Downtown Street Performer Policy

NOTE: No registration or performance permit is required. The City encourages all performers to participate in busking.

Street performing, or busking, adds to the vibrant culture of Downtown San Antonio. This policy outlines the guidelines and locations where performances are permitted, helping to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for both performers and the public.

Street Performers Policy(PDF, 207KB)

Performance Locations

Buskers can perform in City of San Antonio controlled downtown public spaces. This includes sidewalks and City-owned parks, except in areas listed as prohibited below.

Preferred Locations:

• Specified areas of Houston Street
• Certain cross streets along Houston Street
• Travis Park

Performance Hours

Street performers may perform at any time during the following hours:

• Sunday - Thursday: 11 a.m. - 10 p.m.
• Friday & Saturday: 11 a.m. - 11 p.m.

Soliciting Tips & Donations

Performers may solicit tips with a sign no larger than 24 inches by 38 inches with a receptacle, such as a musical instrument case or small box. At no time shall the street performer make an oral solicitation while street performing or violate any of the City’s regulations regarding public solicitation.

No vending, such as selling merchandise, is allowed. Citations will be issued if vending occurs.

Street performers must fully comply with the City's public solicitation regulations, which can be found in Section 21-29 (Aggressive solicitation).

NOTE: Enforcement actions will be taken against aggressive panhandling.

A person commits an offense if they solicit within fifty feet of the following areas:

• an automated teller machine
• an automated teller facility
• the entrance or exit of a bank
• the entrance or exit of a check cashing business
• a charitable contribution meter
• a parking meter or pay station on a street
• a public parking garage or parking lot pay station
• the entrance or exit of a restaurant or the service area of an outdoor eating establishment
• a bus station or stop
• a marked crosswalk

Amplification & Noise Regulations

Amplification is allowed, but street performers must fully comply with noise regulations.

The complete City of San Antonio noise regulations are contained in Article III. (Noise).

Persons performing on street-level bridges over the San Antonio River Walk should note that any loud sounds created as part of their performance may be deemed a noise nuisance by River Walk proprietors or downtown residents. Performers will be asked to cease creating such sounds or be subject to citation under Section 21-52 (Noise nuisance enumeration).

In summary, the following acts are declared to be "noise nuisances" when accomplished in such a manner, or with such volume, intensity, or continued duration, so as to annoy or disturb a reasonable person, such as the playing of:

• radio
• television
• phonograph
• drum
• jukebox
• nickelodeon
• musical instrument
• sound amplifier
• similar device which produces, reproduces, or amplifies sound

Allowed with Restrictions

Persons performing on street-level bridges over the San Antonio River Walk should take note that any loud sounds created as part of their performance shall likely be deemed a noise nuisance by River Walk proprietors or downtown residents and will thus be asked to cease creating such sound or be subject to citation under Section 21-52 (Noise nuisance enumeration).

Additional Guidelines

• Only one street performer or coordinated group may perform in any specific location at the same time.
• Street performers may perform at a specific location for a maximum of one hour. Limiting performance times allows other performers to utilize the space and encourages a variety of entertainment.
• Performers cannot block sidewalks or hinder the free passage of pedestrians. San Antonio Police Department (SAPD) may ask the performer to move to another location or ask the crowd to clear the sidewalk.
• Street performers may not use or connect to any City power source.
• Street performers are not allowed to perform at private or community events without approval from the event host. Performances before or after these events also require host approval.