- Queen Street (from Edward Street to George Street)
- Albert Street (from Elizabeth Street to Adelaide Street)
- Adelaide Street (from Edward Street to George Street)
- Edward Street (from Queen Street to Adelaide Street)
- George Street (from Adelaide Street to Queen Street)
- Reddacliff Place
Busking in the malls
Request permission to busk in the Queen Street or Valley malls. Find out how to get a licence to perform in the city malls.
About busking in the malls
Busking adds to the vibrancy of our shopping and entertainment areas.
You need a licence to busk in the city malls:
- Queen Street Mall, including Reddacliff Place
- Brunswick Street Mall
- Chinatown Mall.
Various types of busking performances are permitted.
How to get a busking licence
You'll need to successfully pass an audition to obtain a busking licence.
Auditions will be held at the Queen Street Mall stage from 9am to 11.30am on:
- Saturday 31 May 2025
- Saturday 30 August 2025
- Saturday 15 November 2025.
Depending on your performance, an audition may take 3 to 5 minutes. Auditions are judged by a Council officer and representatives from the Brisbane Economic Development Agency (BEDA).
Amplification or electronic devices can’t be used for auditions and aren’t permitted when performing with a valid busking licence. These devices include:
- a public address system
- speakers and amplifiers
- keyboards
- electric guitars
- turntables.
Apply for an audition
Apply for a busking audition using the online form. There’s no fee for a busking licence.
If you’re under 18, your parent or guardian needs to write a letter of support. The letter must state they:
- consent to you performing as a busker in the City of Brisbane Local Government Area
- will accompany you to each performance (if you’re under 16).
Attach the letter to your online application as a PDF, Word or JPG file.
After you apply
We will contact you within 5 business days after receiving your application with the audition details.
After your audition, we'll contact you within 10 working days to let you know if you’ve been successful or not.
Successful applicants will receive their licence in the mail.
Where to perform
The city malls offer various areas where licensed buskers can perform.
- Brunswick Street (from Wickham Street to Ann Street)
- Duncan Street (from Wickham Street to Ann Street)
- Wickham Street (from Brunswick Street to Duncan Street).
For more information about busking in the malls, phone City Malls Management on 07 3403 8195.
Frequently asked questions
All busking licences are issued for a 3-month period.
If you fail to renew your licence within 6 months of it being issued, you will need to re-audition.
Performances that include the use of dangerous implements or materials such as knives, whips, swords, or flammable liquids are not permitted in the malls.
You can apply for a busking licence at any age. You must, however, meet certain requirements if you’re under 18.