Open Streets at Rittenhouse: A New Way to Explore Philadelphia
The Why: Some of you may have recently heard that Philadelphia was recently crowned America’s most walkable city by USA Today. And boy, do we Philadelphians love to win. So, in celebration of this incredible feat, the Center City District (CCD) is fully leaning into the accomplishment by bringing us Open Streets, where strollers, shoppers, and street artists reign supreme. If you’re a fan of one iconic New Wave band from the 70s, the B-52’s, then only one thing comes to mind here - get out there and roam if you want to!
Via Visit Philly's Website
The Where: Select streets that include 18th Street from Locust to Chestnut and Walnut Street from 15th to 19th will be completely transformed into an open street pedestrian paradise. Forget the cars, honking horns, and traffic lights. You will now get to meander at your own pace, discover new spots that you’d usually zoom past in a car, and even bump into friends in the most serendipitous way (I thought that never happened anymore). For a glorious temporary period – every Sunday in September from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.-- West Walnut will be all yours to explore on foot. Walk, jog, dance – you get it.
Via the Center City District's Website
The Who? Walnut Street between Broad and 19th will be stripped of its usual hustle of cars and buses. Instead, the streets will be turned into walkways. Expect restaurants and cafes spilling out with new seating into the sidewalks and local musicians setting up shop on the corner to serenade you. It’s the perfect time to perfect your people-watcher skills. And for the retail therapy crowd, this is your moment, too. Rittenhouse Row is bringing its A-game with exclusive sidewalk sales, pop-ups, and oh-so-chic boutiques offering deals that might as well be love letters to your wallet.
Also, with the street to yourself, it’s a fantastic opportunity to break out the rollerblades, dust off that longboard, or just find a new way to get your steps in. It's kind of like the city itself is inviting you to slow down and actually enjoy it – we’ll see you out there this Sunday!
If you end up loving Open Streets like we think you will, make sure to check out our article on Philadelphia’s Cannonball Festival, happening all September long! It’s a great opportunity to experience local talent, arts, and performances throughout the city.
