About Us

Founded in the summer of 2001, we represent the Pike Place Market street performers in Seattle. Now in the eighth year of our existence, we have succeeded in becoming a voice for performers in the market and in the city beyond.

Some things we do:

• Mediate between merchants and buskers
• Promote recognition for Buskers in general
• Produce the annual Seattle Busker’s Festival

In 2004, the Seattle City Council proclaimed “Seattle Buskers’ Week” a week celebrating Street Performers city wide, culminating in the Pike Place Market Buskers’ Festival, a festival celebrating buskers from around the NW and beyond. 2009 was our eighth such festival. The festival is held the second weekend in September on several stages throught the Pike Place Market in Seattle.

The Pike Market Buskers Guild extends a personal and heartfelt invitation to you, whether performer, patron, or visitor, to attend any of our general meetings, held every 3rd Monday in the month at Pike Place Market. Join the Guild and get involved!

Meetings:
Typically on the 3rd Monday 
6 pm – 9pm
Goodwin Library
(up the stairs south of “The Pig” past Best Flowers)

During the summer of 2001, in response to busker conflicts about lining up at player pitches, Jim Hinde, Jim Page and Artis collaborated to formulate the Pike Market Buskers’ Guild. The first Guild meeting was held in the committee chambers of the PDA.  It was nearly an overflow crowd.  Things went on from there. Meetings were then held in various impromptu locations, including – upstairs at Lowell’s; in Post Alley behind Mr. D’s; and on the Desimone Bridge. When weather changed to winter we acquired semi-permanent residence in the Goodwin Library, where we have remained with annual commitments.

Throughout the guild’s existence we have represented several buskers (members or not), resolve issues between PDA, mechants, residents and fellow buskers. In 2002, due to Artis’ persistence, and Guild enthusiasm, the Pike Market Buskers’ Festival was birthed. The buskers’ festival, through several committees and directors, has proven to be an asset to Seattle’s cultural identity.  

Between 2001 and 2010, some the most influential and essential members of the Pike Market Buskers’ Guild have been: