Rules that Govern Street Performers on Fremont Street Explained
Key Points:
- Street performers are awarded 2-hour blocks of time in one of 38 circles via a lottery run by the City.
- A city ordinance spells out rules for performers, such as maximum volume and prop restrictions.
- A public street, their right to perform is constitutionally protected (to my chagrin).
Neon, historic properties, and cheaper gambling are things that come to mind when you think of Fremont Street.
Another, more infamous, aspect of the experience is the buskers, ranging from bucket drummers and a nun with her breasts exposed, to an elderly man wearing a thong.
While some Las Vegas visitors love what Fremont's street performers bring to the table, others view it as an unfortunate freak show.
It got me wondering: What rules govern Fremont Street performers?
This, as I was trying to sleep at 12:30am at Binion's Hotel Apache, while a bucket drummer's incessant noise kept me awake.
As my rage grew, I pondered questions like:
- How do buskers reserve a circle on Fremont Street?
- How do they get paid?
- How do they stay in the good graces of the authorities?
- Why are they allowed at all?
- Why are they so freaking loud?!?!?!?
See Also: Staying on Fremont Street vs. the Strip. I compare the differences.
Tipping Street Performers
First off, let's talk turkey.
It's important to point out that performers on Fremont Street, or the Strip for that matter, can't legally charge a fee. They rely on tips, and it's up to the patron to decide what, if anything, to tip.
Performers are often criticized for aggressively demanding tips or shaming those who don't tip adequately by making a scene. It's customary to hand over a few bucks for a photo, but don't give in to their bullying.
Fremont Street Performer Rules
In 2015, the City of Las Vegas passed an ordinance regulating street performers on Fremont Street.
Specifically, 38 six-foot-wide poker chip decals were laid out on the pedestrian mall, within which buskers would be confined to perform.
Street performers register with the city, and a daily lottery is held for 2-hour time blocks on the poker chip decals between 3 pm and 1 am.
The ordinance was needed to prevent fighting among performers for prime locations, maintain public safety, and establish boundaries for where "expressive activity" is appropriate.
Also reiterated in the law is that "it is unlawful for a street performer to charge a fee for a performance within the pedestrian mall", although tips and donations may be accepted.
While attire (or lack thereof) is not regulated, noise levels (surprisingly) are. Street performers are not to exceed specific decibel levels when measured from 1 to 25 feet. I think enforcement is lax, however.
The ordinance also regulates how far performers need to be from ATMs, building entrances, crosswalks, outdoor dining areas, live concerts, and even other street performers.
Other fun facts from the ordinance that apply to all visitors:
- Hula hoops larger than 4 feet in diameter are forbidden.
- Launching or throwing items into the air is forbidden unless the performer is connected with an event put on by the Fremont Street Experience LLC.
- Feeding Birds on the pedestrian mall is prohibited, as is littering and sleeping.
- Sitting and lying on the ground is not allowed; however, street performers are exempt if sitting is part of their "performance".
How To Register For the Street Performer Lottery
Want to reserve a circle? Register for the lottery, here, with the Fremont Street Experience.
There, you can also view the schedule, see a map of performance locations, and review the ordinance that dictates street performer rules.
It's a crime to register for the lottery more than once. Don't you go trying to rig the countest.
Related: 95+ completely free things to do in Vegas!
Feature Image: ©usataro/123RF.COM
I’m a former software salesman turned Vegas aficionado. While the craps table is my preferred habitat, I pull myself away to explore new attractions, shows, restaurants, and outdoor activities around Las Vegas with the intent of sharing my experiences.
Ultimately, I just want to help folks plan a better trip and save a few bucks in the process.
Why isn't the attire regulated as there are many children on Fremont St. and doesn't have an age restriction. A lot of the attire belongs behind doors as in a strip club. This enrages me.
Las Vegas is not for children leave them at home. They are selling gambling, booze, and sex what would you think you were about to see you downtown? A puppet show?
I agree whole heartedly..Please leave your children at home..
Well said
AGREE 100% - LEAVE THE KIDS AT HOME OR GO TO DISNEY
If you feel the need to take children to Vegas.... keep them at Circus Circus! Vegas is NOT a family vacation. You should know, come on now, that Vegas is called the "adult playground" for a reason! Give me a break!
I agree ?%‼️‼️‼️‼️
very well said
There is no age limit to people in Vegas. If you dont want your kids to see what is there, then dont take them there. But to shame people that do is ridiculous. As a parent that took my 8 year old down to Fremont street, we went twice. Once during the day when it wasnt busy and then again that evening so he could see the lights. I will say that the street performers were very mindful that we had him with us and did not push for pictures. We were mindful of where the performers were and kept our distance. What pisses me the F---off is the fact that some drunken asshole decided that it was his place to scream at my grandson for being there. He then turned my my wife and myself. I stood my ground my wife took our kid...who was in a wheelchair and left the area. The Drunk continued to yell at me that I am ruining his time in Vegas by being there. Really? Cops were called he was arrested, and the cops then explained to us that we were not in the wrong for being there. So one mans tantrum gave our son a bad taste in his mouth to never want to return. Note to parents out there. Take your kids. Let them enjoy a vacation too. All you kids haters here..Fuck Off.
I don't hate kids, I hate parents who think that Vegas should cater to kids and change the rules. You, sir (Scott), are not one of those parents. 🙂
Well you had me 98% until your foul mouth. Lovely. Then you have he audacity to talk about the behavior of a drunk. Hmmmmm. Well. Kids can enjoy Fremont but it’s up to the parent to be responsible of when and what they see your kid, your choice. But it is Vegas and called Sin City for a reason. Personally I would not take a child under 14-15 down there at night. I’m sure a younger child would survive without seeing the lighting until they are older. We raised kids here and it’s not easy, in fact they become desensitized to sexual photos etc. which in some ways is sad and good. When they went away to college, while other kids were being wild and free our kids didn’t really see the big deal since they saw it in Vegas. So they actually studied.
100% our daughter loved the lights and dancing and seeing Micky and Mini we had a great time as a family not alot of ppl there we were there in January
Couldn’t agree more.
??????????
Amen!!!!
Las Vegas is for adults 21 and over not for children they do not belong there ..
yeppers
What did I tell you about yuppers?
What did I tell you about yeppers
Vegas is not for kids!
Bc children shouldn't be in a place where its publically acceptable to day drink out in the open.... its Vegas, not Disney.
So kids shouldn’t go to sporting events either?
seriously Dude?..Las Vegas is a ADULT playground...Give me a example of a childrens sporting event on Fremont...please...
The Santa Run..There is your sporting example.
Use your brain or lack there of. Come on now someone has to complain about every situation.
Are you kidding? Did you really think it would be like Disney? If it enrages you... STAY AWAY !!!!
You know what enrages me? People who go to Vegas and expect it to be like Disneyland or some Church convention.
NEWSFLASH : It's booze, gambling and sexy showgirls.
This can't possibly be a real person who wrote this comment? Is there that much stupidity out there?
Totally Agree
Vegas is for adults. If you want to take your children there, then that is on you, as their parents. Don't shame these people for making a living in Sin City! If you don't like it, don't take your kids there. If you want to go to Vegas and can't find a sitter while you have an adult vacation, then that's no one else's problem.
It is 100% your fault if you decide to expose your children to the Adult playground. There is a reason their slogan is "What happens in Vegas stays in Vegas."
The rest of the world shouldn't have to suffer for your parenting mistakes.
I agree. Leave your kids at home or take them to the strip. There are several kid friendly places there (M&M World, Circus Circus, etc.)
Leave your stupid kids at home , Ridley .
Well I’m a performer on freemont me and a couple of my friends from Chicago ... we are the Chicago bucket boys ... freemont is a cool place for the ppl ... some stuff can be hidden but it’s Las Vegas they don’t have filters here ... that’s why it makes billions of dollars a year ... but I would like to say the way how we get treated for drumming on a bucket is crazy... we get in trouble for being loud but what did ppl that’s in control think that buckets would do ? First fridays they make us not perform because they say our sticks our weapons but we know that’s just to stop us from making money to provide for our families... Also they have 4 different drummer bands on the stages so what’s the point of saying they band drumming sticks on first Friday when they band have sticks that we have ....
If you're part of the bucket drumming act that I saw back in 2017 , you guys were amazing
@B. Ripley, kids don't belong on freemont. It's actually a law.
Not a place for young children. It is basically a bar.
Are used to go down there too many crazy people too much homeless you have a guy over there laying on the cement saying move me if you can how stupid
What bothers me most about Vegas is the homelessness and poor whom are begging! This is depressing, as I can’t enjoy wasting money while others need necessities. Leave the entertainment on Fremont alone and wait till your kids are adults to bring them to VEGAS! Honest, kids do quickly turn into adults
AGREE 100% - LEAVE THE KIDS AT HOME OR GO TO DISNEY
Why do you think it's called Sin City!!! Take the kids to Disney?
Vegas is definitely not for kids if u dont like what's goin on leave them at home that's where they should be anyway!!
“Oh look. You have a baby........in a bar”.
Vegas is not a family vacation. Period. The end! Don’t take your kids.
Why not take your children to Vegas ?? Umm I’ve been there 8 times. The women dancing on top of bars are not bad they have more clothes on than ppl going to the river or beach .. y’all are acting like they are in g strings having sex on top of bars .. kids are not allowed in the casino area so there not bothering no one .. there’s plenty to do for families .. But the only thing is not keeping the children late at night Bc that’s when tourist or young or old or homeless are already drunk and you don’t wanna let your babies see the depressing side of humans
The cheap drinks is to make you keep playing the casinos not to act stupid in front of families who wanna enjoy Vegas as much as possible
@Angie, because it's illegal under 21 unless escorted by security yo walk through. No one enforces it.
Vegas has so much more to offer then 2 streets! People that bring their children there know this! Spring preserve, lion habitat, red rock, zion, valley of fire, lake mead,hoover dam, etc. Nevermind the fact LA is four hours away if you want Universal Studios! So much to see! The strip and fremont are just a crumb! Everyone should be allowed to live their life how they please and travel where they choose.
@Leanne Lulashnyk, the rule is 21 and over. No one enforces it.
I love going to Vegas, I do think it is an Adult Playground and that is why I like going there. My children have asked me to take them there and I promised when they turn 21 I will take them. I dont believe it's a place for kids to go to until they are of age. That is my opinion, I believe my children dont need to see certain this until they are older. The parents take their children there it is your choice but when I see parent out late is sad, people are drunk children dont need to see that. But there is an ordinance that children can't be out past 9 which I believe is a great idea. The people looking for "Tips" dont bother me at all, I figure they are my free entertainment while I am there. Children have alot of places to go and play, adults have one huge play ground and that is Vegas!!! So bring your kids but remember others are there to have a great time.
I just love people who bring their kids to Vegas pulling them down the street and through the casinos and look like either mom or dad is not having a good time why can't they just leaving home with the grand from Grandma Vegas is no place for kids
Hy there, Useful hearsay ! agreeableoffers
Valid click
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1rl0Q-2XlQrbt7XE0pUStsdLLqZo8DHED/preview
Every time we go to Vegas we try to figure out where people are going with their kids and babies in strollers, on the strip or downtown, especially late at night. There have been too many times it's been after midnight and we are on our way to bed, only to see people with kids or pushing a baby stroller, many times with a drink in their hand, blanket over the stroller because it's cold, and we wonder where they are going. I'm not saying there aren't things for kids to do in Vegas, but the places we see this and don't understand are mid-strip or downtown, not Circus Circus or Excalibur or by the pool or at the M&M store or any place that caters to kids, and certainly not during the daytime hours when attractions for kids are open. I can't imagine how much fun it is for a parent late at night to be marching up and down the strip or Fremont street, with kids and strollers, and not be able to be in the casinos or bars or do anything adult in Vegas.
My boyfriend and I visited Fremont Experience last night and was very shocked to see an adult man sitting in his performing area while 2 kids, roughly 3-4 years old and maybe 7 years old dancing for tips (probably his kids), but NOT ACCEPTABLE!
In the area between Plaza stage and Golden Nugget, on Golden Nugget side.