An evolution of the former Street Performers Program, the Busking Program works together with the Emerging Artist Program to animate downtown Barrie. This program provides the opportunity for performing artists of all ages and stages an opportunity to perform for tips in a casual manner.
Busker permits are required for all performances happening on City property where the performer is accepting tips from the public. Applying for and obtaining a permit is free and any performing artists are welcome to apply. Performances involving fire or sharp objects are not permitted.
Busking Zones
Permit holders may busk at the designated Busking Zones, when not being used for events or by participants in the Emerging Artist Program:
- Dunlop Street between Maple and Mulcaster (you must get permission from business owners if performing in front of a business)
- Meridian Place
- The walking path at Heritage Park
- The walking path between Heritage Park and the Marina in north Centennial Park
Permit holders can request permission to busk at events by contacting event organizers directly or by emailing events@barrie.ca for a list of City events.
Buskers can save the Busking Permit to their phones and/or print a copy. Buskers must have a copy of their permit easily available while busking so that By-law Enforcement and/or Police officers can see it if they request it.
Insurance Requirements
Certificate of insurance for $2 million liability naming the Corporation of the City of Barrie as additional insured is required. If you do not already have insurance, you can purchase it through one of the City’s third-party providers:
- Buskers who are looking to obtain a busker permit for less than a week can apply to the provider Instant Risk Coverage.
- Buskers looking to obtain a busker permit for longer than a week or for the full season can apply to Marsh Canada Limited.
Detailed instructions about applying for insurance through the City's third-party event liability insurance providers are contained in the Busking Program Guide. If you would like to source your own insurance, you may do so.
Apply for a Busker Permit
Applying for and obtaining a busker permit is free! Applications for 2025 are accepted on an ongoing basis, into the fall season.
Applicants should read the Busking Program Guide to fully understand the program and insurance requirements. The document also contains detailed instructions on how to submit an application for a Busker Permit through APLI, the City's online application portal.
Permit applications are reviewed between 8:30am–4:30pm, Monday–Friday. Applications received outside of those hours will be reviewed the next business day.
Once registered and logged in, click Submit an Application > Busker Permit tab > Busker Permit heading. Follow the prompts and subsequent email notifications.