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

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Center City District announces Open Streets: West Walnut fall dates, celebrating one year of pedestrianized streets in Center City

Street closures slated for six Sundays in September and October  

PHILADELPHIA (August 7, 2025) — Center City District (CCD) is pleased to announce the return of Open Streets: West Walnut for its fall 2025 season, marking the program’s one-year anniversary. Following a successful inaugural year that transformed sections of Rittenhouse Row into a lively pedestrianized corridor, the series has added two additional dates this fall and will run on Sundays from September 7 through October 12.  

Launched in September 2024 to support restaurants and retailers in the neighborhood, Open Streets: West Walnut reimagined and animated the stretches of Walnut Street from 17th to 19th, and 18th Street from Chestnut to Locust, as a car-free zone providing space for outdoor dining, shopping and personal connection. The program’s first year, including September 2024, December 2024 and April 2025, brought more than 115,000 visitors to the corridor, generating positive economic impact for businesses.  

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.  

The program continued for two Sundays in December 2024 during the holiday shopping season and concluded its third iteration on four Sundays in April 2025. 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 8% higher compared to the same timeframe. 

Open Streets expanded for the first time in June 2025 to Center City’s Midtown Village neighborhood, which once again helped to increase visitors by over 20% compared to a typical Sunday in June. Open Streets was just added to the “Best of Philly” list by Philadelphia Magazine, which called the program “glorious” and “a pedestrian’s dream.” 

“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,” CCD President and CEO Prema Katari Gupta said. “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." 

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 Walnut Street from 15th to 19th and along 18th Street from Locust to Chestnut. Sansom, 15th, 16th, and 17th streets will remain open to vehicular traffic.  

The pedestrian-only thoroughfares act as an extension of public space for guests to stroll, shop and socialize. This fall, CCD is planning ambient entertainment along the route, including strolling bubble magic, busker-style musicians and pop-up performances. A designated family-friendly zone will feature games and toys for families. Seating pods will be set up along the route. On select Sundays, guests can cheer on the Philadelphia Eagles as games are broadcast live for passersby. The full schedule of entertainment can be found at centercityphila.org/openstreets.  

Food and beverages will be sold exclusively at restaurants along the route, with many offering expanded outdoor dining. Open containers of alcohol will not be permitted, and takeout food will be at the discretion of the restaurants. Some businesses plan to expand outside and onto the sidewalk, and some will offer special discounts and promotions.  

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 CCD 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.