Ambassador Busking Program
Collingwood Ambassador Busking Program
The Town of Collingwood recognizes that street entertainment brings a special kind of energy to public spaces. We encourage responsible busking that helps to animate our streets by coming alive with music, dance, and other entertainment initiatives.
A valid busking license is required in the Town of Collingwood and those who wish to busk will need to complete a busking license application form.
The following information will provide you with all the necessary information you will need to enjoy a smooth, entertaining, and enjoyable experience throughout our 2024 busking year.
Thanks for choosing the Town of Collingwood to share your passion and talents with our residents and visitors. We applaud you!
Calling Emerging Performers & Interested Musicians!
The 2024 New Ambassador Busker Program is now accepting applications, with a maximum of 28 participants being licensed.
1. Apply
Complete the online application form on this page. No payment is required at this time.
2. Audition
Attend one of the auditions times:
- April 12, 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m., Simcoe Street Theatre, 65 Simcoe Street
- April 13, 12:00 p.m.- 2:00 p.m., Simcoe Street Theatre, 65 Simcoe Street
- May 5, 1:00 p.m.-3:00 p.m., Simcoe Street Theatre, 65 Simcoe Street
- May 6, 6:30 p.m.-8:30 p.m., Simcoe Street Theatre, 65 Simcoe Street
Please note the following:
- Auditions are 15 minutes in length.
- Come prepared with your instruments and accessories.
- Your photo will be taken before leaving the venue so dress suitably.
- You will be asked to sign a waiver for use of your photograph to be used online on the Town website and in a Program handout to be created.
- Perform original work and/or cover tunes to fill your 15-minute slot.
- The judging panel will be comprised of three panelists including a Town staff member, a staff member from the Downtown Collingwood BIA, and a guest panelist of the Town’s choosing.
Judging Criteria will be:
- Original compositions vs cover tunes (Score of up to 15pts)
- Previous experience (Score of up to 5pts)
- Presentation (Score of up to 5pts)
- Performance style & suitability (Score of up to 10pts)
- Question responses (1 question will be asked and scored up to 15pts)
You will be notified, by email, within three business days after auditioning if you have been accepted.
3. Finalize
- Pick up your photo ID at Collingwood Town Hall (97 Hurontario St.)
- Hours for pick-up are Tuesdays and Fridays only between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.
- Pay your required fee, if applicable. (Collingwood residents $0, Non-residents $21)
- Email robrien@collingwood.ca or drop off a hard copy of a short biography (100 words max) about yourself and your busking experience which will be included in the Ambassador Busking Program and on the Town website.
Collingwood Residents: $0
Non-Residents: $21.00
- Buskers must wear their Town-issued busker ID badge during all performances.
- You are responsible for providing your own instruments, equipment, accessories, water, and food when busking. Your belongings should never be left unattended.
- Do not create trip hazards with cords, equipment, props, or accessories or block access to walkways, doorways, bus stops, patios, etc.
- Conduct, language, and clothing should always be family friendly, never offensive or inappropriate.
- Donations are permitted but are completely voluntary and cannot be suggested or encouraged.
- Vending your CDs and merchandise is permitted but you are responsible for always securing your product and your sales proceeds.
- If you are feeling unwell or showing signs of illness, please don’t put others at risk. Wait until you are feeling well and healthy before you perform for the public.
- It is your responsibility to ensure that no property is damaged as a result of your performance or presence.
- Busking is permitted year-round from 10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. daily.
- All performances will be a maximum of 3 hours in duration, inclusive of setup and teardown at each location and must be pre-scheduled in advance.
- Busking may only occur in the authorized busking locations noted here (link to map).
- Busking is not permitted in any other areas of the Town. Busking at transit stops, in transit vehicles, or on unauthorized private properties (e.g. LCBO, Beer Store, grocery stores, Legion, schools) is not permitted.
- Buskers are subject to Police intervention and removal if found busking on private property.
Performance volumes must remain at reasonable and enjoyable levels, in adherence to the Town of Collingwood noise bylaw. Bylaw Officers will ask you to reduce your sound, shut down your performance, or relocate if there are continuous noise complaints.
Amplification may be permitted in identified areas, at the discretion of Town staff.
Non-Compliance of any of the above can result in loss of busking privileges and the revocation of your busking license.