RFP for Busking in Golden Gate Park Program

The San Francisco Recreation and Park Department is pleased to offer licenses for busking in Golden Gate Park. The Busking in Golden Gate Park Program creates opportunities for musicians and other performers to perform in Golden Gate Park. To obtain a license and to schedule your performances, please complete the following steps:

Complete the following application.
Upon receipt of application approval, please follow instructions to schedule performances for dates and times (between 11 am and dusk) at designated locations in Golden Gate Park.
Receive permit for scheduled performances in Golden Gate Park.

Below are terms and conditions to keep in mind:

A busking performer is defined as an individual or group who performs in a public area, for the purpose of providing public entertainment and self-expression. Performing shall not include: (1) the provision of personal services such as hair weaving or massage; (2) the completion or other partial creation of visual art; (3) the creation of visual art which is mass produced or produced with limited variation; (4) the creation of handcrafts, (5) or activities regulated by the SF Health Department. This list of exclusions is not intended to be exhaustive.
A license shall be issued to each applicant (individual or group) in exchange for a completed and approved application.
The license holder (individual or group) will only be allowed to perform on permitted dates and times at designated locations. A map of designated locations for busking is available here

Amplified Sound: While the Busking in Golden Gate Park Program does not allow amplified sound, we will be offering, in collaboration with Illuminate, open mic opportunities with amplified sound. Please indicate your interest by completing the following: *

Yes, I am interested in performing with amplified sound.

No, I am not interested in performing with amplified sound.

Both - I am interested in performing both with and without amplified sound.

Applicant Information

Name of Primary Contact *

Street Address *

Address Line 2

City *

State *

Zip Code *

Phone Number *

Email Address *

Individual or Group License? *

Individual License

Group License

If you are interested in a group license, then please share the name of your group, the number of people in your group, and the names of each group member here. Please note: A group may have only one license and only the Primary Contact can participate in the scheduling process. The Primary Contact for a group license MUST be present at all performances. *

Have you participated in a busking program before? *

No, I have not participated in a busking program before.

Yes, I have participated in the following program(s): Yes, I have participated in the following program(s):

Performance Description

Performance Name *

Website (if applicable)

Please describe in detail the nature of your performance including any instruments used. *

Amplified Sound Not Allowed (no use of any speaker larger than 24 watts): I understand amplified sound is not allowed. If I'm interested in amplified sound, then I've indicated my interest above in participating in open mic opportunities separate from the Busking in Golden Gate Park Program. *

I agree

There shall be no charge for performances. Money given for the performance shall be on a donation only basis. It is expected that Performers will be performing whether or not they receive donations for their performance. Performers may not use aggressive measures to solicit donations. *

I agree

Aggressive collection behavior involving harassment or intimidation of any person is subject to enforcement. Complaints by the Community will be kept on file by SFRPD and may be used as evidence in disciplinary actions. *

I agree

No vending. Performers may not sell recordings of their music or other performance-related artwork. *

I agree

A performer may not interfere with others in the park either for passage or though excessive noise. Audience cannot exceed 24 people. *

I agree

Administrative Details

Application Administrative Fee (non-refundable) – The cost is $80 per year.

Photo for License: The Primary Contact must provide a passport type head shot that will be used to generate your license. You will need to have this with you at all times. The Primary Contact for a group license MUST be present at all performances. – Upload a Passport Type Photo (head only) for Your ID *

I certify that the above information is correct and that failure to follow the rules here and in my license can result in forfeiture of the license. *

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