The Downtown Pedestrian Mall will return on June 25 and run until September 7, 2026. Operating daily from noon until 10 p.m., Water Street from Adelaide Street to Prescott Street will transform into a lively, people-first space filled with patio dining, local shopping, and exciting activities!

Activities

Highlights of this year’s Downtown Pedestrian Mall include:

• Pop-up Events – Local entertainers Fridays from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m., starting June 26
• Activity Zone – A new welcoming outdoor space designed for people of all ages to gather, relax, and connect. Throughout the season, the area will offer a mix of active and leisure-focused experiences that encourage play, creativity, and social interaction. Free drop-in programming is offered on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m., starting July 7 (weather dependent).
• Markets on Water – The Mom Market will host markets Thursdays from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m., starting July 9. Two special Saturday markets will take place Aug. 8 and 22.
• Community Event Space – Available for organizations to host creative and connection-focused activities.

Accessible Public Washrooms Relocation

Following feedback from the public, the downtown business community, and the City’s Inclusion Advisory Committee, the City has changed the location of the accessible washrooms for the 2026 season. The washrooms will now be located in the vicinity of McBride’s Hill and Water Street.

Parking and Transportation

On-street parking spaces are located throughout downtown, serviced by Pay Stations and the PayByPhone app. Motorists must follow posted signage in all areas. Paid on-street parking is enforced Monday to Friday, from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Parking is free after 6 p.m. on weekdays and all day Saturday and Sunday.

Motorists may also use paid, privately owned parking garages and lots, including:

• 351 Water Street
• 330 Duckworth Street
• 125 Water Street (Alt Hotel)
• 277-281 Water Street, accessed near 125 Harbour Drive (Bowring Centre)
• 1 Clift Baird's Cove (Sonco)

Privately owned parking lots in the City may enforce their own parking rules by using vehicle immobilization (booting). Private operators have the legal right to manage parking on their property under the Highway Traffic Act. The City does not have the legal authority to regulate enforcement practices in private parking lots, including booting. Always check posted signage at the entrance and throughout the lot for restrictions, including evening and weekend requirements. Failure to follow posted rules may result in fines, towing, or immobilization.

Additional parking, public transit, and active transportation information is available on the Parking and Transportation map.

Accessibility

The City strives to create accessible and inclusive spaces. Features include: accessible parking and transportation, barrier free routes, accessible rest areas, wayfinding and navigation support using BlindSq Event and XploreNinja by BlindSquare technology. Additional accessibility information is available on the City’s Downtown Pedestrian Mall webpage.

Details on how to participate or attend are available on the City’s Downtown Pedestrian Mall webpage. 

The City of St. John’s has a strategic direction to be a Connected City, one where people feel connected, have a sense of belonging and are actively engaged in community life. The DPM advances this direction by bringing the community together and showcasing the remarkable and diverse talent on offer in St. John's.

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