The City of St. John’s Downtown Pedestrian Mall is open in 2024 from June 20 to September 2 from noon to 10 p.m. daily.
This popular location is bustling with excitement as restaurants and bars create outdoor patios and other businesses expand into the street. Water Street from Adelaide Street to Prescott Street will be closed to vehicles, with pedestrian traffic ramping up to take in the festivities and enjoy the energy and people-friendly vibe. During this time, delivery drivers and other business related traffic can access the street from 8 to 12 p.m.
The DPM was introduced in 2020 as a way to bring foot traffic into the city's downtown and to give businesses some added attention during the pandemic. It was such a hit, that it’s been an annual event ever since.
Entertainment is also on offer with a variety of free performances and events taking place throughout the summer. For 2024, the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador announced it would provide $194,000 in funding to the City to support Year of the Arts initiatives. This funding will support the introduction of new initiatives for the Downtown Pedestrian Mall, including Markets on Water, Music on Water and Public Art displays.
Click through the below sections by pressing the plus tab to learn more about events and other information to help you plan your visit.
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Music on Water |
The City is excited to host two FREE concerts at the Downtown Pedestrian Mall this summer which will feature local musicians. Concerts will take place between 3 to 5 p.m. near Soloman's Lane. Attendees are welcome to bring along a folding chair for seating.
The Swinging Belles - Saturday, July 6Check out the 2024 JUNO award winners, The Swinging Belles! This trio's greatest delight is making swing style music for both the young and the young at heart. They are song creators, puppet makers, educators and movers and shakers and they are more than excited to have a swinging good time for the first Music on Water concert! Don't miss the opening act, Magician Michael Conway! As seen on YTV, CBC, and TedX, Michael Conway takes audiences on a wild ride performing mind bending illusions across the province for over 15 years. Shanneyganock - Saturday, August 31Shanneyganock has been a driving force in Newfoundland and Labrador’s music scene for three decades. Founded by Chris Andrews and Mark Hiscock, the band is known for their stirring ballads, powerful shanties, and lively jigs and reels. Passionate about sharing their heritage, Shanneyganock continues to thrill audiences with their authentic sound and love for a roaring crowd.
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Markets on Water |
Every second Thursday, from 6 to 8 p.m., the Downtown Pedestrian Mall will host local vendors, artists and makers from the St. John’s Farmer’s Market, Craft Council of Newfoundland and Labrador, IceberGallery and more. We will also have a variety of food trucks on location serving delicious food. Vendors will be in the area of Ayres Cove to Prescott Street.
Dates:
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Community Event Space |
The City of St. John’s is providing free space on the Downtown Pedestrian Mall for organizations to get creative and engage with the community. We would love to hear your ideas. If interested, please fill out the application form and share with us how you would like to enhance the Downtown Pedestrian Mall. Ensure you review the important considerations and requirements within the form before submitting. Questions can be referred to specialevents@stjohns.ca. |
Pop-Up Events |
Each Friday throughout the summer, the Downtown Pedestrian Mall hosts various pop-up events from 2 to 4 p.m. in front of the Scotiabank building featuring local entertainers.
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Public Art |
The City is excited to feature the work of visual artists on new, vibrant signage throughout the Downtown Pedestrian Mall this summer.
This year, the work of various visual artists will be featured, including:
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Accessibility |
Accessible parking, Metrobus and GoBus
Barrier free routes
Accessible rest areas
Wayfinding and navigationThe Downtown Pedestrian Mall is BlindSquare enabled. BlindSquare accessible wayfinding and navigation apps are free to download in Apple and Android app stores and help pedestrians to safely navigate the mall. Apple users can download BlindSq Event. Android users can download XploreNinja by BlindSquare Planning your visitAccessibility features of businesses within the Downtown Pedestrian Mall vary and are regulated by provincial legislation. Pedestrians are encouraged to contact businesses of interest for more information when planning a visit. Accessibility feedbackVisitors are encouraged to provide feedback and suggestions to further advance inclusion and accessibility of the Downtown Pedestrian Mall by contacting 311, Access St. John’s or emailing inclusion@stjohns.ca. BathroomsTwo portable accessible toilets and a handwashing station are available during the Downtown Pedestrian Malls hours of operation (noon to 10 p.m. daily.) on the corner of Harbour Drive and Ayre’s Cove. Portable toilets will remain in place until the closure of the Downtown Pedestrian Mall on Monday, September 2.
The City of St. John’s will regularly maintain the facilities and appreciates the public's cooperation in keeping these facilities clean and accessible for all. The installation of the portable toilets is being done on a trial basis and will be evaluated to determine the most appropriate solution for washroom access on the Downtown Pedestrian Mall. |
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