Hi Everyone,
I was just wondering what the laws are for busking in D.C.
Thanks,
Bob

You may want to keep under the radar while making your enquires so you don't alert people to your intention. If so, skip the cops and ask any busker you find on a street [not many were around a couple of years back]. Often there's a difference between the official view and the actual on-the-street custom. You could try the local magician's branch.
Or enquire from the nearest magic shop I'm aware of to D.C.: Barry's Magic Shop at White Flint which around 15 July 2012 is closing down after 38 years in the business.

I hate to sound dumb but what does that even mean

Undercover busking.

So are you saying that it is illegal to busk at all in dc

Authorities are quick to say "no" when they really mean "I'm not sure." Staying under the radar simply means don't make your first request by marching into City Hall. Ask on the streets, ask other performers, or perform without a permit without making a nuisance of yourself (blocking traffic, loud amps), things like that.

If a permit is required, I'm sure someone will be quick to tell you "you can't do that here."

And remember when you run--Serpentine!

I do not know what the actual laws are, but on a visit to DC just a couple of weeks ago there was a very active nighttime busking culture in Old Town Alexandria at the waterfront. A magician I saw there kept reminding folks not to block the walkways, but other than that it seemed quite open all up and down the street.

FYI,Barry's Magic Shop is closing, so if you want to ask him you might want to do it soon. I live in the DC area now, and all I know for sure is that federal property, i.e. National Parks and monuments are off-limits. I can't comment on the areas where you have to audition to perform on the street.

I busked in DC for a short while, a couple years ago. I started in front of the space museum. Had a nice run, but eventually the cops told me it wasn't allowed (specifically there). After that I went to Dupont circle and had no problems. Then I heard about the old town waterfront area, went there, had a great time, no problems.

Damian:

I live in the greater Washington area, and I've wondered about the feasibility of busking at Dupont Circle. What days and times of the week did you busk there? I assume the crowds were mainly adult, not family, as they are in Old Town. By the way, I busk in Old Town, but I don't remember if our paths ever crossed there--did they?

Noland