• Buskers' Bash 2026

  • 🎭 Perform at the 13th Annual Buskers' Bash! 🎶✨

    Step into the spotlight and help bring the streets to life at the 13th Annual Buskers' Bash on Friday, October 2!

    We're looking for talented performers ready to captivate the crowd with creativity, skill, and showmanship. Whether you're an acoustic musician, magician, juggler, living statue, dancer, comedian, or other unique street entertainer, we'd love to see what you've got!

    Performance Details:

    🎪 Performance Time: 5:30–8:00 p.m.
    🏆 Winners Announced: New Sarum Brewery (109 N. Lee St.) at 9:00 p.m.
    🎟️ Limited Spots
    🗓️ Application Deadline: Monday, August 31


    Please Note:
    🎸 All music must be performed acoustically—leave the amps at home and let your talent do the talking!

    Bring your energy, artistry, and imagination to an unforgettable evening of live entertainment. Whether you're dazzling with daring feats, making audiences laugh, or filling downtown with beautiful acoustic melodies, Buskers' Bash is your chance to create a little street magic.

    Complete the application below to reserve your spot—we can't wait to see you perform!

  • Buskers' Bash Process

    1. Complete and submit the Buskers Bash application.
    2. Applicants will be notified of their acceptance via the email address provided on Wednesday, September 2.
    3. Additional event details and performer information will be emailed within the following one to two weeks.
    4. Accepted buskers are asked to promote the event on their social media channels at least twice before the event.
    5. Performer placements will be assigned along the event route and near participating businesses. Placements are determined based on factors such as group size, performance type, and event logistics.
    6. Busker award winners will be announced at New Sarum Brewery following the event.

  • Buskers' Bash Guidelines

  • Check-in

    • Check-in is from 3:30 to 5:15 p.m. on Friday, October 2, 2026.

    Set-Up and Location

    • All buskers must be set up and ready to go at approximately 5:30 p.m.
    • All performances will need to be played from 5:30–8:00 p.m.
    • All are advised to stay at their location for the entire evening. 
    • Buskers’ Bash is a contest and folks will vote for the “Best Busker.” If the individual or group is not at their assigned location the individual/group may receive fewer votes.
    • If a busker chooses to move to a different location, they will automatically be disqualified from the Best Busker contest.
    • Visitors are provided a map that lists all participating buskers.

    Performing 

    • No fire or open flames.
    • No oversized props - space is limited.
    • No cursing or inappropriate music is allowed. Buskers can and will be disqualified from the contest and/or asked to leave if there is cursing inappropriate music, or loud music.
    • All buskers are to perform acoustically, NO amplification is included, NO EXCEPTIONS (dance groups are excluded).
    • Dance Groups must keep their volume to a medium. Other entertainers will be nearby and will need to be heard by attendees. Dance groups will receive a warning if the music is too loud. If the music continues to be loud, groups will be disqualified and/or asked to leave.
    • It will get dark and buskers are advised to bring some source of artificial light, but no flame.
    • Buskers are allowed and encouraged to collect tips or sell merchandise

     Pick Packs and Voting

    • Visitors will be provided a map and a pick pack.
    • The pick pack contains five (5) guitar picks to vote for their favorite Busker.
    • Voting ends at approximately 8:00 p.m.
    • At 8:00 p.m., all Buskers will need to take their buckets and sign to one of the pick pack locations no later than 8:15 p.m. to be included in the voting.
    • Winners will be announced at 9:00 p.m. at the Grand Finale (New Sarum Brewery, 109 N. Lee St.).

     

    NOTE: Downtown businesses stay open later and bring in additional staff to host a busker and participate in the event. That said, be sure to look at your calendar and be mindful when you are signing up. No shows may not be selected for future Buskers' Bash.

  • Buskers' Bash Application

  • Format: (000) 000-0000.
  • Type of Entertainment*

  • The Fine Print - Release and Hold Harmless Agreement 

  • STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA

    COUNTY OF ROWAN

    I, the signer of this electronic form, (“Releasor”) acknowledge having this day entered into an agreement with Downtown Salisbury, Inc. and the City of Salisbury to perform work for Downtown Salisbury, Inc. do hereby take full responsibility for their personal safety and property and waive their right to seek worker’s compensation against the Downtown Salisbury, Inc. and the City of Salisbury and damage to their personal property.

    In consideration of this allowance, I do hereby release and forever discharge the City of Salisbury, its officers, agents, and employees from any and all claims, actions, and liabilities associated with this permitted activity.  The intention hereof being to completely, absolutely, and finally execute a hold harmless agreement to release the City of Salisbury from all liabilities arising wholly or partially from the aforementioned activity by way of subrogation or otherwise, for any loss or damages.   

    By signing this document, I agree to hold harmless Releasees from all liabilities arising wholly or partially from the activity by way of subrogation or otherwise, for any loss or damages.

    I understand that this release shall bind myself and each of my respective heirs, personal representatives, successors, and assigns and shall inure to the benefit of the Releasees. This Release shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of North Carolina. 

    IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and seal this. 

  • Should be Empty: