Walnut Street is turning into Philly’s favorite outdoor living room once again for six Sundays of fall fun. The Center City District (CCD) has announce the return of Open Streets: West Walnut. From September 7 through October 12, the program is back, marking the program’s one-year anniversary and its biggest season yet.
What started in September 2024 as a bold experiment to turn stretches of Walnut Street (17th to 19th) and 18th Street (Chestnut to Locust) into a car-free corridor has quickly become a signature Center City tradition.
It it’s first year, the program brought over 115,00 visitors, giving a huge boost to neighborhood businesses. CCD surveys found nearly 90% of retailers saw increased foot traffic, with some reporting spikes as high as 300% on Sundays.
“As we mark one year of Open Streets: West Walnut, we are thrilled to build on the success of the program and scale to 6 Sundays this fall,” said CCD President and CEO Prema Katari Gupta.
“This program provides a model of how a more pedestrian-focused Philadelphia ought to evolve — expanding public space, creating great opportunities to gather, and supporting the success of Center City’s retail and restaurant scene.”
Open Streets: West Walnut -what to expect
From 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., the streets will fill with outdoor dining, boutique shopping, and family-friendly activities.
Expect strolling musicians, bubble magic, pop-up performances, and even live Eagles game broadcasts on select Sundays (GO BIRDS)!
Also, a family zone will offer games and seating pods for relaxing in the fall sunshine.
Moreover, restaurants along the route will offer exclusive food and drink specials (no open containers). And some shops will even roll out special discounts and promotions.
Indeed, this is a pedestrian’s dream!
This fall’s expanded Open Streets season promises to be the most vibrant yet!
Be sure to bring your walking shoes, your appetite, and Philly pride as you shop, stroll, and socialize with ease.