View the Busker Series Guide for more information.
The City of Lowell's Office of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (CASE) organizes the seasonal Busker Series to promote local creatives while enhancing public engagement in Downtown Lowell. During select evenings, performances by contracted musicians, bands, artists, and performers take place at Mack Plaza, Derby Park, and additional venues.
Accepted Disciplines: While the Busker Series heavily focuses on live music and the creation of art, performances may also include acting, singing, pantomime, juggling, magic, dancing, reading, puppetry, and reciting.
Environment: Applicants must be comfortable working in public areas and in the elements. Multiple performers may be required to share the space, such as the pairing of a musical band and visual artist, though two performers/performing groups of the same discipline will not be paired.
Compensation: Performers will coordinate with CASE to determine compensation rate.
Rules: Performers are responsible for all materials pertinent to their performance. The performance should be appropriate for viewers of all ages. Performances can not feature any commercial, political, or religious content or include the production of items for sale. The performance can not create an undue interference with the passage of the public through a public area. Performances that include fire will not be accepted.
Note on Visual Artists: Visual artists must be Lowell-based. Only visual art applicants that live or hold a studio space in Lowell will be considered.
Application Deadline: Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. If spaces fill up for a current Busker Series program, the application will be reviewed for the following season.
Current Busker Series Dates: Applications are no longer being reviewed for the Fall 2024 Busker Series season. Any newly submitted applications will be reviewed in advance of the Spring 2025 Busker Series season.