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

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

Open Streets: Midtown Village debuts in June  

PHILADELPHIA (April 29, 2025) — Center City District (CCD) plans to expand its popular street closure program for the first time this summer with the launch of Open Streets: Midtown Village. On four consecutive Sundays from June 8 to June 29, pedestrians will be invited to stroll nearly six blocks of car-free space while enjoying expanded outdoor dining, shopping and ambient entertainment.   

Open Streets launched in September 2024 to support restaurants and retailers along West Walnut and 18th streets in Rittenhouse Row. 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 just concluded its third iteration on four Sundays in April 2025. Preliminary data from the spring season shows that average pedestrian volumes are 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 isn't just about closing streets to cars—it's about opening streets to possibility,” said Prema Katari Gupta, President and CEO of the Center City District. “The 86% average increase in foot traffic we've measured in Rittenhouse translates directly to economic vitality and stronger community connections that benefit the entire Center City ecosystem." 

"Philadelphians crave more pedestrian-friendly public spaces. By expanding to Midtown Village, we're responding to that demand while creating economic opportunities for another diverse collection of local businesses that make Center City unique." 

The hours for Open Streets: Midtown Village are 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., with street closures starting at 8 a.m. and ending at 6 p.m. along 13th Street from Chestnut to Locust, Sansom Street from 12th to Juniper and Drury Street. The Walnut Street intersection will remain open to cars. 

The pedestrian-only thoroughfares will act as an extension of public space. Most of the street will be used as a primary walkway, allowing restaurants to expand outdoor dining and retailers to pop up on the sidewalks. Some businesses plan to offer exclusive discounts, in-store entertainment or special incentives as part of Open Streets: Midtown Village. Food and beverages will be sold exclusively at restaurants along the route. 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 and strolling performers. A portion of South 13th Street will be designated as a family-friendly zone, featuring sidewalk chalk, bubbles, games and toys. Seating pods will be set up along the route.  

“On behalf of the Midtown Village Merchant’s Association, we are thrilled to host the first expansion of Open Streets,” said Fergus Carey, Board President of the Midtown Village Merchant’s Association and owner of Fergie’s Pub. “I personally will be out in the streets every Sunday in June to enjoy the extra space! We hope to welcome familiar faces and new visitors in support of our neighborhood’s many incredible businesses.” 

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: Midtown Village is produced by Center City District with support from the City of Philadelphia and the Midtown Village Merchant’s Association. 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.