sat, October 3, 2026
Downtown Lowell
Experience Merrimack Street in a whole new way – closed to cars and open to people for one afternoon! Arts & Crafts Market, Creative Experiences, Community Group Tabling, Free Samples & Discounts, Gift Card Giveaways, Al fresco Dining, and more!
What is Open Streets?
Open Streets are a nationwide movement to encourage healthy activities such as walking and biking and the use of streets for outdoor dining, shopping, activities, and more.
An all-volunteer DIY Lowell Project Team organized Lowell’s very own pilot Open Streets event in 2025. It was free fun – family and student friendly! For one afternoon, Merrimack Street between Kirk and Central was closed to vehicular traffic and open to you! More than a thousand people from Lowell and beyond came to celebrate (check out last year’s event video here).
So we’re hosting another one this year. Same footprint, same weekend, longer hours, more fun!
Date: Thursday, October 3, 2026
Time: Noon – 5 PM
Location: Merrimack Street, between Kirk and Central (Parking and transit)
What fun things are there at Open Streets Lowell? Check it out here!
Sponsor Us
We’re currently seeking sponsors! See below for sponsorship levels and benefits and contact us at openstreets@diylowell.org if interested. Sponsors must commit by August 15th, 2026, to be on print materials. Revolutionary Valley, the region’s tourism council, is our fiscal agent for business sponsorships.
If you’re a nonprofit, please consider joining as an Activity Partner!
$100
Downtown Business
Only available to small businesses of 20 employees or fewer located within downtown Lowell. Block Booster benefits.
$150
Info Table Only
Table space at the event, but no other promotion online or on printed materials. You can share information about your business, but no selling merchandise or food.
$250
Community Connector
Name listed on website, recognition on social media, table space at the event.
$500
Block Booster
Name or logo on website and flyer, 2×2′ banner at event, plus Community Connector benefits.
$1,000
Street Champion
Logo on all event signage, social media and day-of shoutout, option to sponsor an activity zone (based on availability), plus Block Booster benefits.
$2,500
Downtown Hero
Top logo placement on all event signage and digital materials, recognition in press releases, first right of refusal for 2027, plus Street Champion benefits.
Donate Today
We’re a group of volunteers with a long-term vision to revitalize downtown through increasing foot traffic. We hope this will establish downtown as a friendly and popular destination for patrons to spend time, thereby attracting more businesses, creating a virtuous cycle for a thriving downtown core. Each year, we learn from this event with the hope that each year, it will come back with changes that make it stronger and more successful.
If you share this vision, please consider “buying a brick” – Donate $25 or more and leave a message on a paper brick. The bricks will be displayed along a path on the street the day of the event. Donations offset the costs of city permits, equipment, insurance, and other expenses to keep Open Streets Lowell free!
Coalition for a Better Acre, a local 501(c)(3), is our fiscal agent for individual donations, so you know your donation is secure. Support us today!
We Need Volunteers!
We need volunteers to assist with Open Streets Lowell on October 3 from 9 am to 7 pm! It’s not just a fun event; it’s a volunteer-led initiative to infuse interest in the revitalization of downtown Lowell. We’re creating an all-ages destination and serving as a showcase for other downtown business. Your support is invaluable in ensuring the success of this event.
9 – Noon: Set-Up
Put up tents, setting up tables, running errands, and helping vendors. Good for groups, some lifting required.
Noon – 5: Event Run
Help run creative tables, check in volunteers, take donations, and wander around to see if folks need help.
5 – 8 pm: Take Down
Help take down tables, tents, and chairs before the street re-opens. Great for groups. Some lifting required.
Last Year’s IMpact
We need volunteers to assist with Open Streets Lowell on October 3 from 9 am to 7 pm! It’s not just a fun event; it’s a volunteer-led initiative to infuse interest in the revitalization of downtown Lowell. We’re creating an all-ages destination and serving as a showcase for other downtown business. Your support is invaluable in ensuring the success of this event.
1,000+
Attendees Engaged
Number of participants who took part in our vibrant street activities and workshops.
25+
Volunteers Contributed
Dedicated individuals who helped bring the festival to life with their time and energy.
30+
Local Vendors Featured
Celebrating the variety of local businesses that showcased their goods and services.
Open Streets Lowell is Brought to you by…
