The City of St. John’s Downtown Pedestrian Mall is open in 2024 from June 20 to September 2.
From noon until 10 p.m. daily, 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. This popular location is bustling with excitement as restaurants and bars create outdoor patios and other businesses expand into the street.
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.
Follow us on Facebook, X and Instagram for the latest What's Happening St. John's news and updates.
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.
The Swinging Bells - 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. TBA - Saturday, August 31 – 3 to 5 p.m.Announcement to come! |
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. Dates:
|
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.
Check back for a full list of events! |
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:
|
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. |
Contact Us