Activation Type

People in festive attire dance and celebrate on a closed city street with tents, music, and a bounce house in the background.

Citywide Signature Events

DOT hosts several large-scale, annual car-free events to reimagine the streets of New York City as more inviting public spaces for walking, cycling, playing, and much more—without the noise and congestion of cars. These events temporarily transform major streets and corridors into active public spaces, providing opportunities for outdoor recreation, cultural programming, and public engagement. 

People walk past a green kiosk with striped awnings and large promotional posters, surrounded by potted plants in a busy plaza

Concessions

Concessions provide local businesses, private entities and community partners to set up revenue-generated activations that support the local economy and cultural experiences. 

A colorful pedestrian plaza with abstract street art, surrounded by shops and traffic in Staten Island.

Public Art

DOT’s public art program, NYC DOT Art, partners with community-based nonprofit organizations and professional artists to present temporary public artwork on eligible DOT infrastructure throughout the City.

People gather at tables under a tent on a closed city street, enjoying food and conversation on an Open Street.

Open Streets

The Open Streets program allows for a range of activities that promote economic development, support schools, facilitate pedestrian and bike mobility, and provide new ways for New Yorkers to enjoy cultural programming and build community.

People relax at tables under an elevated train track near the 46 St–Bliss St subway station, enjoying shade.

Outdoor Seating

Outdoor seating is one of the simplest methods to activate a space and plays a vital role in enhancing the vibrancy of the public right-of-way. By providing places for people to gather, dine, rest, and socialize, outdoor seating supports pedestrian-friendly environments and fosters community interaction. 

An open street scene with colorful chairs and tables, a book cart, and a tented activity area where people are gathered in a relaxed, community setting.

Public Realm Programming

The Public Realm Programming initiative showcases a variety of enriching activities available to help activate public spaces across the city. This program connects public spaces, such as Pedestrian Plazas and Open Streets, with local organizations to positively engage communities. All activities are free and open to New Yorkers of all ages and abilities.

Children play on a residential street with a large inflatable slide, bikes, and tents set up for a neighborhood block party.

SAPO Events

The function of the Street Activity Permit Office (SAPO) is to issue permits for street festivals, block parties, farmer’s markets, commercial or promotional events, and other events on the City’s streets, sidewalks, and pedestrian plazas while protecting the interests of the City, the community, and the general public.

 

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