Contact:                                                
JoAnn Loviglio
T 215.440.5546
jloviglio@centercityphila.org
pr@centercityphila.org

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Open Streets: West Walnut returns in April

PHILADELPHIA (March 11, 2025) — Center City District (CCD) is pleased to announce the return of Open Streets: West Walnut for four Sundays this spring. Beginning April 6 and continuing every Sunday through April 27, pedestrians are invited to shop, stroll and socialize along seven blocks of car-free space.

The program launched as a pilot in September 2024 in support of neighboring restaurants and retailers. CCD collected data to analyze its initial impact, including surveys from those 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.

To build upon that success, 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%.

“From the moment we closed the street on that first ‘Open Streets’ Sunday, it was clear that we had created something special,” said Prema Katari Gupta, President and CEO of CCD. “In addition to driving pedestrian traffic, visibility and sales to retailers and restaurants, our goal was to prove that streets filled with people drive more business than streets filled with cars.” 

“We want to continue to provide a space for people to gather while simultaneously supporting businesses within our District,” she added. “Open Streets has been a wonderful addition to the Center City experience, and we hope to welcome even more visitors and residents this spring.”

The hours for Open Streets: West Walnut are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., with street closures starting at 7 a.m. and ending at 6 p.m. along the program route: 18th Street from Chestnut to Locust and Walnut Street from 15th to 19th. Cross streets will remain open to cars at select intersections, including 16th Street, 17th Street, 19th Street and the 1700 and 1800 blocks of Sansom Street.

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. Streets will be used as walkways, allowing retailers to expand outdoors. Some plan to offer exclusive discounts, in-store entertainment or special incentives as part of Open Streets: West Walnut. 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.

CCD will provide ambient entertainment, including acoustic musicians, dancers and an appearance by the Easter Bunny on Sunday, April 20. Along the 1800 block of Walnut Street, a kid-friendly zone will feature sidewalk chalk, bubbles, games and toys. Seating pods will be set up along each block. A full schedule of entertainment can be found at centercityphila.org/openstreets.

There will be no supplemental vendors on the street; visitors are encouraged to support the businesses located on the closed streets and surrounding areas.

Open Streets: West Walnut is produced by Center City District with support from the City of Philadelphia and Rittenhouse Row. These events are weather permitting and subject to change. Select performances are supported with funds from the Music Performance Trust Fund, American Federation of Musicians, and Local 77.

To find the full list of participating businesses, frequently asked questions and more, visit centercityphila.org/openstreets.

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Center City District, a private-sector organization dedicated to making Center City Philadelphia clean, safe and attractive, is committed to maintaining Center City’s competitive edge as a regional employment center, a quality place to live, and a premier regional destination for dining, shopping and cultural attractions. Find us at centercityphila.org.