Street Performer Program

License for scheduled street performances at Fisherman's Wharf. No audition are required. 

Requirements

• All performers must have insurance.   
• Performers must be at least 18 years old. 

Cost

$50/month or $500/year  

How to Apply

1. Review the program's guidelines and rules. Performers must follow the guidelines and remain in good standing at all times. 
   • Street Performer's Program Rules and Guidelines PDF (329.88KB)
2. Submit an application. To complete the form, you must have: 
   • Copy of insurance for all performers. The Certificate of Insurance at the “Additional Insured” Section must include: “The City and County of San Francisco and the Port Commission and their officers, directors, agents and employees; Central Parking Inc.; Pier 39 Limited Partnership and The Bay Institute are included as Additional Insureds.”
   • Passport-sized (1½” x 1½”) color photo for performance badge. Groups need to include a photo of each performer.
3. Pay for license. Payments are taken in person at the Port’s Pier 1 office. 

Street Performer's Guidelines

The Port may update locations and rules as needed. 

1. Performances must be ok for all ages to watch. 

2. Performances are free. Tips may be given voluntarily. 
3. Performers cannot harass or intimidate anyone. Complaints will be kept on file. 
4. Performers may sell their music and performance related work. Prices must be clearly marked. The display cannot be larger than six square feet and must remain inside the performance location. 
5. Performers have to control their location. Keep sidewalks clear for people to walk around. Keep people out of the street. Encourage people to dispose of garbage responsibly. 
6. The Port, SFPD and Program staff will check to make sure performers are on time and able to perform as scheduled. 
7. Performers cannot perform longer than planned if another act is scheduled next. 
8. Open time slots: any unscheduled or forfeited time slot may be used by a performer on a first come, first served basis. 
9. Open time slots – two 90-minute performance times 
   • Example: If no one is scheduled for a 10am-1pm time slot, it becomes an open time slot. Performers may use that location from 10am-11:30am or 11:30am-1pm.  
   • Performers must clear out of the location if another act is waiting for the second slot. 
   • If no one is waiting for the second slot, the first performer may continue to use it for another 90 minutes. 
10. Time slots are free. They cannot be sold, rented or loaned. Licensed performers may trade time slots. 
11. Performers must show up to their scheduled spot within 30 minutes of start time or forfeit the time slot.  
12. Performances that are not in a designated location need to be within 50 feet of a designated location and cannot be louder than Volume Level 1. 
13. Do not leave equipment on the street or in the way of people using the sidewalk. 
14. Dangerous objects are not allowed. No flames or items that create sparks. Acts with weapons, aerosol spray cans or items that may cause physical harm needs approval in writing from the Port. 
15. Performers using gas generators need to have special insurance coverage and cannot be refilled while on Port property. 
16. Gas generators are not allowed at Locations 2, 3, 10, 11, and 12. 
17. Performers cannot connect to any Port or nearby building’s power.  
18. Performers cannot block driveways or streets. 
19. Performers must keep up to date with any changes to the program rules. Rules and schedules are posted on the Port website. 
20. Performers must wear their program badge and keep it up to date. Anyone wearing an expired or counterfeit badge may be fined and removed or banned from the program. 
21. Performers who do not follow the program rules will be cited and reprimanded. 
    • Three citations within one year – 2 months suspension. Pre-paid feeds will not be refunded. 
    • Another three citations – 6 months suspension. License may be removed. 
22. Performers must follow all laws. 
23. The Port may take photos or videos of Fisherman’s Wharf area that include street performances. 
24.