Program Overview

The City of Savannah's Street Performers and Street Artists Program (Buskers Program) offers a unique entertainment experience, bringing to life the vibrancy of our National Landmark Historic District with live music, street performances, and handmade arts & crafts while expanding the identity and presence of our diverse arts and cultures by providing emerging artists with an opportunity to display their talents.  

Temporary use of the public right-of-way for such activity will be permitted provided that performers and artists do not interfere with residents’ reasonable quality of life expectations, disturb business activity, or compromise public safety. 

Benefits of the City of Savannah Busker's Program

• Conveniently located in Savannah's cultural and social hub
• Artists are exposed to new audiences with high-volume foot traffic
• Performers have the flexibility to manage their own time
• Several locations to choose from throughout the Historic District

Permits

• Buskers wishing to showcase their talent on the public right-of-way shall obtain a Street Performer Permit from the Office of Special Events, Film & Tourism.
• All applicants must read and agree to the terms of the Street Performer Policy.
• Permits are issued for the current calendar year.
• Renewal applications must be submitted by February 28th.
• The cost of the permit is $10.00 annually.
• Permits are not transferable.
• Allow 1 to 2 weeks for processing.
• You will be notified when your permit is ready for pickup.
• Applicants under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian when applying for a permit.

Program Rules

• Buskers may only accept gratuities and shall not offer merchandise, food, or drink for sale. 
• Buskers shall keep their area clean and free of any litter or debris, including that left by onlookers. All litter, trash, and debris shall be deposited into the proper receptacles.
• Buskers with permits shall only use approved site locations identified in the Street Performer Policy. 
• Buskers, permit notwithstanding, shall yield to scheduled, permitted special events conducted within permitted areas. 
• Buskers shall comply with all applicable sound regulations. Amplified sound is not permitted. 
• Buskers shall clearly display their permits during all performance or crafting activities.
• Displays shall be no larger than three feet in length, width, and height whether on the ground or atop a table. All merchandise shall be restricted to one tier.
• Buskers shall not use, display, or incorporate into their performances any knives, swords, torches, open flames, axes, saws, firearms, or any other hazardous material, equipment, chemical, or object that is capable of causing serious bodily harm to a person.  
• No artisanal or crafting display may be left unattended for more than fifteen minutes. Displays left unattended for more than fifteen minutes may be considered abandoned and subject to removal by the City. 
• Buskers shall not display art or merchandise on public benches, monuments, buildings, etc.  
• Any busker found to be non-compliant will not be permitted to perform on the public right-of-way. Performing without, or in violation of, a valid Street Performer Permit is subject to legal action.
• Personal belongings or activities shall not obstruct pedestrian traffic, entry and exits ways, or any public right-of-ways.
• Buskers shall not include animals in their performances, other than for legitimate ADA purposes.    
• Palm frond crafters are subject to further restrictions on permitted locations, refer to the Palm Frond Map for specific locations within the Historic District. Palm frond crafters must carry all materials inside a closed container or bag while en route to a permitted location. 
• In accordance with Section 4-4002 of the City Code, all buskers shall vacate parks and squares at 9:00 p.m. each day.
• All permitted minors must have a parent or legal guardian present at all times they are performing on the public right-of-way.

Distance Requirements

• At no time shall there be more than two street performers in a square at the same time.
• At no time shall there be more than one sound-emitting Street Performer in any square at the same time.  
• Within Forsyth Park and Rousakis Plaza, any Street Performer who emits sound shall maintain a distance of at least 150 feet from any other sound-emitting Street Performer.  
• Artists and crafters shall maintain at least 50 feet of separation from any other artist or crafter.
• No street performer shall be on the stage in Rousakis Plaza.

Removal

• Any display or other material associated with a Street Performer or a Street Performance that: interferes with vehicular traffic, pedestrian traffic, or public amenities; obstructs the right-of-way; contains lewd or obscene material; or, is otherwise dangerous or damaging to public property shall be removed immediately upon the request of any authorized City representative.  

Conduct

• Buskers must conduct themselves in a safe, professional, and respectful manner and abide by the busker's program policy.
• The City may halt or suspend activities that disrupt normal business operations or jeopardize the safety of our residents and visitors.
• Buskers shall not display or include any manner of vulgar, obscene dress, or lewdness in activities or performances