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Car-free Sunday

Turn off the engine and hit the streets - it's Car-free Sunday! Join in on this eco-friendly movement and enjoy a day of biking, walking, or public transit.

Tuesday

September 2026

Last updated February 8, 2026 · by the Holiday Calendar Team

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YEARLY DATESeptember 22

OBSERVED INInternationally

CATEGORYNature

SUBCATEGORYConservation

INTRO

Introduction

PHOTO

Get ready to hit the streets and enjoy a day without cars on Car-free Sunday, happening this September 22! This event originated in Belgium in the late 1970s as a way to promote alternative modes of transportation and reduce air pollution. Since then, it has spread to cities all over the world, with people coming together to walk, bike, and skate through their car-free neighborhoods. It's not only good for the environment, but it also encourages a sense of community and allows for new experiences and perspectives. So grab your walking shoes or your bike and join in on this fun and eco-friendly celebration!

TIMELINE

Car-free Sunday Timeline

Car-Free Sunday Inception

The Car-Free Sunday concept originated in Belgium as a public awareness campaign to promote alternative forms of transportation.

European Car-Free Day

The European Union launched a continent-wide Car-Free Day campaign every 22nd of September to encourage the reduction of air pollution.

Global Recognition

Car-Free Sunday gains recognition and begins to be celebrated in cities worldwide, such as Jakarta, Ottawa, and Bogota.

Brussels Car-Free Sunday

Brussels introduces a Car-Free Sunday, drawing 150,000 participants in the first year, making it one of the biggest car-free events worldwide.

London's Car-Free Day

London joins the movement, hosting its first Car-Free Day, closing 50 streets around Tower Bridge and London Bridge to traffic.

GET INVOLVED

How to Celebrate Car-free Sunday

Have a car-free picnic

Gather some friends and have a picnic in a park or other outdoor space. Bring along some snacks, games, and enjoy the car-free atmosphere while spending time with loved ones.

EXPLORE

Explore your city by foot or bike

Take advantage of the car-free streets and explore your city by walking or biking. You may discover new places and hidden gems that you wouldn't have seen if you were in a car.

JOIN

Join a community event

Many cities organize events on Car-free Sunday, such as street fairs, concerts, and farmers markets. Check out what's happening in your area and join in on the festivities!

HAVE

Have a car-free day challenge

Challenge yourself to go the entire day without using a car. This can be a fun and eco-friendly way to celebrate Car-free Sunday and reduce your carbon footprint.

VOLUNTEER

Volunteer for a car-free initiative

Support the car-free movement by volunteering for a local initiative, such as helping to organize car-free events or promoting alternative modes of transportation in your community.

WHY THIS DAY MATTERS

Why We Love Car-free Sunday

It gives the environment a break

Cars are one of the primary sources of air pollution in cities. By having one day each week without cars on the roads, we can significantly reduce emissions and give the environment a much-needed break. It's a small but impactful way to contribute to the health of our planet.

It promotes a healthy and eco-friendly lifestyle

Car-free Sunday is a great way to encourage people to try alternative modes of transportation such as biking, walking or public transit. Not only does this reduce air pollution and carbon emissions, but it also promotes a more active and healthy lifestyle for individuals!

It brings communities together

On Car-free Sunday, streets are closed off to cars and become open spaces for people to walk, bike, play, and socialize. This creates a sense of community and encourages interactions between neighbors and strangers alike, making it a great opportunity to meet new people and strengthen relationships.