Busking at the Market
The primary purpose of SFMA is to provide access to fresh local food and handmade goods to the community; and to create an avenue for growers, bakers and artisans to reach the community. Vendors pay for the privilege of being at the market. Buskers are an asset to the atmosphere of the market, but because they do not pay to perform, the rights of the market vendors take precedence over the rights of the buskers.
How to Busk:
Visit the Market information tent
Market Staff will review the rules with every busker before granting a space. There is no guarantee of space, spots are first come first serve.
You can sign-up for a 1-hour time slot, 10 minutes before each hour.
Please read rules (below) regarding amplification and groups of 3+
Busking Rules:
All buskers must check-in before setting up at the market information booth each week. All buskers must cooperate with adjacent vendors. Should the market receive one complaint from any vendor regarding a performance, the onsite manager will investigate and determine appropriate action. Market staff have the authority to move and reassign performer spots to facilitate market operations.
Buskers must play ONLY in designated Busking zones.
Buskers must play acoustically. If you have amplification, you are allowed to play in the designated “low amp” zones. Market Management may ask you to turn down your amp. If you refuse, you will be asked to leave immediately.
Any busker determined by the Market Manager to not be complying with the market rules will be asked to leave. Busker’s performances must not interfere with market operations or any vendor’s ability to do business.
Do not argue with Market Management regarding our rules. We are a Farmers Market first. The primary purpose of SFMA is to provide access to fresh local food and handmade goods to the community; and to create an avenue for growers, bakers and artisans to reach the community. Vendors pay for the privilege of being at the market. Buskers are an asset to the atmosphere of the market, but because they do not pay to perform, the rights of the market vendors take precedence over the rights of the buskers.
Buskers must ensure that the performance area is not blocking the flow of public movement and that it does not interfere with the fire lane. It is your responsibility to instruct people to move closer if a crowd develops.
SFMA is not liable for any injury, theft or damage to either the busker or their property arising out of, or pertaining to, the preparation or participation; whether such injury, theft, or damage occurred prior, during, or after the market, the busker agrees to indemnify and hold the market harmless for and against any claims for such injury, theft or damage. Buskers are responsible for the security of their possessions.
Buskers may not erect any tents, tables, easy-up, or structure of any kind are allowed.
Buskers are allowed to collect tips. Performers cannot ask for money or require payment but may place a donation basket in one location and it cannot be passed around.
All performances must be considered family friendly. Obscenity or indecency will not be tolerated.
Knives, swords, torches, flames, axes, saws or other objects that can cause bodily injury to any person are prohibited.
SFMA currently does not have a license to allow performances of copyrighted music. Musicians may only perform original music or music in the public domain (any song or musical work published in 1922 or earlier). All musicians are responsible for paying any fee associated with their music.
CD sales are permitted. It is the responsibility of the busker to report all income, including tips, to the state tax commission.
