Busking Guidelines for Farmers' Market | City of Bloomington, Indiana

Page last updated on February 21, 2025 at 6:52 pm

2025 Saturday Farmers' Market Busking Policy and Agreement

Bloomington Parks and Recreation is committed to accessibility. If you require the Saturday Farmers' Market Busking Policy and Agreement in an alternate format, please contact Bloomington Parks and Recreation at 812-349-3700.

Thanks for your interest in performing at the City of Bloomington Community Farmers’ Market. On Saturdays, in addition to the scheduled performances on the circular stage and Fernandez Plaza, buskers are permitted to engage in performing arts, henna and face painting in designated areas in and around Market, adding to the community and cultural experience. In order to provide an atmosphere in which these activities can occur without disrupting the other activities of Market, follow the guidelines below.

There are six designated busking spaces within Showers Common (the black topped area (see map on reverse). The space numbers are marked on the pavement as well. Depending on farm vending space needs, the number of designated busking spaces may be reduced to accommodate additional farm vending spaces.

A busking sign-up sheet is located at the Market Info Table (see map) and will be available each Market day by 8 a.m. (April thru September) / 9 a.m. (October). Buskers may not reserve spaces for other buskers. If a busker is not in the space by their reserved time, the space may be reassigned to another busker.

Busking is permitted anywhere outside Showers Common, as long as buskers have signed the busking agreement, follow the additional guidelines below, and are considerate of other nearby buskers and Market vendors.

Map showing busking spaces available at the Saturday Bloomington Community Farmers' Market — Bloomington Community Farmers' Market Saturday map with busking locations.

Vehicles and Parking

There is no vehicle access for buskers to the Market area. Buskers should park their vehicles during Market hours at the Trades District Garage on the northwest side of City Hall for 50 cents per hour, or in the free Monroe County parking lot on the north side of City Hall. All parking meters and parking regulations are enforced on Saturdays. A limited number of parking spaces on Morton Street are reserved for vehicles displaying a disabled parking permit.

Additional Guidelines

Buskers may not actively solicit donations at the Market. A passive donation jar/hat/instrument case for tips is permitted.
Buskers may not amplify sound.
Buskers may not use or distribute balloons.
Buskers may display and offer for sale CDs or other recordings of their music, but may not actively solicit sales.
Buskers shall engage in activities that are appropriate for all ages and enhance the character of the Market.
Pets are not permitted in Showers Common (the blacktop area where farm vendors sell), the B-Line Café and the fee area of Info Alley.
Smoking and vaping are not permitted in Showers Common, Fernandez Plaza if events are taking place, the B-Line Café and the fee area of Info Alley.
Distribution of items intended for human consumption is not permitted within the boundaries of the Market.

An individual busker or a busking group representative must complete and return the agreement before performing at Market and is responsible for ensuring this information is shared with all members of the group who may be performing with them.

If you have questions about busking, or are interested in scheduling a performance on the circular stage or Fernandez Plaza, please contact Clarence Boone (812) 349-3738 or Clarence.Boone@bloomington.in.gov.

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Adverse Weather Policy

In the event of thunder, lightning, high winds, tornado, hail or other severe weather at the Market site, participants are advised to take shelter on the lower level of City Hall. In the case of heavy rain, thunder or lightning, if participants cannot take cover in the building, then move to an enclosed vehicle with a metal roof and closed windows, taking care not to touch the metal frame of the vehicle until the threat has passed.

The Monroe County emergency sirens sound with a steady tone in the event that the National Weather Service has issued a tornado warning for the county or if emergency personnel have sighted a funnel cloud or tornado. At the time of the siren sounding, the Market Supervisor will alert Market patrons that the downstairs interior hallway of City Hall is the safest nearby location to seek shelter until the threat has passed. The tornado siren will sound for 5 minutes, but the cessation of the siren does not necessarily mean that the threat of tornado has passed. Market staff will notify participants in City Hall when it is safe to return to the Market.