Read our busking guidelines to learn where you can busk and what the rules are. Subscribe to The City of Calgary busker e-mail updates to stay current on City policy, process changes, and important deadlines.

Busking involves a person or group who provides entertaining street performances for public enjoyment. A person who does this is called a “busker.”

Many artists begin successful careers as street performers. Whether you are a musician, singer, dancer, juggler, mime, poet, magician, comedian or other entertainer, there are many locations throughout Calgary that welcome busking and encourage you to demonstrate your skills.

So you want to become a busker in Calgary? You will need to get a busking ID and follow our busking guidelines. There are two busking ID options:

1. Standard Busker ID (Free) - Lets you busk in public locations such as City parks and streets. This ID does not include transit stations.
2. Calgary Transit Busker ID ($25 and a Police Information Check) - Lets you busk in all locations including transit stations. You must follow additional Calgary Transit Busker ID guidelines.

Please note: We will not accept Police Information Checks more than five years old.

Buskers receive their payment in the form of monetary donations from the crowds they entertain. Buskers have not been hired by a client and they will not receive a pay check.

Please, give generously if you have enjoyed a performance.

For both ID’s you will need to fill out our Busking Application Form and pay any fees.

If you are applying for a Calgary Transit Busker ID, your application will be processed once we receive your application, payment, and Police Information Check.

We aim to process all ID’s within three business days of receipt. You can submit the form by emailing it to busking@calgary.ca.

You can also purchase a Transit Busker ID in-person at the following locations:

• Southland Leisure Centre
• Village Square Leisure Centre
• Planning Services Centre

Busking IDs are no longer processed at Cliff Bungalow and Spiller Road.

Transit Busking IDs are non-refundable, so be sure to understand the rules and requirements before purchasing. For more information, please contact busking@calgary.ca

Once your ID has been processed, you will receive your busking ID via email.

You can check the status of your application by emailing busking@calgary.ca.

Are you one of Calgary’s many talented street performers? As part of our Busking Program we would love to showcase you on our website and in social media.

Help promote your favourite busker using #YYCBusker.

You can also stay in touch with us and share your experiences on Facebook.com/YYCArtsCulture and Twitter @YYCArtsCulture.

Contact busking@calgary.ca to express your interest in this great opportunity.

Find out more about busking in Calgary, get involved:

• Sign up for the busker email distribution list
• Tell Calgarians where you are performing and promote your favourite busker on social media using #YYCBusker.