Mayor Kerry Thomson

Page last updated on February 3, 2026 at 1:05 pm

Busking at the Farmers' Market

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 and 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.

Important!

An individual busker or a busking group representative must complete and return the Busking Performance Policy 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 the Busking Performance Policy, email Clarence Boone or call 812-349-3738.

Busking Spaces

There are six designated busking spaces within Showers Common (the black topped area). 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 and will be available each Market day by 8 a.m. (April through September)  and 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.

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.

If you have questions about busking, or are interested in scheduling a performance on the circular stage or Fernandez Plaza, email Clarence Boone or call 812-349-3738.