How to organize a street concert

Organizing a street concert starts well before the first speaker is switched on. Secure the permit, confirm the location and route, and check noise and traffic restrictions before inviting performers or residents. Then build the artist schedule around sound checks, power capacity, access routes and changeovers. This approach also gives you time to arrange volunteers, catering, equipment tests and a weather backup instead of solving them on the day.

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The plan, step by step

Every task with its own sub-checklist, in the order you'll actually need them.

Preparations

1
Apply for a permit
2
Confirm location and route
2 people
3
Check noise restrictions
4
Contact performers
2 people
5
Draw up the artist schedule
2 people
6
Confirm performers
7
Gather technical requirements
8
Make reservations
9
Record the power supply
2 people
10
Arrange catering
11
Recruit volunteers
2 people
12
Send invitations
2 people
13
Process registrations
14
Collect dietary requirements
15
Inform local residents
2 people
16
Communicate traffic measures
17
Hang up promotion
2 people
18
Check the weather forecast
19
Do the shopping
2 people
20
Collect materials
3 people
21
Test the equipment
2 people
22
Print program
23
Prepare artist briefing
24
Set up non-perishable supplies
2 people
25
Confirm work allocation

Event

26
Clear the site
4 people
27
Set up traffic barriers
4 people
28
Build stage floor
4 people
29
Set up party tents
4 people
30
Set up tables and chairs
3 people
31
Set up the bar
3 people
32
Connect power
2 people
33
Set up the sound system
3 people
34
Connect microphones
2 people
35
Set up lighting
2 people
36
Tape down cables
2 people
37
Perform the technical sound check
3 people
38
Set up instruments
3 people
39
Prepare catering
3 people
40
Chill drinks
2 people
41
Present snacks
2 people
42
Set up info table
2 people
43
Hang up the program
44
Welcome performers
2 people
45
Assist performers
2 people
46
Welcome the audience
3 people
47
Guide the opening act
2 people
48
Serve drinks
3 people
49
Serve snacks
3 people
50
Refill drinks
2 people
51
Empty trash bins
2 people
52
Keep the audience area clean
2 people
53
Change performers
2 people
54
Host the stage program
55
Check the sound level
56
Turn on lighting
57
Support the final performance
2 people
58
Ensure the audience leaves safely
4 people
59
Turn off the sound system
2 people
60
Close the bar
3 people

Aftercare

61
Dismantle equipment
3 people
62
Dismantle stage and tents
4 people
63
Collect furniture
3 people
64
Collect waste
4 people
65
Sweep the street
3 people
66
Remove traffic barriers
4 people
67
Wash dishes
2 people
68
Clean the bar
2 people
69
Return materials
3 people
70
Return equipment
2 people
71
Store leftover stock
2 people
72
Check borrowed items
2 people
73
Collect lost property
74
Pay performers
75
Hand over the venue
2 people

What to bring

Grouped the way you'd shop for it, with quantities.

Furniture

Stage floor
Party tentsqty 3
High tablesqty 8
Foldable tablesqty 6
Chairsqty 40
Bar stoolsqty 8
Bar matsqty 2
Crowd control barriersqty 12
Traffic barriersqty 8

Equipment

Speakersqty 4
Mixer
Microphonesqty 4
Microphone standsqty 4
Monitor speakersqty 2
DI boxesqty 4
Audio cablesqty 12
Cable reelsqty 6
Extension cordsqty 10
Power stripsqty 8
Power splitterqty 2
Spare batteriesqty 24
Sound meter
Music standsqty 6

Lighting

LED floodlightsqty 6
String lightsqty 6
Work lightsqty 4
Lanternsqty 8

Tableware

Reusable cupsqty 250
Wine glassesqty 40
Platesqty 100
Cutlery setsqty 100
Serving plattersqty 12
Serving tongsqty 8
Coffee potsqty 4
Water jugsqty 8

Kitchen

Coolersqty 6
Ice containersqty 4
Thermos flasksqty 6
Cutting boardsqty 4
Chef's knivesqty 4
Ice packsqty 24

Decorations

Stage drapesqty 4
Buntingqty 10
Balloonsqty 100
Program postersqty 12
Info boardsqty 4

Cleaning

Waste binsqty 12
Broom setsqty 3
Mopsqty 3
Bucketsqty 4
Cleaning clothsqty 24

Catering

Groceries

Tips

Apply for the permit before confirming the public program, then allow extra time for questions about noise, road closures and crowd barriers. Requirements can differ by street and expected attendance.
Record the available power supply at the site and match it to the mixer, speakers, monitor speakers, lighting and food service. Plan cable reels, extension cords and power splitters so public walkways stay clear.
Schedule each performer with a sound-check slot and a defined changeover time. Share a short artist briefing with arrival instructions, technical requirements and where equipment such as DI boxes or microphone stands will be available.
Tell local residents and nearby businesses about the program and traffic measures at least 1 to 2 weeks ahead. Include setup, sound-check and pack-down times, not only the concert hours.
Check the weather forecast 48 hours before the concert and again on the morning itself. Decide in advance where party tents, work lights, barriers and electrical equipment will go if rain or low light affects the setup.

Frequently asked questions

How far in advance should I apply for a street concert permit?: Start the permit application at least 8 to 12 weeks before the concert. This leaves time to answer questions about noise, public space, traffic measures and safety arrangements before promotion goes up.
How do I plan a street concert schedule?: Give every performer a sound-check slot and allow around 20 to 30 minutes for each changeover, depending on the setup. Keep the full artist schedule separate from the public program so crew arrival, technical checks and breaks are visible.
How much power does a street concert need?: Record the site's available circuits before booking the sound and lighting setup, then have a technician calculate the total load. Do this at least 2 weeks before the event so extra cable reels, power splitters or a different setup can still be arranged.
When should I notify residents about a street concert?: Send the notice at least 1 to 2 weeks before the event, and include setup, sound-check and pack-down times. Repeat the traffic information a few days beforehand if roads, parking or access will be affected.

Start this plan in Lizzt

Every task and item on this page, ready in your own event. Invite people, split the work, and see who has done what.