Busking at Fed Square
How to apply to perform as a busker at Fed Square.
Fed Square is Melbourne’s town square and the city’s civic, cultural and community heart. As a major tourist destination, Fed Square is visited by more than 11 million visitors annually, making it a great location for buskers to share their art with the public.
If you’re interested to apply to perform as a busker at Fed Square, this website covers the key information about busking guidelines, locations and how to apply.
Performance guidelines
As a public place, Fed Square attracts visitors of all ages and backgrounds, so performances need to be suitable for a family-friendly audience. Fed Square can also be quite a busy place, and is home to a number of businesses, so buskers will need to be mindful not to block entryways or impede pedestrian pathways. Busking set-ups will need to be portable, using only handheld props and instruments, although amplification is permitted within designated hours. The full list of guidelines can be found on the Fed Square Busking Permit application form.
Please note that you will need to have your own public liability insurance, as performances take place at your own risk and are not considered formal events.
Busking locations
There are three busking locations at Fed Square: on Swanston Street Forecourt, in the Flinders Street Amphitheatre and at the Princes Bridge end of Birrarung Marr Walk. You can view our busking locations map here.
Swanston Street Forecourt is a wide, open space opposite Flinders Street Station, with shallow steps leading up to the Square.
Flinders Street Amphitheatre is located between two buildings, facing out to Flinders Street. It’s a relatively wind-protected space with steps leading up from Flinders Street to the Square, where the public can take a seat to watch your performance.
Birrarung Marr Walk is a wide walkway for pedestrians and cyclists that connects Swanston Street to the Sports Precinct.
If you’d like to perform at Fed Square, you’ll first need a valid City of Melbourne Busking Permit. You will require a General Area Permit or Circle Act Permit (note: Pavement art permit, Premium permit and Street Entertainment permit are not accepted). Once you have the correct permit, you can then submit your online application for a Fed Square Busking Permit.
Your Fed Square Busking Permit will be reviewed based on the type of activity and how it aligns with our safety, event and operational requirements. Before applying, please check the Fed Square calendar of events to see when and where performances can best complement other onsite activities.
Fed Square reserves the right to adjust, relocate or cancel performances at any time to ensure the safety and smooth operation of the site.