Penticton Buskers Program

What is busking?

• Types of busking performances

  • Performing with an instrument or multiple instruments, conventional or self-constructed.
  • Performing a song, dance routine, mime act, clowning, juggling, puppetry, comedy, magic or living statue act.
  • Performing a circle show. 
     

  The City of Penticton may also identify unique and special activities that meet the busking guidelines.

• Activities not considered busking performances

  The below activities are not considered busking, and will not be issued a busking license. However, they may be eligible for other permit or license types:

  • Fundraising, events, promotions, surveys or advertising, even if they involve any element of performance
  • Speech giving including religious or street preaching
  • Political rallying 
  • Tarot card reading, palmistry and fortune telling
  • Massage, chiropractic treatment or any other physical manipulation
  • Face or body painting including henna and temporary tattoo applications
  • Artists selling pre-fabricated work (pavement artists must be actively engaged in producing work and not simply selling displayed goods) 
  • Animal acts or where animals are involved in any part of the performance 
  • Begging
  • Portraiture and caricature
  • Bubble blowing
  • Balloon twisting
  • Demonstrations or lessons
  • Poetry or story writing

General Guidelines for all Performers

Busking Locations and Timing

• Locations

  Busking stops are identified with appropriate signage. Performers must busk within 10 ft. of the sign. Performers are not permitted to use public seating tables or chairs for performance and power is not provided at busking locations. 

  1. 1099 Lakeshore Dr. W (at S.S. Sicamous)
  2. Lakeshore Dr. at Power St.
  3. Lakeshore Dr. at Winnipeg St.
  4. Main St. at Lakeshore Dr.
  5. Nanaimo Ave. at Main St.
  6. 300 Block Main St.

  

• Timing

  Performances are permitted to be a maximum of 60 minutes in length at any one location. After 60 
  Minutes, buskers must move to a different location for at least a 60 minute period. 

  Busking performances may take place between 10:00am and 8:00pm seven days per week from May 15 to October 15. 

  Specific restrictions or blanket cancellation of busking may be imposed during planned major events or public holidays throughout the year. In the case of an organized event, performers must not attempt to associate themselves with that event unless advised or invited by the event organizer.

Steps to Apply

• Step 1: Submit your Application

  Complete and submit the Penticton Buskers Program Application form by either emailing it to joanne.malar@penticton.ca or drop off at the Penticton Community Centre, 325 Power St. Applications can be found at online or a copy can be picked up at one of the following locations: 

  • Bylaw Services Office - 284 Main St. 
  • City Hall - 171 Main St.
  • Penticton Community Centre - 325 Power St.
     

  Download the Application

  Buskers must apply to busk in the City of Penticton. Buskers will be granted permission in the form of a Busking Licence. Busking Licences are non-refundable and non-transferrable.

  Groups or groups whose members wish to have the option to perform in different configurations (ie as individuals and other times as a group) must purchase individual licences for all group members. Busking Licences are not transferrable.

• Step 2: Audition and Application Approval

  When your application is received, you will be contacted by City staff to arrange an audition. Auditions can be completed in the form of pre-recorded video submissions, live video conference or in person.

• Step 3: Register for a Licence

  Once your application is approved, you will be contacted by City staff to register and pay for your Busking Licence. Applicants must present photo identification when picking up their licence. 

  The City reserves the right to deny registration without valid identification. The City reserves the right to limit the total number of licences available; licences may also be restricted to certain instruments and performance types.

  Licence Length	Fee
  1 month	$44.00
  Full season (May 15-October 15)	$115.00

Have Questions?

• Contact Us

  The City’s Recreation & Culture Department manages the Penticton Buskers Program. All inquiries should be directed to:

  Kelsey Johnson, Manager of Recreation, Arts & Culture
  kelsey.johnson@penticton.ca 
  250-490-2441 

  The City retains the right to change or amend the Guidelines at its own discretion.