PHILADELPHIA, PA — Walnut Street will trade traffic for strolling, shopping, dining and live entertainment this fall as Open Streets: West Walnut returns for seven consecutive Sundays in Center City.
Running from Sept. 13 through Oct. 25, the pedestrian-focused event will close portions of Walnut and 18th streets to vehicles, creating room for expanded outdoor dining, sidewalk retail, live music, family activities and places to relax in the street.
Since launching in September 2024, Open Streets has drawn an average of more than 10,500 visitors each Sunday. Businesses along the route have reported an average 59% increase in foot traffic and a 37% increase in sales compared with a typical Sunday.
“There’s nothing quite like watching Walnut Street fill with people instead of traffic,” Center City District President and CEO Prema Katari Gupta said. “Open Streets has become a real Center City tradition, and we’re excited to welcome everyone back for seven more Sundays of strolling, shopping, and dining downtown.”
Open Streets will operate from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. each Sunday. Walnut Street will close to vehicles from Broad to 19th streets, while 18th Street will close between Chestnut and Locust streets. Street closures will be in place from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Sansom, 15th, 16th and 17th streets will remain open to vehicle traffic, allowing motorists to continue crossing through the area.
Restaurants and retailers along the pedestrian route will become part of the experience, with businesses able to offer outdoor dining, special promotions, in-store entertainment and other activities. Food and beverages will be available exclusively from restaurants located along the route.
Visitors will also find live music, family-friendly programming and in-street seating pods throughout the season.
The Fulton Fun Zone at 18th and Chestnut streets will feature rotating activities including mini golf, seasonal programming and live broadcasts of Philadelphia Eagles games.
“Fulton Bank is proud to serve as the presenting sponsor of Open Streets: West Walnut,” said Joe Tredinnick, Fulton Bank’s market president for Greater Philadelphia and South Jersey. “This program brings people together while celebrating the businesses and vibrant street life that make Center City so special.”
Event Details
- What: Open Streets: West Walnut
- When: Sundays from Sept. 13 through Oct. 25, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; street closures run from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.
- Where: Walnut Street from Broad to 19th streets and 18th Street from Chestnut to Locust streets, Center City, Philadelphia, PA
- Cost/Tickets: No ticketing requirement; food, beverages and retail purchases are available from participating businesses
- More Info: https://centercityphila.org/openstreets
Open Streets: West Walnut is produced by Center City District and presented by Fulton Bank, with support from the City of Philadelphia and Rittenhouse Row. Events are weather permitting and subject to change.
For shoppers, diners, families or anyone simply looking to enjoy downtown Philadelphia at a slower pace, the seven-week run offers a chance to experience some of Center City’s busiest streets without the usual stream of cars.
Support the local news that supports Chester County. MyChesCo delivers reliable, fact-based reporting and essential community resources—free for everyone. If you value that, click here to become a patron today.