Busking in Lowell

The Office of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (CASE) organizes the Lowell Busk Stops and seasonal Busker Series programs to provide an entertainment space for individuals and groups to perform in Downtown Lowell. Street performers, also known as "buskers", can enhance the character of a city, and the City of Lowell seeks to encourage local and Lowell creatives through these initiatives.

Accepted performances includes, but is not limited to, the following activities: acting, singing, playing musical instruments, pantomime, juggling, magic, dancing, reading, puppetry, the creation of art, and reciting. Performances must not include the production of item(s) for sale. The use of fire is not allowed, and performances must not disturb the peace and operations of the surrounding residential area and businesses.

Those who are interested in busking in Lowell must read the guidelines below for the applicable program. Contact CASE with any questions or inquiries.

Busk Stop Plain Graphic
Busker Series Plain Graphic

Busk Stops

Lowell Busk Stops is a continuous program that enables performers to utilize designated locations for public street performances under the following guidelines:

  • Location: Performances must take place only in front of the six designated areas for Busker Stops. View all six Busk Stop locations in Google Maps.
  • Time: Performances must take place between 12 PM and 10 PM.
  • Amplification & Noise: Amplification is not allowed at Busker Stops. Performers must not generate excessive noise that may interfere with the abilities of nearby establishments to conduct their business. Upon a complaint by a resident, the performer or group of performers causing an excessive sound level must turn down the music to reduce the sound level. Refusal to do so, or multiple complaints against a performer or performing group, will prohibit the individual or group from future busking in Lowell.
  • Public Area 1: Performers must not create an undue interference with the passage of the public through a public area. If a performer attracts a crowd sufficient to obstruct the public way, a police officer may disperse the portion of the crowd that is creating the obstruction. The police officer shall not cause the performer to leave the location unless efforts to move the crowd fail to adequately protect the public safety or order. A police officer shall not ask the performer to leave the location unless all other means of restoring the public safety or order have been exhausted.
  • Public Area 2: Performances must not take place during other downtown festivals except with the expressed permission of the event organizer. Busker Stops will be closed for the duration of the Lowell Folk Festival.
  • Public Area 3: Individual and group performers must perform more than fifty feet from another performer or group of performers.
  • Contributions: Performers may request contributions or money or property at a performance. Contributions may be received in any receptacle, such as an open musical instrument case, box, or hat. Performers may offer for sale recordings of their own work, in the form of records, cassettes, videotapes, or compact discs. On sidewalks. displays must not obstruct handicap ramps, doorways, or windows (i.e., performers shall not tape or post signs or posters on windows or lean displays against windows as to obstruct a clear view through the window.
  • Waiver of Liability: Buskers participate at their own risk and are subject to all rules and regulations as described in these guidelines. Buskers expressly agree that the City of Lowell will not be responsible for any loss or damage or injury to the Busker's vehicle, merchandise, and/or displays caused by fire. flood, theft, weather, or any other elements of nature or man. Buskers also agree to institute no legal proceeding for personal injuries, property damage arising from an accident that causes injury to the Busker, Busker's merchandise and/or Busker's display. By performing at a designated Busker Stop, the Busker acknowledges and agrees that the City has no liability for the actions of the Busker while performing.

Busker Series

Lowell's Busker Series is a seasonal program that promotes local creatives while enhancing public engagement in Downtown Lowell on select evenings in the spring and fall. While the Busker Series heavily focuses on live music and the creation of art, performances may also include acting, singing, pantomime, juggling, magic, dancing, reading, puppetry, and reciting.

Busker Series performers must abide by the following rules:

  • Performers are responsible for all materials pertinent to their performance.
  • Performances must be appropriate for viewers of all ages.
  • Performances must not feature any commercial, political, or religious content.
  • Performances must not include the production of items for sale.
  • Performances must not create an undue interference with the passage of the public through a public area.
  • Visual artists must be Lowell-practicing to be considered.

Interested in participating in the Busker Series? Read the Busker Series Guide and apply for consideration in future series.