Fall is here, and though peak foliage is yet to come, another autumn staple is waiting around the corner: The Center City District’s open streets program.
Between Sept. 13 and Oct. 25, the street closure program shuts down car access on Sundays to eight blocks in the Rittenhouse Square area to let pedestrians enjoy more of the urban space.
Open streets runs along Walnut Street from Broad to 19th Streets and on 18th Street between Locust and Chestnut Streets.
From 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Philadelphians will be able to walk on the car lanes, and have access to sidewalk retail and outdoor dining — featuring local vendors with special promotions or exclusive experiences, according to the Center City District.
Every Sunday brings different activities, including double dutch lessons, live music, mini golf, and broadcast of the Eagles games at the Fulton Fun Zone at 18th and Chestnut Streets.
Two things the event won’t have are bathrooms and rain dates, so plan accordingly.
Most activities are wheelchair accessible. However, bikes, e-bikes, scooters, skateboards, and similar devices can only be in the area if they are walked through the street.
Sponsored by Fulton Bank, the program has been in place since 2024, bringing more than 10,500 visitors each Sunday, according to the Center City District.
Cross streets such as 15th, 16th, 17th, and 19th streets will remain open to cars; as will the 1700 and 1800 blocks of Sansom Street.
Road Closures and parking restrictions begin Sunday at 7 a.m. and go on until 6 p.m.
Planning on taking SEPTA? From 6:30 a.m. to 6 p.m., detours will be in place for routes 9, 12, 21 and 42. Check the bus system status at septa.org.