on the north side of Front near Jarvis, children can find Scotiabank BuskerPlay. Kids can get their faces painted or a balloon twisted. They can also see puppet shows and hear music geared to them.

Magic Corner, the stage behind the Flatiron building at Church Street and Front, will offer a place for devotees of the art of conjuring to congregate.

Three benefit shows will be held to raise funds for Epilepsy Toronto:

  • The Fire Show - Friday at 9:30 p.m. on the Scotiabank stage at Front and Church Streets
  • Scotiabank BuskerBrunch - Saturday at 10:30 a.m. in the Novotel Toronto Centre, 45 The Esplanade
  • The Grande Finale - Sunday at 6:30 p.m. on the Metro Stage in Berczy Park

The Fire Show will combine all the festival's fire acts. If a rain delay occurs, it will be rescheduled to Saturday.

The brunch costs $26 ($12 for children 12 and under). It offers busker entertainment and a charity silent auction. Some proceeds go to Epilepsy Toronto.

The Grande Finale is where the Metro People's Choice award-winner will be revealed. Top international acts will also perform at the Grand Finale.

Proceeds from the Fire Show and Grand Finale will be donated to Epilepsy Toronto. Scotiabank has promised to match every dollar donated by the audience at the Fire Show.

Those going should consider bringing a portable seat. If the weather promises to be sunny, take a hat, refillable water bottle and some sunscreen.

Don't forget the umbrella if rain threatens.

With files from CTV Toronto's Anwar Knight