PHILADELPHIA – Mayor Jim Kenney in partnership with community leaders today announced the programming highlights for the fourth Philly Free Streets. The program will take over North Broad Street on Saturday, August 3 from 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

From the return of successful programming like Temple University’s Camp T and a beach on North Broad to new programming like Beyoncé-themed fitness classes and a picnic ground on Germantown Avenue, Philly Free Streets will have dynamic free programming available for everyone walking, running, rolling, and biking the car-free route. To view the full listing of programs, visit http://www.phillyfreestreets.com.

“We know that Philly Free Streets brings together people from all across our city,” said Mayor Jim Kenney. “In fact, our data shows that residents of at least 45 zip codes in Philadelphia attended this event in the past, and we hope to have an even bigger turnout this year.”

Led by the Managing Director’s Office of Transportation, Infrastructure, & Sustainability (oTIS), Philly Free Streets highlights active transportation options, as well as neighborhood walkability and its positive impacts on public health, the environment, business, and the community. This year’s program is sponsored by Temple University and AARP Pennsylvania.

“North Broad Street has been Temple University’s home for more than 125 years, so it’s with pride that we help welcome Philly Free Streets back to North Broad for a second straight year,” said William Bergman, Temple’s vice president of public affairs. “This great event is an opportunity for us to meet our neighbors and for our neighbors to meet us, while learning more about the university and our services and programs for the community.”

Philly Free Streets is a people-powered initiative of the City of Philadelphia that temporarily closes streets to cars, inviting people to walk, roll, bike, and play. This year the event will take place on Saturday, August 3 from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. The route is eight-miles round-trip connecting Arch Street  and Butler Street (just north of Erie Avenue) on North Broad Street. There is no formal start or stop. People are encouraged to join anywhere along the route by taking SEPTA’s Broad Street Line anywhere between City Hall and Erie stations, or by getting of the Market-Frankford El at City Hall.

To learn more, visit www.phillyfreestreets.com or follow @PhillyFreeSts on Twitter.

Philly Free Streets programming highlights (south to north):

Arch Street:

  • 8AM: 2018 Philly Free Streets ribbon cutting & press conference
  • Indego bike corral service
  • Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts: PAFA will provide “Pay As You Wish” Admission.
  • 11AM – 1PM: Volunteer Docent Program will provide free water from Lenfest Plaza (under the paintbrush)
  • 2PM – 3:30PM: PAFA Walking Tour: A Walk Along the Parkway
    • Philadelphia’s Parkway references the most beautiful cities of Old Europe and this walking tour will help visitors discover the magnificent buildings along Philadelphia’s own Champs-Élysées and what lies beneath them. Cost: $15/ Free for members.

South of Vine Street: Drexel Medicine will provide health education materials, and children can make crafts from medical supplies.

Above Vine Street: CHARGE Performance and Wellness will provide free 30-minute workouts at 8AM, 9AM, and 10AM. All fitness levels are welcome.

Callowhill Street:

  • AARP Pennsylvania is providing a Plant Your Own Succulent station. AARP Pennsylvania is a proud Philly Free Streets sponsor since 2016.
  • Philly Free Streets rest area just east of Broad Street, featuring:
    • John Butler: Philadelphia-born author, Cousin John, will read his children’s book “Chase Does It All.”
    • Then & Now: Black History on North Broad Street: Did you know North Broad Street has a rich history of African American history, including civil rights activism, jazz, and more? Brought to you by North Central Philadelphia CDC/RCO—in partnership Leon H. Sullivan Trust, Joe Frazier Scholarship Fund, Uptown Theater, and more—join the neighbors of North Broad Street for a scavenger hunt to learn about North Broad’s history. Pick up your railroad ticket to history at any of the six Philly Free Streets rest areas.

440 N. Broad Street (The School District of Philadelphia Headquarters):

  • 9AM: Join Mayor Jim Kenney for his annual power walk heading north, starting at the School District of Philadelphia Headquarters at 440 N. Broad Street. Student musicians will be on site to entertain!
  • The School District of Philadelphia’s Early Childhood Education Office will provide information about pre-K and kindergarten registration. On-site registration for pre-K will be available along with book giveaways.
  • The Office of Family and Community Engagement will provide information about its upcoming Back 2 School event at School of the Future on Aug. 22, the Parent Portal, resources for pregnant and parenting teens, and other resources for families.

North of Spring Garden Street, in front of Franklin High School: Stop by and say hello to a Mural Arts Philadelphia docent to learn more about “Words and Voices” and “All Join Hands: The Vision of Peace Project” murals by Don Gensler.

Fairmount Avenue:

  • Join Mural Arts Philadelphia’s Murals on the Move for family-friendly make-and-take art activities.
  • Led by the Managing Director’s Office of Transportation, Infrastructure, and Sustainability (oTIS), did you know the City of Philadelphia invites neighbors to apply for pedestrian plazas? Join Mural Arts Philadelphia—in partnership with North Broad Renaissance—to chalk paint the Fairmount Avenue triangle, transforming it into a colorful (and interactive!) public space.

Poplar Street: Philly Free Streets rest area, featuring:

  • The City’s Office of Sustainability will offer games and activities to learn how hot your neighborhood is and what you can do to help you neighborhood beat the heat.
  • Then & Now: Black History on North Broad Street: Pick up a scavenger hunt railroad ticket to history at this rest stop.

South of Girard Avenue: Indego bike corral service

Master Street: Brought to you by The Goldenberg Group and North Broad Renaissance, the Beach on North Broad transforms the front lawn of Leon H. Sullivan Human Services Center into a summer oasis.

  • 8AM – 5PM: Beach is open!
  • 10AM – 12PM: Hooping with Spin Coalition
  • 11AM – 12PM: Phillie Phanatic
  • 12PM – 1PM: Beach Blanket Bingo
  • And many more games & activities!

Sullivan Progress Plaza, below Oxford Street:

  • Indego bike corral service
  • As a historic landmark designated by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Sullivan Progress Plaza has celebrated over 50 years of continuous community service on North Broad Street. The Fresh Grocer of Sullivan Progress Plaza, Pennsylvania State Representative Malcolm Kenyatta, and the Jewish Family for Children’s Services will be offering resources for the community.
  • 10AM – 1PM: Philly Girls Jump will show you the ropes, with interactive jump roping. This Philly Girls Jump’s fourth time participating in Philly Free Streets!

Cecil B. Moore Street: Philly Free Streets rest area featuring:

  • Philadelphia Water Department will be pouring fresh, free tap water and teaching residents how to save money and make healthy, sustainable choices by drinking Philly’s tap water.
  • Then & Now: Black History on North Broad Street: Pick up a scavenger hunt railroad ticket to history at this rest area.

Montgomery Avenue: Temple University—Philly Free Streets’ presenting sponsor—will offer Camp T, a one-day street summer camp open to the community. Camp T features programming that allows Temple representatives to share their passions in art, community, dance, green living, and wellness while inspiring the neighborhood to get up, move, and create together.

Diamond Street:

  • The North Central Phila CDC – RCO team and their collaborators encourage attendees to learn about North Philadelphia Civil Rights activists at the grand re-opening of the Sonia Sanchez & James Dupree Renaissance Garden. There will also be a contest where artists of different art forms will capture the essence of a chosen Poem of Sonia Sanchez. Stop by and vote for the artist that captures the essence of the Poem the best!
  • 8:30AM: Sonia Sanchez will be serenaded by youth rapper and playwright Dice Raw. State Senator Sharif Street and Council President Darrell L. Clarke will present Ms. Sanchez and Muralist James Dupree with citations for their contributions to the art industry. Dice Raw will receive an award from the City and State for his youth activism.

Susquehanna Avenue: Philly Free Streets rest area, featuring:

  • Cycles PHL will be performing free bicycle safety checks and minor adjustments to anyone participating in Philly Free Streets.
  • Then & Now: Black History on North Broad Street: Pick up a scavenger hunt railroad ticket to history at this rest area.

Uptown Theater, between Susquehanna Avenue and Dauphin Street:

  • Let’s boogie! Historic Uptown will offer “Old School” dance lessons, including the Cha-Cha, the Bop, Salsa, and the Strand.
  • 11AM – 12PM.: “Old School” dance lessons with legendary musician and dancer, Alfie Pollitt
  • 12PM – 1PM: Dance contest
  • Stop by and say hello to a Mural Arts Philadelphia docent to learn more about “Uptown Theater Mural” by Randy Bullock

South of Lehigh Avenue: Philly Free Streets rest area, featuring:

  • Did you know? Medians improve safety of people using our streets. Help Vision Zero and Mural Arts Philadelphia paint a median!
  • Stop by and say hello to a Mural Arts Philadelphia docent to learn more about “Wall of Rugs” mural by Kathryn Pennypacker.
  • The Philadelphia City Commissioners Office will assist participants in getting a hands on, interactive experience with the new voting system. People will also be invited to register to vote!
  • Then & Now: Black History on North Broad Street: Pick up a scavenger hunt railroad ticket to history at this rest area.

Glenwood Avenue: Join the Managing Director’s Office of Transportation, Infrastructure, & Sustainability (oTIS) and Vision Zero committee partners at the Vision Zero Safety Zone. People can take part in interactive activities about driver, pedestrian, and bike safety.

Clearfield Street: Philly Free Streets rest area, featuring:

  • Join GirlTrek for jump ropes, hula hoops, giveaways and more at Clearfield! GirlTrek activities are absolutely fun and engaging for all ages and physical levels.
  • Stop by the Philadelphia Department of Revenue’s table to find out about property tax and water bill assistance.
  • Then & Now: Black History on North Broad Street: Pick up a scavenger hunt railroad ticket to history at this rest area.

Shriners Hospital, between Tioga and Venango Streets: Located at 3551 North Broad Street, stop by and learn more about Shriners specialized orthopaedic care, play some yard games, and even refuel with a refreshment.

Venango Street at Zion Baptist Church:

  • Painting with a Twist by talented Artists Monica Major and Monique Major of “Alice & Daisy”
  • Get your nails painted for free—by a Philadelphia Police Officer! Philadelphia Police Department’s 25th District Officer Marcus Salas will be spoiling neighbors with free manicures. You won’t want to miss it!
  • Free face painting

Erie & Germantown Avenues:

  • B A GEM picnic: Visit the Broad, Germantown, and Erie pop-up picnic area! Stop by one of the many local restaurants on Germantown Avenue to grab a bite to go and take in Philly Free Streets from the picnic area’s table & chairs.
  • Led by the Managing Director’s Office of Transportation, Infrastructure, & Sustainability (oTIS), did you know the City of Philadelphia invites neighbors to apply for pedestrian plazas? Join Mural Arts Philadelphia—in partnership with the Commerce Department and Broad, Germantown & Erie Merchants Association (B A GEM)—to paint a plaza on Germantown Avenue, transforming a block into a colorful public space.

Butler Street “B A GEM” stage:

  • 9AM: Fitness activity: Slay like Bey! Fitness star Alexis Rose will lead an exercise dance class to all your favorite Beyoncé songs.
  • 10AM: Fitness activity: GirlTrek organizer, Lee Scottlorde, will lead exercises to empower and encourage people to focus on their health and wellbeing.
  • 11AM: Fashion show: Owner of North Philadelphia’s La’Vanter boutique, Jamil Scurry, will host a unique fashion show.
  • 12PM: “The Levites of Praise” gospel choir of Zion Baptist Church

Additional Information

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