Street Performing

For artists who are interested in busking - a.k.a. street performing - the City of Toledo offers an opportunity for official licensure for an affordable price. By obtaining an official City of Toledo Street Performing License, artists are legally allowed to collect tips for their performances on public/City property (do note that performance on private property must be separately cleared and arranged with the property manager/owner). The City offers licenses for an initial fee of $20. Licenses are valid from January through December each year, and must be renewed each year, however, after the initial $20 fee, licenses can be renewed for just $5 per year.

To obtain your City of Toledo Street Performers license, take a valid picture ID to One Government Center (you will need your ID to enter the building). Upon entering, take the east elevators to the 20th Floor to Suite 2000 (on the north side of the building).

In the license office, ask for a Street Performers application. After you fill out the application, you will be asked for your payment ($20 new license or $5 renewal). The office attendant will take your information and your photo, and then print you out an official performers license. At this time, you should also receive a sheet of paper listing the rules for performing, such as times that performances are allowed, and so on.

If you have questions on this process, please contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. , Performing and Literary Arts Coordinator or call 419-254-2787. 

The Arts Commission encourages all licensed performers to perform on the streets, sidewalks, and other public areas during many of our programs, such as Art Walks, Gallery Loops, Artomatic 419!, and SoundTrek.