The City Hall of the Capital has announced a new edition of the “Open Streets – Bucharest” project for the year 2026, an event that transforms the city into a space dedicated to people, culture, and social interaction. Starting with the weekend of April 25–26, one of the most emblematic arteries of the city, Calea Victoriei, becomes pedestrian every weekend until autumn. The initiative continues to promote the idea of a more friendly city, more open and more connected to the needs of the community.

An urban concept that brings people together

The event is not limited only to this central artery. For the first time in this edition, the pedestrian area will also be extended onto Ion Brezoianu Street, creating a larger route for walks, cultural activities, and interactive events. Thus, Bucharest residents are invited to rediscover the city in a relaxed atmosphere, without car traffic and without the everyday agitation. 

 “Open Streets – Bucharest” is not just an event, but an urban concept that aims to change the way residents interact with their city. The central idea is simple: transforming public space into a place dedicated to the community, where people can socialize, participate in cultural activities, and enjoy the city in a different way.

The general mayor emphasized that this initiative encourages people to leave their car at home during the weekend and enjoy walks, shows, and outdoor activities. The event is designed for all ages – from children and young people to seniors – and aims to strengthen the sense of community.

In addition, each of the approximately 25 weekends will have its own distinct theme, inspired by urban life. Topics such as urban regeneration, environmental protection, cultural heritage, or mobility will be addressed through events and debates. This approach offers not only entertainment but also opportunities for reflection on the future of the city.

The program of the first weekend: April 25–26

The debut of the 2026 edition comes with an extremely varied program, covering a wide range of activities. On the first day, Saturday, April 25, events begin early in the morning with the Characters Parade organized by the Comic Opera for Children. It will start from the Dacia Boulevard area and will animate the route up to Ion Brezoianu Street.

Throughout the day, in Revolution Square, visitors will have access to an area dedicated to sports, where they can play basketball, ping-pong, or subsoccer. At the same time, workshops for children – from making puppets to painting and creative recycling – will transform the space into an ideal place for families.

Cultural events are not missing: theater performances for children, balloon parades, concerts, and artistic performances will take place in several points, including the area of the National Military Circle and near the CEC Palace. The evening ends with a concert performed by the band Robin and The Backstabbers, one of the anticipated moments of the day.

On Sunday, April 26, the program continues at a similar pace, with an emphasis on activities for children and families. Creative workshops, magic shows, and puppet performances are complemented by events such as “The Night of Dance”, organized at the CEC Palace.

Activities for all tastes and ages

One of the strong points of the project is the diversity of the proposed activities. The organizers have focused on including all categories of public, so that each participant can find something to their liking.

For children, the offer is generous: creative workshops, interactive shows, games, and educational activities. For example, the fun science workshops or the creative recycling ones combine learning with entertainment, offering a complete experience.

Adults can participate in guided tours that explore the history of the city, such as routes that follow the evolution of Calea Victoriei from Podul Mogoșoaiei to the present. Also, public debates on urbanism and development offer the opportunity for a real dialogue between citizens and specialists.

In addition, independent artists and cultural organizations contribute to the program through shows, interactive installations, and events that reflect the cultural diversity of Bucharest.

Debates and civic involvement

An important novelty of the 2026 edition is the introduction of public debates in the program. These are organized in collaboration with institutions such as Urbanize Hub and other local organizations and aim to involve citizens in the urban development process.

The theme of the first edition is “The city built together”, a concept that emphasizes the collaboration between administration and community. Within these meetings, participants can discuss the future of the city, current problems, and possible solutions.

Also, in Revolution Square, an exhibition dedicated to participatory urbanism projects will be organized, offering concrete examples of initiatives that have contributed to the transformation of the city.

Traffic restrictions and access rules

For the proper conduct of the event, the authorities have imposed a series of traffic restrictions. Calea Victoriei will be closed to car traffic on the segment between Dacia Boulevard and Splaiul Independenței, without affecting the main intersections.

Crossing will be allowed on important streets such as Știrbei Vodă, C.A. Rosetti, Dem I. Dobrescu, Ion Câmpineanu, and Regina Elisabeta Boulevard. At the same time, Ion Brezoianu Street will be closed on the section between Lipscani and Valter Mărăcineanu, thus extending the pedestrian area.

Cars will be able to circulate through certain intersections, such as Domnița Anastasia – Brezoianu or Brezoianu – Regina Elisabeta, to ensure a minimum fluidity in traffic.

The restriction schedule is clearly established: every Saturday and Sunday, between 10:00 and 22:00, the arteries become pedestrian. Road traffic resumes during the night, between 23:00 and 09:00, to allow the normal conduct of traffic during the rest of the week.

Impact on the city and the community

The “Open Streets” project has a significant impact on the way urban space is perceived. By temporarily removing car traffic, the city becomes more accessible, more friendly, and safer for pedestrians.

The event also contributes to supporting the cultural and creative sector, offering a platform for artists and local organizations. At the same time, it stimulates urban tourism and encourages residents to rediscover the central areas of the city.

Last but not least, the initiative promotes a healthier and more sustainable lifestyle, encouraging walking, outdoor activities, and reducing dependence on cars.

A rediscovered city, weekend after weekend

The 2026 edition of “Open Streets – Bucharest” promises to transform each weekend into a different experience. With varied themes, diverse activities, and an increasing involvement of the community, the event becomes an important landmark in the cultural life of the city.

For Bucharest residents, it is an opportunity to reconnect with the city and with other inhabitants, to discover new perspectives, and to actively participate in urban life. Whether it is about a concert, a workshop for children, or a simple walk on a street without cars, the experience offered is a memorable one.

Thus, until autumn, Calea Victoriei and the adjacent streets become a symbol of a more open, more lively Bucharest, and closer to people.

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