September is here, but you can still catch summer vibes in the ACE District at an array of recently updated public spaces.
Giving new life to underused downtown areas, these spots now offer seating, live performances, parties, workshops, art and more. They’re designed to be used anytime, so that you can take a quiet coffee break outside or spend an evening socializing with friends. Most importantly, they’re accessible, free and open to the public.
Vibrant scenes to relax, dance and everything in between
Walk down Metcalfe Street in the afternoon or evening, and you may hear a beat pulsing from the corner at Gloucester. What was once a vacant space that pedestrians hurried past has transformed into Metcalfe Plaza—a lively social hub, where people stop to relax, gather and dance.
Open Thursday to Saturday from noon to 10pm, Metcalfe Plaza is both a free workspace and an event venue. Check out their calendar to find out when you can drop in for a full-body workout class, grab a snack and drink, or shake off the workday with local DJs. Watch the sun set as you groove to Afro, Tech and House, or stay up late with some Soca and Amapiano, or R&B and Hip-Hop. Programming runs until the end of September.
The energy continues in the market, where crowds regularly fill ByWard Market Square. This year the ByWard Market District Authority has added seating, plants and a stage to this central outdoor gathering space open until September 27, from Thursday to Sunday. Performers fill the neighbourhood with music, encouraging people to dance, sing along and discover new sounds. Featuring local and regional artists alongside emerging talent, the sessions showcase the exciting and diverse culture of the city.
Come out and hop on some giant seesaws as Impulse takes over the square on September 26 for Nuit Blanche! With each bounce and tilt you can set off waves of light. And around the corner on William Street, Prismatica, a glowing labyrinth, is yours to explore.
Third spaces celebrate and centre community
If you’re interested in something more lowkey, Street Seats may be for you. Coordinated by ASA Live, Street Seats includes four community-programmed urban spaces. Designed to be open and accessible to the public, they’re available for bookings by community members who want to run events and connect with their neighbours. Brightly decorated with a variety of seating options, they inspire creativity and culture. The spaces will continue to serve as pulse points of community until the end of September.
You may also have noticed the newly designed space over at the World Exchange Plaza. Located between Queen Street and Albert Street just east of O’Connor, the space upgraded its tiered seating and added an awning to better present live performances. Rain or shine, this plaza is an ideal spot for a lunch break outdoors.
Snider Park also got a makeover this summer, thanks to the hard work of the Centretown BIA. Named in honour of local photographer George Albert Snider, the once empty square on Bank Street now offers brightly coloured mixed-use seating, well maintained planters and a stage. The space was built with flexibility in mind—it’s equipped with free public WiFi for those working in the fresh air, and a built-in performance space for hosting live music and community programming. Snider Park invites you to linger, whether you’re seeking some time alone or catching up with friends and family.
Between the many great arts and culture institutions in the ACE District, these revitalized public spaces liven up the gaps. When neighbours, businesses and artists have more room to come gather it strengthens communities and makes the city a welcoming place to call home.
Take time this month to check out the public spaces in the ACE District. To find out more about what’s going on in the ACE District, read more on our Stories page or follow us on Instagram and Facebook.