Busking
No fee charges
The Busking Permit fee is currently waived by Council.
Adding life, colour and character to the city streets
Busking is a person (or group of people) performing in public in exchange for donations. Musicians, actors, street performers - you’ve no doubt seen or heard them, and the crowds they often attract. The city is brought to life as the buskers add colour and character, provide entertainment, and hopefully making a few dollars in return.
Busking in Adelaide
Anyone can busk in Adelaide, you just need to apply for a free permit first. You can apply online, or in person at our Customer Centre during office hours.
For the safety and wellbeing of everyone, there are some rules:
- Groups are limited to a maximum of six people.
- Performers under 16 will only be permitted to busk outside school hours and during daylight hours and must have written permission from a parent or guardian.
- The busking permit is valid for three months (excluding Adelaide Fringe Festival busking permits which are valid for one month), and can easily be renewed online.
- If under 12 years of age, the performer must be constantly supervised by a parent/guardian and only perform in daylight hours.
Read the full Busking terms and conditions before you apply.
Cost
The Busking Permit fee is currently waived by Council.
Applying for a busking permit
Applying for a busking permit is quick, easy and best of all free. You can apply online or in person.
Before you apply, you’ll need to have the following handy:
- personal details such as name, address, phone and/or email
Where can I busk?
Outside of Rundle Mall, in the city or North Adelaide, you can pretty much busk anywhere as long as the footpath has a minimum width of five metres.
Consider places such as Flinders Street, Melbourne Street, Jerningham Street, city squares and the Park Lands.
Busking is not permitted in the following locations: North Terrace between King William Street and Morphett Street (including Bank Street, Victoria Street, Woodson Lane and Gresham Street) until further notice.
Please just remember:
- busking must not impede pedestrian access
- busking is not permitted in front of prominent buildings, such as Town Hall, Parliament House, Government House etc.
- buskers must maintain a minimum distance of 50 metres from any other busker, preacher, event or promotion
- the City of Adelaide Busking Permit does not extend to cover busking in the Central Market or inside the Adelaide Railway Station on North Terrace
- busking enquiries for the Adelaide Central Market can be made by calling 8203 7494 on market days.
Remember to keep your busking permit on you at all times and be ready to show it if requested by an authorised Council officer or Police Officer. Good luck and have fun!
Need more information?
If you have any questions regarding permits, please contact the City of Adelaide Customer Centre Monday to Friday from 8:30 am to 5:00 pm: