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. 

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”.