Lawrence Busker Fest weekend will kick off with a preview show starting at 7 p.m. Aug. 18.

The show, with proceeds benefiting Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Douglas County, is at Abe and Jake’s Landing, 8 E. Sixth St., and features a strongwoman, a sword swallower, a one-man band and an acrobatic juggler.

Tickets for the preview show are $15 for adults and $8 for children 12 and under. After-party tickets are available for an additional $10; patrons get a chance to mingle with the performers after the crowd leaves.

To purchase tickets to the show and after-party, visit www.lawrencebuskerfest.com.

The festival starts the night of Aug. 19 and runs through the afternoon of Aug. 21, and will include more performers than last year with fire eaters, whip artists, strongman stunts, jugglers, musicians, magicians, mimes and dancers.

Performances are scheduled at various places along Massachusetts Street with workshops and demos for children held the morning of Aug. 20 at the Lawrence Arts Center for anyone wanting to know more about the life of a street performer.

For more information about Big Brothers Big Sisters, call Cathy Brashler at 785-843-7359.

For more information about the festival, call Richard Renner at 785-749-2226 or www.lawrencebuskerfest.com.