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Join the Historic Pike Place Market Busking Community
Music and laughter echo through the streets and alleys of Pike Place Market, brought to life by nearly 200 artists who perform year-round across our historic district. For over 50 years, Pike Place Market’s busking program has been a cornerstone for Seattle’s musicians, magicians, clowns, and street performers of all kinds. This program, established long before street performances were legalized citywide in 1974, remains one of Seattle’s most celebrated traditions.
Buskers and street performers at Pike Place Market infuse our streets with vibrancy, offering a diverse array of performances ranging from music to performance art, including miming, balloon artistry, magic, and more.
To join this special tradition, follow the steps below to obtain a busker performance permit for Pike Place Market.
Become a Pike Place Market Busker
Market Busker Rules
Market Busker Rules
- Due to the historic nature of the Market, horns, percussion, and amplified music are not permitted outside a Market sanctioned event.
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- No devices for electronic amplification of any sounds are allowed.
- No brass instruments or drums are allowed.
- Juggling is prohibited, though performance acts that do not leave the hand are allowed (ie contact juggling, card tricks, etc.)
- All performances at permitted locations must be played at levels that do not significantly interfere with normal verbal communications.
- A valid 2024-2025 Pike Place Market Busker Permit is required.
- Market performers should display their permits every time they perform in the Market.
Market Busker Permit Cost
Market Busker Permit Cost
All Market performers must obtain an annual performer’s permit.
The annual permit costs $35.
1-day traveling permits are available for $10. Before you start performing, you’ll need to complete a brief in-person orientation. For more details on the 1-day traveling permit, click the “Contact Us” button below.
How to Obtain Your Busking Permit?
How to Obtain Your Busking Permit?
Tap the button below to begin the permitting process. The permitting process goes as follows:
- Apply: Fill out and submit the Pike Place Market Performer Permit Application.
- Attend Orientation: If it is your first time applying for a busker permit, follow the instructions to schedule a virtual orientation meeting with our Daystall Team. Returning buskers do not need to schedule an orientation.
- Pay Permit Fee: Pay busker permit fee of $35 (or $10 for a 1-day traveling permit). Payments can take up to 4 days to appear in our system. Please forward us the automated email receipt as proof of payment to complete the process. Link for payment will be provided via email.
- Pick up your Busker Permit: When we have proof of payment, we will make your badge and then coordinate with you for an in-person pick-up.
- Once you have received your Busker Permit badge, you may begin busking! Reminder: Badges must be present and visible at all times.