Celebrate St. John's
The City of St. John's hosts a wide variety of events throughout the year. Event details are added as they are confirmed.
Spring/Summer Events
Canada Day
Music @ Concert Series
Downtown Pedestrian Mall
Party in the Park
Youth Week
Fall Events
National Child Week Activities
Pumpkin Walk
Winter Events
Downtown Holiday Shop & Stroll
Festival of Music and Lights
New Year's Eve Celebrations
ChillFest
Music @ Concert Series
Music @ is an exciting mix of sights and sounds in St. John's. Many different musical styles are featured in the 'Music @' Concert Series including folk, rock, pop, country, and more. Each concert opens with a youth performer coordinated through a partnership with the Newfoundland and Labrador Folk Arts Society.
These opening acts and our headliners showcase the incredible and diverse musical talent the City has to offer. Kick back with family, friends, or co-workers to enjoy your lunch break or weekend activity. It’s like running through a sprinkler on a hot day – refreshing, fun and sure to make you smile! Music @ Harbourside has become a staple of the St. John’s summer.
Learn more...
Downtown Pedestrian Mall
June 30 - September 5, 2022
Come and experience the vibrancy of St. John’s at the Downtown Pedestrian Mall.
Pedestrianized Zones:
- Water Street, from Adelaide Street to Prescott Street
- George Street, from Adelaide Street to Water Street
Pop Up Performances:
- Every Friday from July 8 – September 2
- 2 p.m. – 4 p.m.
- These busker-style performances will range from musicians to circus acts.
- Performances are weather dependent.
Come Home Year Concert Series:
- Happening over 4 Saturdays through the summer (Sunday rain dates)
- July 16, July 23, August 13, August 27
- 1 p.m. – 4 p.m.
- Variety of musical performers
- Concerts taking place in front of the Supreme Court House on Water Street
Accessible Parking, Metrobus & GoBus:
- Approximately 20 accessible on street parking spaces and 36 accessible parking spaces within private parking garages area available near the mall for accessible parking permit holders.
- Metrobus customers can take Route 3 on an Accessible Low Floor Bus which stops at Aryes Cove/Harbour Drive near the mall. Route schedules can be accessed through Metrobus.
- GoBus customers can book their ride to a GoBus Stop located near the mall by contacting GoBus directly.
Barrier Free Routes:
- Where the built environment permits, 2 meter barrier free corridors are available in the street through the centre of the pedestrianized zone and along the sidewalks.
Accessible Picnic Tables:
- Approximately 10 accessible picnic tables are available in areas throughout the Downtown Pedestrian Mall.
Wayfinding & Navigation:
- The BlindSquare Event App, is available to download for free for iPhone users from the Apple App Store. The app supports pedestrians who benefit from wayfinding technology to safely navigate the Downtown Pedestrian Mall and find points of interest.
Planning Your Visit:
- Accessibility features of businesses within the Downtown Pedestrian Mall vary and are regulated by current provincial legislation. Pedestrians are encouraged to contact businesses of interest for more information when planning a visit.
Accessibility Feedback:
- Pedestrians 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.
Canada Day Celebrations
July 1, 2022
Annually the City of St. John's celebrates Canada Day on July 1. All Canada Day events are accessible, and all activities are free of charge.
From sunrise to sunset, on Canada Day there's something for everyone! With support from the Government of Canada, the City of St. John's and event partners will highlight many of the reasons we are proud to call Canada Home.
6-7 a.m.
Be among the first in the country to start the Canada Day Celebrations. The day begins with a Sunrise Event at 6 a.m. at Signal Hill National Historic Site. A free wheelchair accessible Metrobus Shuttle will bring you from the Signal Hill Visitor Centre up to Cabot Tower. After the return shuttle, join everyone for free birthday cupcakes at the Signal Hill Visitor Centre.
1-5 p.m.
A full afternoon of free family fun and entertainment will take place at King George V Park from 1 to 5 p.m. The event will include bouncers, Laser Tag, interactive games, balloon twisters, a cultural concert, free birthday cupcakes and much more. Inclement weather location: Techniplex. Pets are not permitted at King George V Park or in the Techniplex.
8-10 p.m.
The evening will be sure to entertain with a live concert at the Quidi Vidi Bandstand at 8 p.m. followed by fireworks at 10 p.m. Should weather conditions not be ideal, the fireworks will be rescheduled for July 2 at 10 p.m. Pet owners are reminded to keep their pets inside during the fireworks display.
Canada Day events are funded in part by Canadian Heritage.
The City of St. John's strives to create accessible and inclusive programs and services where possible. To request accommodations or to learn more please call 709-576-4450 or email inclusion@stjohns.ca.
Accessibility features of this event:
- For the Sunrise Event, a free wheelchair accessible Metrobus Shuttle will bring patrons from the Signal Hill Visitor Centre up to Cabot Tower.
- Accessible parking spaces for afternoon and evening events at Quidi Vidi Lake will be available in the Dominion parking lot close to Clancy Drive.
- Gender Neutral, Family Friendly, accessible washrooms will be available on site.
- GoBus drop-off and pick-up location for afternoon and evening events at Quidi Vidi Lake is the Dominion parking lot (20 Lake Avenue) near Carnell Drive. The GoBus must be booked in advance.
- Lighting may be dim in the evening. Patrons are welcome to bring a flashlight.
- The evening concert at the Quidi Vidi Bandstand is accessible by using the major pressed gravel path around Quidi Vidi Lake.
Célébrations de la fête du Canada
Le 1er juillet 2022
Chaque année, la ville de St. John's célèbre la fête du Canada le 1er juillet. Tous les événements de la fête du Canada sont accessibles, et toutes les activités sont gratuites.
Du lever au coucher du soleil, il y a quelque chose pour tout le monde le jour de la fête du Canada ! Avec le soutien du gouvernement du Canada, la ville de St. John's et les partenaires de l'événement souligneront les nombreuses raisons pour lesquelles nous sommes fiers d'être chez nous au Canada.
De 6 h à 7 h du matin
Soyez parmi les premiers du pays à commencer les célébrations de la fête du Canada. La journée commence par un lever de soleil à 6 h au lieu historique national de Signal Hill. Une navette Metrobus gratuite et accessible aux fauteuils roulants vous conduira du centre d'accueil de Signal Hill à la tour Cabot. Après le retour de la navette, rejoignez tout le monde pour déguster des petits gâteaux d'anniversaire gratuits au centre d'accueil de Signal Hill.
De 12 h à 16 h
Un après-midi complet d'amusements et de divertissements gratuits pour toute la famille aura lieu au parc King George V de 12 à 16 heures. L'événement comprendra des jeux gonflables, un jeu de laser, des lanceurs de ballons, des jeux interactifs, un concert et des activités culturelles, des petits gâteaux d'anniversaire gratuits et bien plus encore. Lieu en cas de mauvais temps : Techniplex. Les animaux domestiques ne sont pas autorisés dans le parc King George V ni dans le Techniplex.
De 20 h à 22 h
La soirée sera divertissante avec un concert live au kiosque à musique de Quidi Vidi à 20 heures, suivi d'un feu d'artifice à 22 heures. Si les conditions météorologiques ne sont pas idéales, le feu d'artifice sera reporté au 2 juillet à 22 heures. Il est rappelé aux propriétaires d'animaux de compagnie de les garder à l'intérieur pendant le feu d'artifice.
La ville de St. John's s'efforce de créer des programmes et des services accessibles et inclusifs dans la mesure du possible. Pour demander des aménagements ou en savoir plus, veuillez appeler le 576-4450 ou envoyer un courriel à inclusion@stjohns.ca
L'accessibilité de cet événement :
- Pour l'événement du lever du soleil, une navette Metrobus gratuite et accessible aux fauteuils roulants amènera les clients du centre des visiteurs de Signal Hill jusqu'à la tour Cabot.
- Des places de stationnement accessibles pour les événements de l'après-midi et du soir au lac Quidi Vidi seront disponibles dans le parking Dominion près de Clancy Drive.
- Des toilettes non mixtes, adaptées aux familles et accessibles seront disponibles sur place.
- L'endroit où le GoBus dépose et prend en charge les visiteurs pour les événements de l'après-midi et de la soirée au lac Quidi Vidi est le parking Dominion (20 avenue Lake) près de la promenade Carnell. Le GoBus doit être réservé à l'avance.
- L'éclairage peut être faible en soirée. Les clients sont invités à apporter une lampe de poche.
- Le concert du soir au kiosque à musique de Quidi Vidi est accessible en empruntant le grand chemin de gravier autour du lac Quidi Vidi.
Party in the Park
July
The City of St. John's Seniors Program hosts Party in the Park. This is an annual event, held in mid July, and an opportunity for older adults to gather in Bowring Park for an afternoon of free entertainment, light refreshments and socialization. Visit the Recreation pages for further information on Seniors Programs.
Youth Week
May 1 to 7, annually
The City of St. John's Recreation Division celebrates Youth Week May 1 to 7 annually by offering a variety of events and activities for local youth, 12 to 18 years of age.
Past events and activities have included:
- Youth Art Exhibit
- Free swims
- Youth of the Year award presentation
Please visit the Recreation pages for further information on Youth Week.
Fall Events
Tuesday, Nov. 1
5:30 - 8:30 p.m.
Quiet Viewing 5:30 - 6:30 p.m. (no loud music or surprise performances)
Rain date is Wednesday, Nov. 2
You are invited to display your Jack-O’-Lantern (pumpkin) at Bannerman Park and participate in our annual Pumpkin Walk - a magnificent Halloween themed event that includes music with a live DJ and pop-up performances, with the possibility of some Zombies. A light source will be provided for your pumpkin.
This is a free, inclusive event. Everyone is welcome to come and admire the pumpkin display. It is not necessary to bring a pumpkin.
Details:
- Pumpkins will be placed on the ground along the perimeter of the Loop and lining the major pressed gravel paths throughout the park.
- A light source will be provided for your pumpkin.
- In the Spirit of reducing waste, bring your own reusable mug for your FREE hot chocolate.
- This is an earth friendly event. Following the event, all Pumpkins will be composted at Robin Hood Bay Regional Waste Management facility.
- The Snack Shack will be open, with food and beverage available for purchase during the event.
Pumpkin Drop-Off
From 8 a.m. until 5:30 p.m. on November 1 you can drop off your pumpkin at Bannerman Park in advance. Following the event, all Pumpkins will be composted at Robin Hood Bay Regional Waste Management facility.
Accessibility features of this event:
- Accessible parking spaces will be available in the main parking lot off Bannerman Road during the event.
- Gender Neutral and accessible (portable) toilets will be available on site.
- Sensory Friendly Hour is from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. - during this time there will be no loud music and no surprise performances. After 6:30 p.m. the event will feature Halloween themed music, a live DJ and pop-up performances possibly including Zombies. All-terrain wheelchairs are available to reserve, in advance, on a first come, first served basis. To book an all-terrain wheelchair, please email inclusion@stjohns.ca or call 709-576-6972 no later than October 25th, 2022.
- GoBus drop-off and pick-up location is the sidewalk in front of the Bannerman Park Pool House on Bannerman Road. The GoBus must be booked in advance.
- The City of St. John’s strives to create accessible and inclusive programs and services where possible. To request accommodations, learn more or provide feedback or suggestions, please call 709-576-4450 or email inclusion@stjohns.ca.
- The Park lights will remain on throughout this event however lighting may be dim in the evening. Patrons are welcome to bring a flashlight.
Neighbourhood Watch
- Neighbourhood Watch has been a part of Pumpkin Walk from the very start – it began as a Neighbourhood Watch event!
- Thousands of the pumpkins are purchased and carved by the residents of St. John’s to greet trick-or-treaters, and unfortunately many of these pumpkins are the target of vandalism after Halloween.
- Over 50% of crimes reported around Halloween are crimes against property, many of these crimes involve jack-o’-lanterns.
- By bringing your pumpkin to Bannerman Park for Pumpkin Walk, the opportunity for these crimes is reduced greatly.
- If you want to join or build a Neighbourhood Watch in your neighbourhood - Call Jennifer at 726-0180 or email neighbourhoodservices@stjohns.ca
Festival of Music and Lights
Self-Guided Festival of Music and Lights
Please check back regarding events planned for the 21st annual music and lights celebration at Bowring Park Duck Pond for the 2022/2023 season.
Throughout the month of January, visit Bowring Park Duck Pond to view the beautiful light display that will lift your spirits and bring you joy. The lights serve as a symbol of hope that brighter days are on the horizon during this challenging time.
Due to COVID-19 precautions the festival will be a little different this year, with no public event to switch on the lights. To enhance your experience, a holiday audio show featuring festive songs from local musicians will be available for you to enjoy while viewing the lights. Signage in the park will provide instructions for accessing the audio show using a smartphone camera and QR code, a URL address through a web browser or an FM station on an FM radio.
Please respect COVID-19 public health guidelines while enjoying the music and lights. Vaccine passports are not required to attend this outdoor festival.
Accessibility Information:
- Accessible parking is located in the parking lot near the duck pond. Additional spaces are near the Bowring Park Lodge on Waterford Bridge Road.
- Instructions to access the audio show will be displayed on clear print signage around the Duck Pond and near the accessible parking.
- The duck pond trail is approximately 500 meters of concrete sidewalk and packed gravel with uneven terrain in places.
- Lighting may be dim in places; patrons are welcome to bring a flashlight.
This festival is presented in partnership with NTV and OZFM.
National Child Week Activities
The Government of Canada designated November 20 as National Child Day to commemorate the adoption and convention of the rights of the child.
The key objective is to increase awareness and understanding of the rights of the child that contribute to healthy child development, particularly in the early years of life and to take effective action to help children reach their full potential.
Downtown Holiday Shop & Stroll
Celebrate the merriest time of the year at the first Downtown Holiday Shop & Stroll happening 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. every Saturday starting November 27 to December 11, 2021.
Come to Downtown St. John’s to start your holiday shopping or enjoy a meal at one of downtown’s excellent eateries, all in a festive atmosphere. You can have a fun Saturday afternoon enjoying free performances by musical entertainers and carolers throughout the downtown that are guaranteed to put you in the holiday spirit.
Have a letter for Santa? This year, elves have put a Santa’s Mailbox at 348 Water Street, which is in front of the Welcome Centre. You can drop your letter in Santa’s Mailbox.
Public Health Guidelines
COVID-19 public health guidelines are everyone’s responsibility – patrons, business owners, event staff and employees. Please respect public health guidelines that are in place from the Chief Medical Officer of Health. Vaccine passports are not required to attend this outdoor event.
Parking Options
As winter is almost here, there will be no streets closed to traffic during the Downtown Holiday Shop & Stroll event to allow everyone easy access to the shops and parking area.
On-street parking spaces are located throughout the downtown and are serviced by Pay Stations and PayByPhone; motorists must look for signage when parking. Paid parking on city streets is not required on weekends or after 6 p.m. weekdays.
Free parking for 140 vehicles is available at the City Hall Parking Garage (10 New Gower Street) all-day during weekends on levels one, three and four.
Free parking is available after 5 p.m. weekdays and all-day during weekends at three parking lots near Duckworth Street:
- Corner of Holloway and Duckworth (across from Haymarket Square) – 21 spaces
- Corner of Prescott and Duckworth (Across from TD Building) – 31 spaces
- 18 Prescott Street (behind Blue Drop building) – 60 spaces
Private parking garages are open 24/7 at 351 Water Street and 330 Duckworth Street. Other private parking garages include ALT Hotel (125 Water Street), A.P. Parking Garage (1 Clift’s Baird’s Cove), and the Bowring Centre (entrance on Harbour Drive).
Metrobus
Metrobus routes 3, 10 and 11 can bring you to the downtown area. To plan your trip in advance visit the Metrobus website - Take the Bus
This event is hosted in partnership between City of St. John’s and Downtown St. John’s. It aligns with The City’s strategic direction of a Connected City as it provides an opportunity to connect with each other within our community.
New Year's Eve Celebrations
December 31
The City of St. John’s New Year’s Eve fireworks display will occur at 8 p.m. Friday, December 31 over Quidi Vidi Lake. It also will be airing on NTV at 12 a.m. on Saturday, January 1. Accessible parking for the fireworks is available at Dominion Memorial Market. In case of unsuitable weather for fireworks, they will be postponed to 8 p.m. Saturday, January 1. A Public Advisory will be issued on the city's website on December 31, if they are postponed.
Keeping COVID-19 public health guidelines in mind, the City recommends attendees remain in their vehicles to watch the fireworks. If exiting vehicles or walking to the site, wearing a face mask is strongly encouraged and keeping two metres of physical distance from others that are not close contacts.
All other City-hosted New Year’s Eve events that were advertised in the City Guide Winter 2022 are cancelled including the skating party at The Loop, Bannerman Park and the Countdown Celebration to the fireworks at Quidi Vidi Lake.
ChillFest
St. John’s ChillFest is an annual community-wide celebration of winter, with a variety of events and activities taking place February.
Celebrate winter with a variety of Free activities for all ages and abilities, taking place February 11 to 14, 2022
Free Ski & Snowshoe Rentals
Friday, February 11, noon – 10:00 p.m.
Please note: Due to weather, as there is no snow, the free snow shoe rental is cancelled. Please check out the other events ChillFest has to offer!
Free General Skating at Mary Browns Centre
Friday, February 11, 2 – 2:50 p.m.
Mary Browns Centre
Free Everyone Welcome Swim
Friday, February 11, 6 – 6:50 p.m.
H.G.R. Mews Centre
Hero's Theme @ The Loop
Saturday, February 12, 12 – 4 p.m.
The loop in Bannerman Park
Free Lane & Leisure Swim
Saturday, February 12, 5:30 – 6:20 p.m.
H.G.R. Mews Centre
Freez'n Fun Run
Sunday, February 13, 9 – 11a.m.
Bowring Park
Snow-ga
Sunday, February 13, 12:15 p.m. – 12:45 p.m.
Bowring Park
Free Everyone Welcome Swim
Sunday, February 13, 3 – 3:50 p.m.
H.G.R. Mews Centre
Free General Skating at Mary Browns Centre
Monday, February 14, 2 – 2:50 p.m.
Mary Browns Centre
Sweetheart Night @ The Loop
Monday, February 14, 6 - 9 p.m.
The Loop in Bannerman Park
ChillFest Scavenger Hunt
February 11 - 14
Bowring Park, Bannerman Park & Victoria Park
Virtual Kitchen Party
Saturday, February 12, 3:30 p.m.
In conjunction with Newfoundland and Labrador Folk Arts Society, we’re bringing you a virtual version of our annual Kitchen Party. Tap yer toes, sing along, get up and dance, grab an instrument or just tune-in and be entertained by a good ol’ fashioned Newfoundland Kitchen Party. Hosted by Fergus O'Byrne & Fergus Brown-O'Byrne; this father and son pair are acclaimed for their musical legacy, proudly celebrating Newfoundland's traditional musical heritage. This year, they will be joined around the table by some of our finest young traditional musicians as special guests.
As per Public Heath Guidelines anyone aged 19 and over will be required to show proof of COVID-19 vaccination and identification upon entry in any City of St. John’s Recreation Facility. The public are reminded that masks are required when visiting City facilities and social distancing measures are still in place.
As per Public Heath Guidelines anyone aged 19 and over will be required to show proof of COVID-19 vaccination and identification upon entry in any City of St. John’s Recreation Facility. The public are reminded that masks are required when visiting City facilities and social distancing measures are still in place