One of Philadelphia’s most popular dining and shopping destinations, will go car-free for four Sundays this September. Center City District presents “Open Streets”, where pedestrians can stroll and shop with ease. Beginning September 8 through September 29., from 10 a.m. through 5 p.m., the area will be closed to vehicular traffic. Closures will go into effect by 8 a.m. and opening back up at 6 p.m.
Open Streets: A Car-Free Rittenhouse
Center City District (CCD) will transform one of Philadelphia’s’ most popular shopping and dining destinations. Open Streets is a new program when each Sunday in September, 18th Street from Locust to Chestnut and Walnut Street from 15th to 19th will be closed to vehicular traffic.
During these closures, pedestrians will be invited to stroll nearly seven blocks of car-free space! Enjoy shopping, dining, and actives for all ages.
“Our Open Streets program will transform Walnut Street into public space open to all,” said Corie Moskow, Executive Director of Rittenhouse Row. “Open Streets will build community and support commerce by creating a unique experience for visitors to Rittenhouse Row on Sundays. We can’t wait to see city residents connect with each other and hope that suburban residents will use this special programming as an excuse to come shop, dine and explore our vibrant and sophisticated part of the city.”
Specifically, these pedestrian-only thoroughfares will act as an extension of public space. Rittenhouse Square’s 18th and Walnut entrance will be a direct link to the park.
This exciting new program will allow the car-free streets to be used as walkways, allowing retailers to expand outside.
Additionally, some retailers plan to offer exclusive discounts, in-store entertainment or special incentives as part of Open Streets: West Walnut.
Next, after strolling and shopping, stop for food and beverages sold exclusively at restaurants along the route. Moreover, many will be expanding their tables onto the sidewalk.
Important to note, open containers of alcohol will not be permitted. Also, takeout food will be at the discretion of the restaurants.
Stroll. Shop. Dine.
Excitedly, the start of Open Streets will coincide with the start of Restaurant Week which also kicks off Sunday, September 8th, 2024 until September 21st, 2024. Diners can enjoy $20, $40, or $60 prix-fixe dining.
Indeed, September is a beautiful time of the year to get outdoors and enjoy all that Philadelphia has to offer.
Open Streets allows you to stroll, shop, and dine with ease.
“Philadelphia has been named one of the most walkable cities in the United States and we are told by national retail experts that West Walnut Street is one of the most desirable leasing locations in the country. This activation blends both of these accolades and we are hopeful that Open Streets: West Walnut will encourage real-life interaction between friends, neighbors and passersby by reclaiming streets as an expansion of public space,” said Prema Katari Gupta, President and CEO of Center City District.
“We want visitors of all ages to come together to explore our wonderful Rittenhouse Row at their own pace, including world-class restaurants and retail offerings. Pedestrian-only events already exist in cities across the world, and for four Sundays this fall, Center City Philadelphia will proudly join those ranks.”