Buskers entertain people in a public place for voluntary donations or gratuities. If you would like to perform as a busker on the Gold Coast you'll need to apply for a busking permit.
Activities that require a busking permit
- You can apply for a permit to busk as a musician, singer, dancer, magician, mime, contortionist, puppeteer, living statue or circus style performer
- Pavement or chalk art, art created by spray paint, tarot card reading, palm reading, fortune telling, massage therapy and the sale of any goods including flashing light toys, fluffy toys and jewellery are not considered busking
- Performances using dangerous goods or instruments such as flammable materials, fire, lit torches, knives, spears and swords will not be granted a busking permit
- To enquire about the suitability of your act, call us on 07 5667 5987
- If you have not previously held a City busking permit, you'll need to complete an audition process
For more details, download the City of Gold Coast Busking Guidelines
Busking locations
We welcome buskers in designated locations in:
- Southport
- Surfers Paradise
- Broadbeach
- Burleigh Heads
- Coolangatta
- Kirra
- Tugun
- Mudgeeraba.
Before you apply
For a faster and more convenient way to apply for a busking permit, register for My Account.
We recommend you check What's On Gold Coast and My Neighbourhood for any scheduled events, Council projects or other activities that may clash with your proposed performance date and location.
Permit fees
Busking permit fees are outlined in our current Register of Fees & Charges.
Apply for a busking permit
Apply online using the button below. If you can’t submit your application online or have any questions, please call us on 07 5667 5987.
Apply for a busking permit
Amend, transfer, or cancel a current licence or permit
To change your business or contact information or request a change to conditions of approval use the Amend/licence permit form.
To cancel an existing licence/permit (no fees apply) use the Cancel a licence/permit form.
To apply for replacement approval documentation for your permit or licence (no fees apply) submit our Replace approval documentation form.