Calling all performers to Downtown Bristol!

Bristol is bringing buskers – a form of live theater – to State Street. Effective immediately, performers of all ages are invited to showcase their talents – beginning at 11 a.m. and closing down at 10 p.m. – in Bristol’s downtown area. Our city’s heritage and historical presence present the perfect backdrop for actors, musicians and other artists.

Robin Williams, Dolly Parton, Steve Martin and Eric Clapton all started out as buskers – performing in public places for donations of money. This art form dates back to ancient times and has been a part of every major culture in the world. Busking performances can be just about anything that people find entertaining – from acrobatics, animal tricks, balloon modeling, card tricks, comedy, dancing, fire eating, fortune telling, juggling, magic, mime, vocal and instrumental musical performances to painting, puppeteering, reciting prose or poetry, sketching, storytelling, street theatre, sword swallowing and other artistry.

For a free permit to perform, call 423-764-4171. Then come on out and bring your act to Busk Stops on State Street in downtown Bristol! And we invite everyone – Bristol natives and friends from surrounding communities, as well as guests and tourists – to take a stroll downtown and enjoy a breath of fresh air as we feature Bristol’s talent in a unique setting!

For more information, see FAQs or call the Department of Community Relations at 423-764-4171.