Several events are planned for this weekend in Center City, which means several road closures will be in place.
City officials said events taking place on Saturday, Sept. 26, and Sunday, Sept. 27, will prompt road closures along the Benjamin Franklin Parkway and throughout Center City.
Officials said drivers should expect traffic delays and advised them to avoid the area by using alternate routes.
Here’s the full list of upcoming events and road closures.
Saturday, Sept. 26
Philadelphia Rathayatra Parade and Festival (Festival of Chariots): 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. (parade kicks off at 12:30 p.m.)
The annual Philadelphia Rathayatra Parade is set to return to the Benjamin Franklin Parkway, with a flower-decorated chariot, music, singing, and dancing.
At Eakins Oval, attendees can enjoy a vibrant festival featuring global kirtan singers, a free vegetarian/vegan feast, cultural programs, yoga, bhakti philosophy seminars, a kids’ area, and a lively bazaar.
The following streets will be closed from 6 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 26:
1600-1700 Benjamin Franklin Parkway between 16th Street and 17th Street (both sides)
The following streets will be closed on a rolling basis for the Festival of Chariots Parade from 12:30 p.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 26:
Benjamin Franklin Parkway from 17th Street to Logan Circle (both sides)
North side of Logan Circle
Benjamin Franklin Parkway from 19th Street to Eakins Oval (north side)
Chinatown Mid-Autumn Festival: 12 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Now in its 31st year, the Mid-Autumn Festival is expected to bring thousands of individuals and families to Philadelphia’s Chinatown to celebrate, reconnect, and give thanks under the Harvest Moon. The family-friendly celebration highlights Asian culture and community through lion dances, martial arts, Chinese opera, carnival games, arts and crafts, and the beloved mooncake eating contest.
The following streets will be closed from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 26:
10th Street between Arch Street and Winter Street
Sunday, Sept. 27
Parkway 5K Run & Walk: 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
The Parkway Run & Walk is a 5K run/2K walk to raise funds for breakthrough pediatric cancer research and care at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia.
The following streets will be closed from 4 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. on Sunday, Sept. 27:
Eakins Oval (both sides)
The following streets will be closed from 5 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. on Sunday, Sept. 27:
Benjamin Franklin Parkway from Eakins Oval to Logan Circle (both sides)
The following streets will be closed from 5 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. on Sunday, Sept. 27:
Kelly Drive from Eakins Oval to S. Brewery Hill Drive (both sides)
Puerto Rican Day Parade: 12 p.m. to 3 p.m.
The Annual Puerto Rican Day Parade, one of Concilio’s signature cultural events, honors the history, resilience, and vibrant contributions of the Puerto Rican community.
Attendees will get to celebrate in the heart of the city as the streets come alive with Puerto Rican flags, traditional music, poetry, dance, and cultural expressions.
The following streets will be closed from 5:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on Sunday, September 27:
2100-2200 Benjamin Franklin Parkway
The following streets will be closed on a rolling basis for the Puerto Rican Day Parade from 5:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 27:
Benjamin Franklin Parkway from 22nd Street to Logan Circle
Open Streets: West Walnut: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Center City District’s popular street closure program will return for the fall season, transforming eight city blocks into a car-free extension of public space and creating a welcoming environment for pedestrians.
Cross streets will remain open to vehicular traffic at intersections, including 15th, 16th, 17th, and 19th streets, as well as the 1700 and 1800 blocks of Sansom Street.
Other road closures
The following streets will be closed beginning at 7 a.m. on Sunday, Sept. 27, until approximately 6 p.m.:
Walnut Street between Broad Street and 19th Street
18th Street between Locust Street and Chestnut Street
Parking restrictions
The roads listed above will be posted as “Temporary No Parking” zones.
Drivers must adhere to “Temporary No Parking” signs. Vehicles parked in these locations during posted hours will be relocated. If you believe your car has been relocated, call the police district of the area where your car was parked.
SEPTA
There will be SEPTA detours in effect during the weekend in connection with the events.
Saturday, Sept. 26
SEPTA Bus Routes 2, 7, 32, 33, 38, 43, 48, and 49 will be detoured from their regular routes beginning at 4:30 a.m. on Saturday, Sept. 26 through approximately 1 p.m.
Sunday, Sept. 27
SEPTA Bus Routes 2, 7, 32, 33, 38, 43, 48, and 49 will be detoured from their regular routes beginning at 4:30 a.m. on Sunday, Sept. 27 through approximately 5 p.m.
SEPTA Bus Routes 9, 12, 21 and 42 will be detoured from their regular routes beginning at 6:45 a.m. on Sunday, Sept. 27 through approximately 6 p.m.
Check the SEPTA website for additional information.
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