Philly's Open Streets Program Returns
Philadelphia's Open Streets program is back for 2026, activating Rittenhouse Square and Midtown Village [https://wmgk.com/2026/03/12/open-streets-returns-to-philadelphia-in-2026]. The event will draw crowds for public art and urban vibrancy, though a specific street art contest isn’t mentioned this year [https://wmgk.com/2026/03/12/open-streets-returns-to-philadelphia-in-2026]. This year's schedule includes Easter Sunday, April 5.
The Open Streets program is expanding to 20 dates in 2026, the most since its start as a pilot in September 2024. The Center City District (CCD) launched the initiative, temporarily closing streets to vehicular traffic and inviting people to shop, dine, and socialize in a car-free environment. The first Open Streets day is scheduled for April 5, closing eight blocks including Walnut Street from Broad to 19th and 18th Street from Chestnut to Locust, between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m.. The closures will repeat every Sunday through May 17. Additional closures are planned for Midtown Village/Gayborhood in June, West Walnut/Rittenhouse in September and October, and one day in December. The Open Streets program has shown positive results with participating businesses reporting a 38% increase in average sales on event days. Overall pedestrian activity also increased by 27%. The CCD estimates that the program has drawn over 170,000 visitors.
