Philadelphia is continuing to offer unique ways to explore Center City with the return of Open Streets: West Walnut this fall, which will span six Sundays from Sept. 7 to Oct. 12.
This sophomore seasonal session marks the one-year anniversary of the activation, and with its growing popularity, 2025 will see two more dates added compared to last year.
Proven boost for local businesses
The popular program debuted in September of 2024 and was an immediate hit. In fact, as a release notes, Center City District collected data to analyze its initial impact, including surveys from area businesses, with nearly 90% reporting an increase in foot traffic to their storefronts. The average increase in traffic across respondents was 86%, though some retailers cited increases as high as 300% above their typical Sunday operations.
The program continued for two Sundays in December in anticipation of the holiday shopping season, with nearly 70% of businesses indicating an increase in foot traffic and over half (55%) reporting a sales increase by an average of 24%. April of this year brought more than 115,000 visitors to the occasion. Data from the spring season showed that average pedestrian volumes were up 20% compared to Sundays in April 2024, while driving overall visitation to the larger Rittenhouse Row corridor was 8% higher compared to the same timeframe.
So, safe to say the program is working its magic.
“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,” says 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.”
How the closures will work
On those set dates next season, street closures start at 7 a.m. and end at 6 p.m. along the program route, which includes 18th Street from Chestnut to Locust and Walnut Street from 15th to 19th.
Note that cross streets will remain open to cars at select intersections, including 16th, 17th and 19th streets and the 1700 and 1800 blocks of Sansom Street. Open Streets’ official hours will run from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The pedestrian-only thoroughfares will act as an extension of public space, with Rittenhouse Square’s 18th and Walnut entrance being a direct link to the park.
It’s up to businesses along the routes to determine how they take advantage of the space—some plan to offer exclusive discounts, in-store entertainment or special incentives. Food and beverages will be sold exclusively at restaurants along the route (with many expanding their tables onto the sidewalk.) Open containers of alcohol will not be permitted, and takeout food will be at the discretion of the restaurants.
The fall edition of this fan-favorite series is also planning some extra entertainment in the form of bubble magic, busker-style musicians and pop-up performances. A designated family-friendly zone will feature games and toys for all ages, plus, seating pods will be set up along the route. On select Sundays, guests can watch the Philadelphia Eagles play at select businesses streaming the action as well.
A full schedule of entertainment can be found at centercityphila.org/openstreets.
