Washington, D.C.

[Uncle Yodie]

I will be in D.C. next week for two days and was wondering about busking on the mall area.

I was there last summer and saw a few people working near the Smithsonian buildings. What is the climate there for busking? Are there permits that are supposed to be gotten before busking?

Thanks for any help you can give.

[Stephon]

Several years ago I was told it was flat out illegal, tho I have seen a couple bucket drummers and a sax player.

I'm not sure if the regs have changed, but I tend to doubt it.

[R. Wade Henry]

Performing in the Mall

Better to ask forgiveness than permission. At least that way, you'll get a couple shows in before you get thrown out of Washington.....

The above statements are not intended as legal advice.....

[Uncle Yodie]

Washington policy

I was in D.C. on Thursday and Friday. I asked one of the policemen in the Adams-Morgan area what the policy was on busking. He said he had not gotten any directive on it, and as long as it was in a public space it should be fine.

I guess it is info for next time I go.

[R. Wade Henry]

Performing in the Mall

Cool.

Just my experience when finding "legit" busking pitches is that if you keep asking the authorities if it is "all right" to perform, you will eventually find someone who will say "No'. All you need is one "No" to be shut down.

Cops, by-law enforcers, city workers and clerks never want to say "yes", since they feel they would the one held responsible if something went wrong.

Usually, they don't know what the actual rules are.

[MagiCol]

What's the current info on Washington DC

Im expecting to make a trip from New Zealand to Washington DC. Looking for info on busking venues, pitches, etc. Please.

[jeep caillouet]

You know you can work in George town?

[MagiCol]

Thanks for that, Jeep. Could you state some suitable locations there, please?
And any contact names/photos of performers, particularly street magicians/balloons [my area of performing].

[MagiCol]

I just realized I should be doing a bit of looking for myself, on the internet, and got some Google finds that should help.

[Dallas]

It's been years, but I've worked Georgetown, Du Pount Circle, Smithsonian