Every weekend, until October 12, 2025, Bucharest transforms into a friendlier, more vibrant city through the project “Open Streets – Bucharest, Urban Promenade.” The initiative, launched by the Bucharest City Hall and implemented by ARCUB (Bucharest’s Cultural Center) and PROEDUS (Center for Educational and Sports Projects), closes car traffic on major city arteries, turning them into pedestrian spaces full of life, culture, and recreational activities. The project began on April 12, 2025.

Why is “Open Streets” important?

The project responds to the need of Bucharest residents to reclaim their city. In an urban environment dominated by cars, pollution, and constant rush, Open Streets offers a breath of fresh air, allowing people to walk, socialize, and attend cultural events in a relaxed setting.

Last year, over one million participants filled Calea Victoriei and other streets included in the program, proving there is a real demand for such public spaces.

Who organizes the event?

• Bucharest City Hall – funds and coordinates the project
• ARCUB – manages cultural events (concerts, street theater, exhibitions)
• PROEDUS – manages educational and sports activities (children’s workshops, fitness sessions, games)

What can you see and do at “Open Streets”?

• Concerts and street performances
• Local and international artists performing outdoors
• Street theater, contemporary dance, improvised shows
• Exhibitions and art installations
• Urban art, video projections, temporary sculptures
• Photo exhibitions exploring Bucharest’s history
• Creative workshops for children and adults
• Painting, ceramics, creative recycling workshops
• Poetry readings and storytelling sessions
• Sports and wellness activities
• Outdoor yoga, community dances, zumba classes
• Play zones for children (jump rope, street basketball)
• Relaxation and social spaces
• Extended terraces, lounge areas with hammocks and beanbags
• Pop-up cafés and food trucks with local food

Why should you join?

• Discover the city in a new way – without cars, Bucharest becomes calmer and more beautiful.
• Engage directly with culture – the arts leaving traditional halls and entering public space.
• Meet new people – the event attracts a diverse audience, from families with children to young people and seniors.
• Support a sustainable initiative – fewer cars mean cleaner air and a greener city.

Next step: A permanently more pedestrian Bucharest?

Open Streets has shown that residents want more car-free spaces. There are already discussions about expanding the program or even permanently turning some areas (such as parts of Lipscani or Dorobanți) into pedestrian zones.

Until then, every weekend until October, the city offers an escape from the daily hustle – an opportunity to rediscover Bucharest on foot, with art, music, and human connections.

📅 When? Weekends, until October 12, 2025
📍 Where? Calea Victoriei and other central streets
🎟️ Admission? Free for all activities
ℹ️ More details: arcub.ro | pmb.ro