Downtown Pedestrian Mall

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 6 Check 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 31 Shanneyganock 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. Don't miss the opening act, Darcy Scott and Reagan Scott! Darcy Scott is a passionate musician from Newfoundland and Labrador, known for his engaging songwriting and dynamic stage presence. Darcy's debut EP, Wasted Spaces, released in June 2023, showcases his talent for storytelling and has earned him a nomination as Folk Artist of the Year.
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: Thursday, July 4 Thursday, July 18 Performances by Carson Dalton, Jason March, Raven Dove, and Take 4 Thursday, August 1 Performances by 709 Roller Derby, Vanessa Cardoso, and Gerard Locke & Derek Strong Thursday, August 15 Performances by Deizel Ryder, Raiders of Avalon NL, and Sam the band Thursday, August 29 - CANCELLED DUE TO WEATHER Performances by Ana Luísa Ramos, Carl & Ashton Stoodley, and Derek Strong
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. June 21: Port-Aux-Poutines - a MusicNL Award winning French-Canadian duo based in St. John’s, Newfoundland, formed by Jenna Maloney and Axel Belgarde. Since 2022, Port-Aux-Poutines fuses French-Canadian and Newfoundland musical traditions. Through original songs, folk songs, as well as translations of Newfoundland songs, the band celebrates the diversity of French-Canadian culture, tells stories and legends of the province, and celebrates the heritage of Francophonie in Newfoundland. CANCELLED DUE TO WEATHER - June 28: Brett Crane - Brett performs regularly at church, at school and at open mic events around the city including the NL Folk Festival at Bannerman Park, Young Folk at the Hall with Fergus O'Byrne, the CBS Winter Carnival, the Up and Comers concert series, and the City of St. John's Music @ Concert Series. He also regularly volunteers his time to perform for a seniors group during the summer months on Bell Island. July 5: AMITY - Amity is defined as “friendship in peaceful harmony.” That is exactly what the trio of Hillary North, Emma Bursey, and Alyssa Delaney deliver. After forming the band in the summer 2023 at Trinity Hall in Winterton, NL, these lifelong friends have been taking the local music scene by storm. This band of incredibly talented teenaged artists never fail to impress as they blend their unique individual tastes and styles into harmonious lyric and sound unlike any other, harkening back to classing folk/rock stylings while sounding effortlessly fresh and new. July 12: Anchormen Barbershop Chorus - The Anchormen Barbershop Chorus are proud to have participated in the Atlantic Canada regional barbershop harmony competition and returned with FOUR trophies including top chorus and top quartet. Since acquiring their charter with BH International in the early 60’s the chorus has consisted of up to 40 members and enjoyed success in regional and North American competitions. July 19: Cirque’letics - Cirque’letics is a community-based educational facility where all individuals, regardless of age, skill or ability, can safely learn and develop circus and acrobatic-based skills as a means of personal growth and enrichment. They strive to contribute to the artistic community of Newfoundland and Labrador through the learning and creation of circus-based educational programs and performances. CANCELLED DUE TO WEATHER - July 26: Trinity Sound - Trinity Sound is a youth music group that focuses on arranging songs anywhere from traditional folk tunes to the latest top 40 hits with the use of traditional instruments such as violin, mandolin, bodhran, and guitar. August 9: De La Paz Latin Quintet - This quintet aims to share with the public the joy and flavour of Latin culture through its music. It is comprised of Mario Miranda, Liam Kovich, Julien Bouchard, Estefania Arreguín and Beto de La Paz. August 16: Ana & Eric - Ana & Eric are a Brazilian duo based in St. John's, Newfoundland & Labrador. Having performed in Brazil, Europe, and Canada, Ana & Eric offer a unique combination of Brazilian bossa nova and North American indie-folk. In 2020, the duo released two singles “Hope" and "Lights My Way" as well as their self-titled debut EP, which earned them one nomination at the 2021 ECMA Awards, and three nominations at the 2021 MusicNL Awards. In 2023, the duo released their debut album “Our House From Here” and the singles “I Can See Our House From Here” and “Manhã de Abril" (April Morning), which have received wide coverage in Brazil, Portugal, and Canada. The album was nominated as the 2024 Global Recording of The Year at the ECMA and received three 2023 MusicNL Award nominations. August 23: Allison Prior & Bernie Scott - Since their formation in 1998, the duo has been a vibrant part of the Newfoundland music scene, performing at community events, various venues, and festivals. They have showcased their talent on television, organized shows for conventions, and participated in fundraisers and festivals. August 30: The Boogie Babes - The Boogie Babes are a vibrant three-female a cappella group from St. John's, comprised of Jody Lear, Claire Hewlett, and Lesley Dove Smith. The trio met 14 years ago while acting in a musical and have been harmonizing together ever since. Their diverse repertoire spans from the 1930s to contemporary music, with a special focus on the nostalgic sounds of the 1950s and 1960s.
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: Molly Margaret Yelyzaveta Anysymova Rashelle Beach Kyle Bennett Vessela Brakalova Krista Burton Heather Coughlan Emma Dooley Jay Mach Shan Leigh Pomeroy Susy Randell Nicholas Watton Stephanie White
Accessibility
Accessible parking, Metrobus and GoBus Approximately 23 accessible on street parking spaces and 36 accessible parking spaces within private parking garages are available near the Downtown Pedestrian Mall for accessible parking permit holders. Metrobus customers can use Route 3 on an Accessible Low Floor Bus which stops at Ayres Cove/Harbour Drive near the Downtown Pedestrian Mall. Route schedules can be accessed through Metrobus. GoBus customers can book their ride to the Downtown Pedestrian Mall through GoBus . Accessible Parking and Bus Stop locations can be found on the Downtown Pedestrian Mall Parking and Transportation Map. Barrier free routes Where the built environment permits, 2 meter barrier free routes are available through the centre of the pedestrian zone and along the sidewalks. Accessible rest areas A variety of rest areas including, accessible picnic tables, benches, Adirondack chairs and high-top tables are available throughout the DPM. Wayfinding and navigation The 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 visit Accessibility 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 feedback Visitors 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. Bathrooms Two 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.

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 6

Check 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 31

Shanneyganock 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.

Don't miss the opening act, Darcy Scott and Reagan Scott! Darcy Scott is a passionate musician from Newfoundland and Labrador, known for his engaging songwriting and dynamic stage presence. Darcy's debut EP, Wasted Spaces, released in June 2023, showcases his talent for storytelling and has earned him a nomination as Folk Artist of the Year.

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:

Thursday, July 4
Thursday, July 18
- Performances by Carson Dalton, Jason March, Raven Dove, and Take 4
Thursday, August 1
- Performances by 709 Roller Derby, Vanessa Cardoso, and Gerard Locke & Derek Strong
Thursday, August 15
- Performances by Deizel Ryder, Raiders of Avalon NL, and Sam the band
Thursday, August 29 - CANCELLED DUE TO WEATHER
- Performances by Ana Luísa Ramos, Carl & Ashton Stoodley, and Derek Strong

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.

June 21: Port-Aux-Poutines - a MusicNL Award winning French-Canadian duo based in St. John’s, Newfoundland, formed by Jenna Maloney and Axel Belgarde. Since 2022, Port-Aux-Poutines fuses French-Canadian and Newfoundland musical traditions. Through original songs, folk songs, as well as translations of Newfoundland songs, the band celebrates the diversity of French-Canadian culture, tells stories and legends of the province, and celebrates the heritage of Francophonie in Newfoundland.
CANCELLED DUE TO WEATHER - June 28: Brett Crane - Brett performs regularly at church, at school and at open mic events around the city including the NL Folk Festival at Bannerman Park, Young Folk at the Hall with Fergus O'Byrne, the CBS Winter Carnival, the Up and Comers concert series, and the City of St. John's Music @ Concert Series. He also regularly volunteers his time to perform for a seniors group during the summer months on Bell Island.
July 5: AMITY - Amity is defined as “friendship in peaceful harmony.” That is exactly what the trio of Hillary North, Emma Bursey, and Alyssa Delaney deliver. After forming the band in the summer 2023 at Trinity Hall in Winterton, NL, these lifelong friends have been taking the local music scene by storm. This band of incredibly talented teenaged artists never fail to impress as they blend their unique individual tastes and styles into harmonious lyric and sound unlike any other, harkening back to classing folk/rock stylings while sounding effortlessly fresh and new.
July 12: Anchormen Barbershop Chorus - The Anchormen Barbershop Chorus are proud to have participated in the Atlantic Canada regional barbershop harmony competition and returned with FOUR trophies including top chorus and top quartet. Since acquiring their charter with BH International in the early 60’s the chorus has consisted of up to 40 members and enjoyed success in regional and North American competitions.
July 19: Cirque’letics - Cirque’letics is a community-based educational facility where all individuals, regardless of age, skill or ability, can safely learn and develop circus and acrobatic-based skills as a means of personal growth and enrichment. They strive to contribute to the artistic community of Newfoundland and Labrador through the learning and creation of circus-based educational programs and performances.
CANCELLED DUE TO WEATHER - July 26: Trinity Sound - Trinity Sound is a youth music group that focuses on arranging songs anywhere from traditional folk tunes to the latest top 40 hits with the use of traditional instruments such as violin, mandolin, bodhran, and guitar.
August 9: De La Paz Latin Quintet - This quintet aims to share with the public the joy and flavour of Latin culture through its music. It is comprised of Mario Miranda, Liam Kovich, Julien Bouchard, Estefania Arreguín and Beto de La Paz.
August 16: Ana & Eric - Ana & Eric are a Brazilian duo based in St. John's, Newfoundland & Labrador. Having performed in Brazil, Europe, and Canada, Ana & Eric offer a unique combination of Brazilian bossa nova and North American indie-folk. In 2020, the duo released two singles “Hope" and "Lights My Way" as well as their self-titled debut EP, which earned them one nomination at the 2021 ECMA Awards, and three nominations at the 2021 MusicNL Awards. In 2023, the duo released their debut album “Our House From Here” and the singles “I Can See Our House From Here” and “Manhã de Abril" (April Morning), which have received wide coverage in Brazil, Portugal, and Canada. The album was nominated as the 2024 Global Recording of The Year at the ECMA and received three 2023 MusicNL Award nominations.
August 23: Allison Prior & Bernie Scott - Since their formation in 1998, the duo has been a vibrant part of the Newfoundland music scene, performing at community events, various venues, and festivals. They have showcased their talent on television, organized shows for conventions, and participated in fundraisers and festivals.
August 30: The Boogie Babes - The Boogie Babes are a vibrant three-female a cappella group from St. John's, comprised of Jody Lear, Claire Hewlett, and Lesley Dove Smith. The trio met 14 years ago while acting in a musical and have been harmonizing together ever since. Their diverse repertoire spans from the 1930s to contemporary music, with a special focus on the nostalgic sounds of the 1950s and 1960s.

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:

Molly Margaret
Yelyzaveta Anysymova
Rashelle Beach
Kyle Bennett
Vessela Brakalova
Krista Burton
Heather Coughlan
Emma Dooley
Jay Mach
Shan Leigh Pomeroy
Susy Randell
Nicholas Watton
Stephanie White

Accessibility

Accessible parking, Metrobus and GoBus

Approximately 23 accessible on street parking spaces and 36 accessible parking spaces within private parking garages are available near the Downtown Pedestrian Mall for accessible parking permit holders.
Metrobus customers can use Route 3 on an Accessible Low Floor Bus which stops at Ayres Cove/Harbour Drive near the Downtown Pedestrian Mall. Route schedules can be accessed through Metrobus.
GoBus customers can book their ride to the Downtown Pedestrian Mall through GoBus .
Accessible Parking and Bus Stop locations can be found on the Downtown Pedestrian Mall Parking and Transportation Map.

Barrier free routes

Where the built environment permits, 2 meter barrier free routes are available through the centre of the pedestrian zone and along the sidewalks.

Accessible rest areas

A variety of rest areas including, accessible picnic tables, benches, Adirondack chairs and high-top tables are available throughout the DPM.

Wayfinding and navigation

The 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 visit

Accessibility 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 feedback

Visitors 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.

Bathrooms

Two 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.