The popular Philly Free Streets events returns Saturday, meaning no cars allowed as revelers take part in a host of fun activities from morning to early afternoon.
North Broad Street from Arch to Butler streets will be closed from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., except, of course, to pedestrians, cyclists and others getting around in anything but a motorized vehicle. Those who do have cars, however, will need to make way or risk getting towed.
While the road closures will begin at 6 a.m. and end by 5 p.m. at the latest, parking restrictions will be in place starting at 2 a.m. Also, though the city encourages residents to get around using public transit, SEPTA buses will be operating on detours.
Check out closures, parking restrictions, detours and event highlights below:
What roads are closed?
North Broad Street will be closed between John F. Kennedy Boulevard to Butler Street starting at 6 a.m. The following east-to-west streets, however, will be open to vehicle traffic:
- John F. Kennedy Boulevard
- Arch Street
- Vine Street (Eastbound Only)
- Spring Garden Street
- Ridge Avenue
- Girard Avenue
- Diamond Street
- Lehigh Avenue
- Allegheny Avenue
- Erie Avenue
- Butler Street
Where won't parking be allowed?
Parking will not be allowed on either side of North Broad Street between John F. Kennedy Boulevard to Butler Street starting at 2 a.m. Other restrictions include:
- Arch Street from Juniper to Broad streets
- Vine Street (Westbound) from 13th to 15th streets
- Brandywine Street from 15th to Broad streets
- Mount Vernon Street from Watts to Broad streets
- Wallace Street from Watts to Broad streets
- Fairmount Avenue from Broad Street to Ridge Avenue
- Brown Street from Broad to Carlisle streets
- Poplar Street from Watts to Carlisle streets
- Stiles Street from Broad to Carlisle streets
- Oxford Avenue from Park Avenue to Broad Street
- Cecil B. Moore Avenue from Park Avenue to Broad Street
- Montgomery Avenue from 13th to Broad streets
- Susquehanna Avenue from Watts to Broad streets
- Huntingdon Street from Broad to Carlisle streets
- Glenwood Avenue from Cambria to Broad streets
- Westmoreland Street from Park Avenue to Broad Street
- Rising Sun Avenue from Watts to Broad streets
- Germantown Avenue from Erie Avenue to Butler Street
How will this affect SEPTA travel?
Local
Breaking news and the stories that matter to your neighborhood.
The Broad Street and Market-Frankford regional rail lines will run on a normal weekend schedule. Buses, however, will operate on detours. To find your specific route, click here.
What are some higlights?
This will be the fourth Philly Free Streets event, so in honor of that anniversary, here are four highlights you should check out:
Butler Street "B A GEM" stage:
• 9 a.m.: "Slay like Bey!": Fitness star Alexis Rose will lead an exercise dance class to all your favorite Beyoncé songs.
• 10 a.m.: GirlTrek organizer Lee Scottlorde will lead exercises to empower and encourage people to focus on their health and wellbeing.
• 11 a.m.: Owner of North Philadelphia's La'Vanter boutique Jamil Scurry will host a unique fashion show.
• 12 p.m.: "The Levites of Praise" gospel choir of Zion Baptist Church performs.
Master Street:
The lawn of Leon H. Sullivan Human Services Center transforms into a summer oasis with a host of fun events, including:
• 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.: Beach is open!
• 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.: Hooping with Spin Coalition
• 11 a.m. to 12 p.m.: Meet the Phillie Phanatic
• 12 p.m. to 1 p.m.: Beach Blanket Bingo
Fairmount Avenue:
• Mural Arts Philadelphia's Murals on the Move will host family-friendly make-and-take art activities.
• Join Mural Arts Philadelphia--in partnership with North Broad Renaissance--to chalk paint the Fairmount Avenue triangle.
Uptown Theater, between Susquehanna Avenue and Dauphin Street:
• Historic Uptown will offer "Old School" dance lessons, including the cha-cha, bop, salsa, and the strand.
• 11 a.m. to 12 p.m.: "Old School" dance lessons with legendary musician and dancer Alfie Pollitt
• 12 p.m. to 1 p.m.: Put your new moves to the test with a dance contest
• Stop by and say hello to a Mural Arts Philadelphia docent to learn more about "Uptown Theater Mural" by Randy Bullock
These are just four highlights, but there will plenty more fun and exciting activities. For the full list, click here:
