The Streets of Sacramento

Thanks to a progressive and art friendly City Government, the streets of Sacramento provide the largest venue in town for live performances. Chapter 5.108 of the City’s general plan encourages the development of arts and culture in Sacramento by exempting street performers, incidental musicians, and establishments that host them from requiring an Entertainment Permit.

Chapter 5.108 ENTERTAINMENT ESTABLISHMENTS

5.108.030 Entertainment permit required—Compliance with other laws.


1. Unless exempt pursuant to Section 5.108.040, it is unlawful for any person to provide or permit any entertainment that is open to the public without an entertainment permit issued pursuant to this chapter.

5.108.040 Exemption from the permit requirement.


K. Street performers such as musicians, singers or mimes;


T. Entertainment consisting of ambient or incidental music provided for guests or patrons by musicians such as a piano player, harpist, strolling violinist, mariachi band, guitarist or band. If there is an admission charge required to observe or attend such entertainment, the music will not be considered ambient or incidental;


U. Any establishment, venue or assemblage of forty-nine (49) persons or less, as described in the maximum occupancy load;

On June 21 the people of Sacramento participate in the Fête de la Musique. On this day musicians around the world and of all abilities are encouraged to make music throughout the day where ever they may be, whether they be solo, orchestral, or somewhere in between.

Performances during Second Saturday events require no permits because of this exemption.

The Hellouts
Sacramento (the band)
The Juggs
Johnny 'Guitar' Knox
King Richard and
any band that's ever played on a Second Saturday