‘Open Streets: West Walnut’ returns for seven car-free Sundays this Spring

Center City’s District’s (CCD) popular Open Streets program returns this Sunday.

It all begins with Open Streets: West Walnut on Sunday, April 5, 2026. It’s the first of 20 dates planned through the end of the year, where cars will be banned from certain streets, allowing for strolling, shopping, and family fun.

Organizers said the program begins at 10 a.m. through 5 p.m., with street closures starting at 7 a.m. and ending at 6 p.m. along the route: 18th Street from Chestnut to Locust and Walnut Street from Broad to 19th.

Cross streets remain open to cars at select intersections, including 16th Street, 17th Street, 19th Street and the 1700 and 1800 blocks of Sansom Street.  

During the event, retailers are set to offer exclusive discounts, in-store entertainment, or special incentives. 

If interested in food and drinks, they will be sold exclusively at restaurants along the route, with many expanding their tables onto the sidewalk and into the street.

The fun doesn’t stop there. Entertainment will be provided weekly, including bubble magic shows, musicians, and double-dutch lessons with Philly Girls Jump.  

The schedule for Sunday, April 5 includes:  

Bubble Magic: 10 a.m.-12 p.m. 
Easter Bunny Visit: 10 a.m.-12 p.m.  
Bunny HOPscotch chalk art: 10 a.m.- 5 p.m.  
Easter Treat Trail (at select businesses while supplies last): 10 a.m.- 5 p.m.  
Easter Crafts: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. 
Live Musicians: 10:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. 
Easter Egg Roll Race: 12:15 p.m. 
BunnyHOP and Dancing with Rittenhop: 1 p.m.- 4 p.m.  

Over the last two years, organizers said Open Streets attracted more than 170,000 visitors and earned a “Best of Philly” recognition.

Full list of dates and locations for Open Streets 2026:

Spring

Open Streets: West Walnut
Walnut from Broad to 19th | 18th from Chestnut to Locust (8 blocks) 10 a.m.–5 p.m

Sunday, April 5
Sunday, April 12
Sunday, April 19
Sunday, April 26
Sunday, May 3
Sunday, May 10
Sunday, May 17

Summer

Open Streets: Midtown Village
13th from Chestnut to Walnut | Sansom from Juniper to 12th | Drury Street (5 blocks) 4–9 p.m.

Tuesday, June 2
Tuesday, June 9
Tuesday, June 16
Tuesday, June 23
Tuesday, June 30

Fall

Open Streets: West Walnut
Walnut from Broad to 19th | 18th from Chestnut to Locust (8 blocks) 10 a.m.–5 p.m.

Sunday, September 13
Sunday, September 20
Sunday, September 27
Sunday, October 4
Sunday, October 11
Sunday, October 18
Sunday, October 25

Winter

Open Streets: West Walnut
Walnut from Broad to 19th | 18th from Chestnut to Locust (8 blocks) 10 a.m.–5 p.m.

Sunday, December 6

 For the most up-to-date information, you can visit centercityphila.org/openstreets.