How do I become a street performer on the Third Street Promenade?

Hundreds of street performers and artists hold licenses to bring their artistry to Downtown Santa Monica and the Third Street Promenade. Among the many artists who make this city by the sea more interesting are clowns, dancers, guitarists, jugglers, pianists, saxophonists, singer-songwriters, tango dancers, a tiny Elvis and more.

In order to perform on the Third Street Promenade, a performance license is required.

Street performers' licenses are issued out of Santa Monica City Hall Finance Office at 1717 4th Street, First Floor. Call 310-458-8745 for more information. An application may be obtained in person, and two passport-sized photos and a photo ID are required. The licensing office is open between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Thursday and alternate Fridays. The application process takes three days.

The license fee is $37 per person for one year and runs from January 1 to December 31.

Once a performance permit has been obtained, any questions may be directed to the Bayside District Corporation, 310-393-8355.