Open Streets 704

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Why Open Streets?

Open Streets 704 is more than a series of events – it’s a movement! Open Streets events answer a number of key questions facing our community.

  • How do we become neighbors in a culture where we are ALWAYS plugged in?
  • How do we improve our health?
  • How do we demonstrate to our leaders that there is a clear demand for more walkable and bikeable streets?
  • How do we offer equitable access to active living?

Open Streets 704 is a commitment to building community that extends beyond a 4-hour event on a Sunday afternoon. Our goal is to get people to fall in love with walking and biking again, so they’ll consider doing it as a part of their everyday routine. Most of all Open Streets 704 is about FUN! It’s a way to reclaim our streets for people of all ages to play, explore, and enjoy the Queen City.

What is an Open Streets Event?

Open Streets events temporarily close streets to automobile traffic so that people may use them for walking, bicycling, dancing, playing, and meeting their neighbors. Open Streets festivals currently take place in more than 100 cities across North America. These events typically are held on Sunday afternoons when traffic volumes are minimal.  Open Streets programs have proven to be successful at achieving goals related to recreation, public health, active transportation – like walking and biking – and community building.

When is Open Streets 704?

Mark your calendars for April 19th, 2020 and Charlotte-Mecklenburg’s ninth Open Streets 704 event! From 1pm to 5pm that Sunday, the City of Charlotte, Mecklenburg County, and Partners for Parks clear the roads.

Does it Cost Anything to Participate in Open Streets 704?

Not a penny! Thanks to a generous initial grant from The Knight Foundation, and sponsorship from Southminster and others, Open Streets events are free for everyone in the community. And yes, we’re always interested in securing sponsorship to sustain the program for long term community benefit. Interested? Let’s talk!

Will Open Streets 704 Affect Traffic?

In a word, yes. However, Open Streets 704 events will be held on Sunday afternoons when traffic volumes are at their lowest. And, by coordinating with the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department and City of Charlotte Department of Transportation, we’re working to make the event as successful – and safe – as possible for all. So you know, the route won’t be completely impassible. “Soft closures” will allow traffic to cut through the route at points, and emergency vehicles will always have access.

Whom Can I Call if I Have Questions or Concerns?

Our Open Streets 704 social media channels are open 24/7/365. Feel free to message us there anytime! Or, call 311.

So Why “Open Streets 704”?

We looked long and hard for a brand that would accurately describe what we’re all about. We kicked around all sorts of stuff we thought might be cool, trendy, or whatever… but we also wanted something that was straightforward, inclusive and uniquely Charlotte. Sure, other cities may have open streets, but no other place has area code 704! (No offense, 980 types!) And no other place will do open streets like this!

Media Inquiries?

Contact DC Lucchesi at dc@well-runmedia.com or 704-577-8459.

How Can I Get Involved?

Open Streets 704 is for everyone! Whether you live or work along the route or not, Open Streets 704 is for you. Car-free streets, if only for the afternoon, give us all an opportunity to enjoy the connectivity that roads provide, but in a more healthful, carefree, and social atmosphere. If you, your business or organization would like to volunteer or participate with Open Streets 704 in a more formal way, check out our Get Involved menu.

The Open Streets 704 participation policy can be found here.