sat, October 3, 2026
Noon – 5 pm, Downtown
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!
When Merrimack Street is closed to cars, it’s open to you! A fun, free afternoon for everyone—students, families, visitors, neighbors, and friends.
What is Open Streets?
Open Streets are a nationwide movement to encourage healthy and fun activities such as walking, biking, outdoor dining, shopping, activities, and more. And all-volunteer DIY Lowell project team brought Open Streets to Lowell to show what Merrimack Street could be without cars… starting with just one afternoon, but hoping it will grow.
Things to do at Open Streets Lowell
support downtown businesses
Visit the establishments that line Merrimack Street in downtown Lowell, offering food, services, and more. Look for special student discounts and promos for everyone!
shop local ARts & Crafts
Showcasing the talent in and around Lowell, around thirty artisans line up the street alongside established businesses with their premade and interactive art.
interactive fun – free!
Looking for something to do with your friends and family? Look forward to free hands-on activities for all ages, brought to you by local and regional non-profits.
see local acts
Enjoy performances throughout the day from local musical acts, student clubs, and many others. Come and celebrate those who make Lowell special.
Check out the full list of vendors and performances at this year’s Open Streets Lowell.
Volunteer with us
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.
Support our vitality fund: Buy a “Brick”
Our Vision
We’re a group of volunteers with a long-term vision to revitalize downtown through increasing foot traffic. 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.
How you can help
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.
Our Promise
Donations go directly to the Open Streets Lowell Vitality Fund to keep alive this wonderful annual event! Coalition for a Better Acre, a local 501(c)(3), is our fiscal agent for individual donations, so you know your donation is secure.
Open Streets Lowell is 100% volunteer-run, and cannot exist without the generous support of…
