Canal Street Will Go Pedestrian-Only for One Day This Summer

The city hopes to replicate the success of "Open Newbury Street" in the West End.

A favorite hangout for Bruins and Celtics fans looking for a pregame pint, Canal Street will go pedestrian-only for one day this summer, Mayor Marty Walsh announced Friday.

The city hopes to replicate Newbury Street’s recent successes going car-free by closing Canal Street’s two blocks to vehicle traffic on July 8, and encouraging visitors to the West End to take public transportation. Located just a few steps from TD Garden, Canal Street is home to a number of popular sports bars, including The Fours, The Greatest Bar, Boston Beer Works, and Sullivan’s Tap.

“With the success and excitement that came from Open Newbury, we are thrilled to expand this pilot to Canal Street for one day this summer,” Walsh said in a release. “I’m excited for businesses, residents and visitors to come together to celebrate and enjoy this pedestrian-focused event, and I welcome all to Open Canal Street on July 8th.”

No word on whether Walsh will don his notorious cargo shorts, as he did the first time Newbury Street went pedestrian-only. But one can reasonably assume they’ll make an appearance.