BUSKERS & STREET ARTISTS

Applications open on April 1, 2024. The program runs from May 2024 to April 2025.

As part of our commitment to promoting diverse forms of street performance and creating an engaging and vibrant atmosphere for visitors, we invite artistic street performers to use our space as a platform for their talents on days with no scheduled events. However, all busker performances must adhere to our performance policy to ensure the safety and enjoyment of our audiences and performers.

Who can Apply

Applicants for the YDS Busking Permit must be at least 18 years old. However, those 16 and 17 years old may still apply with parental/caregiver consent. To apply, they must submit a Parental/Caregiver Permission Form along with their application.

Application Requirements & How to Apply

Please ensure you have completed all aspects of the application and signed the declaration. No money is required upon submission, as not all applications will be accepted. Please make sure that you’ll be able to provide the insurance requirements (including the type of insurance and additional insureds) should your application be successful.

1. Please review the Busker Policy & Declaration

2. Fill out and submit the Application Form.
   Once submitted, a representative from Yonge-Dundas Square will follow up.

Busker Permit Fee

The Busker Permit fee is $20 + HST.

How Performance Times are Selected

Approved permit holders are emailed biweekly with available dates and times. The daily schedule will be decided by a lottery with the buskers and performers who are onsite at the lottery time. Names are drawn and first name selected gets first pick of available times, the second gets the second pick, and so on.

First come, first served, available on weekends and holidays between 9:00 AM to noon.

For additional information, please review the busker policy (see above).

Yonge-Dundas Square only issues permits for buskers and street performers who entertain within the confines of the Square's boundary.  Buskers who wish to perform on sidewalks or spaces adjacent to or across from the Square must apply for a permit through the City of Toronto.

Yonge-Dundas Square does not accept unsolicited proposals from vendors. If you are interested in being a food vendor at a third-party event, please contact the event directly. Due to confidentiality agreements, we are unable to provide contact information for our event organizers.

Don't Miss Out on the Busker Bash at Yonge-Dundas Square!

When: June 11, 2023

Hours: 4 PM to 8 PM

Join us on June 11 from 4 pm to 8 pm for an unforgettable evening filled with free ice cream, games, and non-stop entertainment! Enjoy live musical performances, jaw-dropping juggling acts, and a fiery show that will leave you in awe. This is the perfect way to kick off your summer, so don't miss out on the fun! See you there!

Check out our busker lineup here.

YDS Presents Buskers and Games at the Square

When: July 22, 30 and August 5, 2023

Hours: 12 PM to 6 PM

Buskers and Games, hosted by YDS, is a family-friendly event perfect for an afternoon of fun. Come and enjoy a range of games, including mini putt, cornhole, ping pong, giant Jenga, and more! Don't miss out on this opportunity for great entertainment.