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Walking in Memphis is about to be more entertaining as Downtown comes alive with buskers.
The Downtown Memphis Commission defines busking as “the performance of music or similar artistic endeavors in public space for voluntary donations or tips.”
The DMC will launch the third iteration of its busking program — Main Street Sounds — next month. From mid-April through early October, musicians and other artists will perform in two-hour stints along the Main Street Pedestrian Mall.
The Center City Development Corp. — a DMC board — approved a DMC staff funding request of $35,000 to fund Main Street Sounds in 2026.
Artists are anticipated to perform during weekday lunches and weekend evenings.
 Potential locations for busking. (Courtesy DMC)
The 2025 program, which ran from June to December, had a $30,000 budget. It included spending nearly $25,000 directly to musicians and performers; buskers are paid $50 per hour. The budget also included about $800 for equipment (including signage and a portable sound system) and about $3,000 for branding and marketing.
Forty-two musicians performed in 2025, according to the DMC.
The 2026 budget includes $25,000 paid via $50 per hour performance stints, as well as $3,500 to be paid to an artist curator for outreach, recruitment, coordination and scheduling; and $3,500 for marketing and miscellaneous supplies.
The goal is for 35-50 artists to perform in 2026. Buskers who are well-received will be invited to perform multiple sets, according to the DMC.
There are no restrictions on music genres, and DJs can apply. Non-music performers can also apply. Last year’s program, for instance, included a mime.
Although the curator will recruit performers, would-be performers can also apply directly to the program online. (They can also email questions.)
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The program serves multiple functions.
Busking is legal along Main Street Mall via a free permit, but it is not yet consistent, according to the DMC.
Busking, the DMC has said, activates public spaces, encourages foot traffic, and keeps shoppers in businesses longer. Per the DMC, the organization will make sure the music’s volume, location and instruments are appropriate for the performance’s setting and time of day.
The Sound Diplomacy report for the city included among its recommendations attracting buskers to Downtown, in keeping with Memphis’ brand as a music city.
This year’s Main Street Sounds program is expected to include 500 hours of live performances through 250 performances.
It may pause during the hottest parts of July and August.
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