‘Busk It! on Larkin’ issues open Call to Artists, with priority for Tenderloin musicians
Market Street Arts is accepting applications through October 1 for its new Larkin Street series, paying working musicians $100 an hour per performer
August 19, 2026
The Tenderloin Community Benefit District (TLCBD) and the Mid-Market Business Association & Foundation (MMBAF) are inviting local musicians to apply for ‘Busk It! on Larkin’, the latest addition the Market Street Arts live-music series. The Call to Artists is open, with applications accepted until October 1, 2026. Musicians with ties to the Tenderloin will receive priority as the program assembles a roster for weekly performances along Larkin Street.
Launched on Larkin Street on August 3, ‘Busk It! on Larkin’ expands a successful Mid-Market program into a neighboring corridor. Since March 2024, Busk It! has paid over $300,000 to 200 musicians and delivered more than 1,000 hours of free live music across 500 performances on Market Street. This expansion brings paid opportunities for artists and the joy of free, live music for the public to the Tenderloin.
Selected artists receive $100 per hour, per performer, for up to three performers. Solo acts, duos, and trios are welcome, with occasional opportunities for larger ensembles at special events. Performers must provide their own equipment and be fully self-contained. Market Street Arts supplies power and holds a blanket performance permit, so individual permits are not required.
Performances are held along Larkin Street between Golden Gate and Geary, in front of participating businesses such as Outta Sight Pizza, Emperor Norton’s Boozeland, The Phoenix Hotel, Catrachita Yucateca, Quoc Long, Ember Grill, Tender Noodle, and at Sgt. Macaulay Park.
How to apply
Artists may apply online at marketstreetarts.org/buskitonlarkin, where the application is located below the performance calendar. Applicants should provide a link to live footage, a marketing photo, and a description of their setup. Full details are available in the Artist FAQ.
Submissions are reviewed weekly, and the team aims to respond within seven to ten days. Market Street Arts considers several factors when selecting performers, including genre diversity and, for the Larkin Street series, an artist’s connection to the Tenderloin. Applications remain open through October 1, 2026.
