Vancouver Park Board

Busking in Parks

Busking is permitted in all parks subject to the conditions below:

Only two performances can take place in one park at one time. Performers must cooperate with fellow performers.
Performances must be limited to 60 minutes.
Sidewalks, paths, bicycle routes and park roads must not be blocked by either performers or their audiences.
The comfort or safety of others must not be jeopardized. The wishes of nearby residents and visitors must be respected particularly in regards to loudness of performance. Performers must refrain from requesting the crowd to cheer or yell.
In the interest of public safety, the use of sharp or dangerous objects is prohibited. This includes juggling knives, hatchets, chainsaws or flaming objects.
Performers must co-operate immediately with the request of any member of the Police Department or the Park Board.
Musicians are permitted to sell recordings of their original work during their performance. No other sales are permitted.
Amplification is not permitted in parks without the written permission of the General Manager.
No performing is permitted after 10 p.m.

Failure to comply with the above guidelines will result in closure of the English Bay area for busking.

The Park Board retains the right to change or amend these conditions at its own discretion.

Notwithstanding any of the above conditions, all Park Board by-laws apply.

Note: There is no amplification permitted at English Bay and Busking is not permitted within the inner plaza at the Stanley Park Totem Pole area.

Information Notice Busking in Parks

Recently, the Vancouver Board of Parks and Recreation adopted the following by-law:

8(g)	No person shall sing, play a musical instrument, or otherwise perform or provide entertainment in any area of a park which has been designated by the General Manager as an area in which entertainment is not allowed.

This measure was taken because, in recent years, busking has increased, particularly in the English Bay area, having a negative impact on neighbouring residents and on some park users. While the by-law has been enacted, the only prohibited zone is the plaza between the totem poles and the gift shop in Stanley Park. At this time busking can continue in all parks including English Bay.

However, the Board also established the conditions under which busking would continue to be allowed. The conditions relate to type of performance, the use of amplification, safety issues, respect for other park users and nearby residents and finishing time for performances.

One condition prohibits the use of sharp or dangerous objects. Fire is specifically named. There is concern about public safety, ensuring adequate separation of the fire from the public, that fire extinguishers are always present and that safe methods for storage and disposal of fuel are in place. Furthermore, the Fire Department requires that a permit be obtained to light a fire in the open air. It is therefore a condition of performing that fire is not used.

Amplification has been one cause of noise disturbance but some amplification may be necessary and doesn't carry beyond park boundaries. If your act requires amplification, permission may be given. Please note that amplification is not permitted in English Bay. Applications for amplification for busking in other locations besides English Bay, may be obtained at the Park Board office at 2099 Beach Avenue. Park Board staff will attend your performance and discuss with you this possibility.

In order for busking to continue, in particular at English Bay, the conditions must be respected. As well, buskers are encouraged to perform elsewhere in Stanley Park including at the plazas by the miniature train and the Aquarium and at Second Beach near the pool. Your suggestions on making busking work for all, residents and park users alike, are welcome. For more information, please email Special Events and Filming Office at parkevents@vancouver.ca.