HB Downtown Street Performers entertain the public all year long. If you've ever visited Surf City and seen a crowd gathered, it's either a popular bar such as Sharkeez, or street performers putting on a show. The street performers can attract up to 100 people and have become popular with the introduction of Surf City Nights, an event that features street performers doing tricks, dances, and amazing the crowds. From that event, the popularity of street performers has expanded to neighboring Pier Plaza at the entrance to the Huntington Beach Pier, and entertainers have even put on shows when people exit the bars at 1:30 - 2 a.m. in the morning.

Police Chief Ken Small recently showed a video of street performers at 1:30 in the morning near Walnut and Main Street. A crowd gathered, and people walked into the street, blocking cars from driving past on the road. The result of the street performer fever is more performers in more places, and some shops say the acts are hurting or blocking their businesses. As a result, the Chief requested clarification from the Huntington Beach City Council and better guidelines to deal with the nuisance and safety factors.

The City Council passed an ordinance in Feb. 2011, that places restrictions on street performers in downtown Huntington Beach. 16 regulations on the time and place of performances, what kind of props can be used and other criteria give the HBPD more discretion and ability to control crowds, as well.  The new rules specify performances cant be within 10 feet of any intersection, entryway driveway or curb. Performers also can't use any props that could hurt a passersby or solicit bystanders to take part in an act that may result in injury. Some performers do flips, jumps over kids and adults, use instruments that look like sharp swords and other such props.

The acts are creative and always entertaining, but the artists discover that they must constantly come up with new ideas to appeal to the local audience. The show goes on with street performers still permitted to do their thing, though they must adhere to the new guidelines.