Nourish Knoxville supports live music at the market through both designated busking zones and our Featured Busker Program.
These performances should add atmosphere to the market, and we encourage family-friendly, acoustic musicians to participate. Please read below for current guidelines and updates to ensure a positive experience for both performers and market-goers.
General Guidelines
Check-In Required: All buskers must check in at the Information Booth before performing.
Performance Time Limit: Each busker is allowed up to 1 hour of performance time per market day.
Amplification Prohibited: Absolutely no amplified sound is allowed.
Respect for the Market: Performers must remain within designated zones and must not obstruct pedestrian or vehicle traffic or cause disruptions.
Setup Timing: Busking is not permitted during vendor setup or breakdown (1.5 hours before and after market hours).
Sales: Buskers may not sell merchandise or recordings at the market unless they are a registered vendor. You may provide a QR code linking to your music or tipping platforms.
Busking
Buskers are welcome to perform for tips in the designated zones, marked by guitar icons on the market map, during the following hours:
Featured Busker Program
We are excited to introduce a Featured Busker Program at the Market Square Farmers Market! This curated opportunity highlights talented, local musicians who reflect the creativity of Knoxville’s arts scene and contribute to a welcoming market experience.
Perks
- Extended performance slot
- Reserved performance space
- Promotion on our social media
- Option to sell merchandise
- Ability to share a QR code on our designated signage
How to Apply
If you are a musician performing high-quality, family-friendly, acoustic sets and would like to be considered for our Featured Busker Program, please complete this application form:
Space is limited, and applications will be reviewed by a selection committee. Submitting an application does not guarantee selection.
For more information or if you have any questions, please reach out to our market staff at markets@nourishknoxville.org.
Unaccepted Activities
Non-musical performances (e.g., magic shows, balloon art, face painting, etc.)
Solicitation or distribution of flyers, religious or political materials.
Selling merchandise or music without vendor approval.
Nourish Knoxville reserves the right to dismiss any performer who violates these rules or negatively impacts the market environment.
Nourish Knoxville is an equal opportunity provider and employer. Nourish Knoxville complies with applicable Federal civil rights laws and does not discriminate on the basis of race, ethnicity, national origin, age, disability, religion, gender, gender expression, or sex. If you need language
assistance or would like to report a concern, please contact Zoë Fuller with Nourish Knoxville at
zoe@nourishknoxville.org or 865-806-9271.