PHILADELPHIA – There are several special events taking place on Saturday, September 26 and Sunday, September 27 that will cause road closures in the Benjamin Franklin Parkway and Center City area. Traffic delays can be expected. Motorists are advised to avoid the area by using alternate routes and allow for extra driving time in areas near the event. Full details on the closure can be found below.

 

Saturday, September 26

Philadelphia Rathayatra Parade and Festival (Festival of Chariots)
10 a.m. – 7 p.m. (parade kicks off at 12:30 p.m.) 

The annual Philadelphia Rathayatra Parade returns 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, September 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, September 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. – 8 p.m.

Now in its 31st year, the Mid-Autumn Festival brings thousands of individuals and families to Philadelphia’s Chinatown to celebrate, reconnect, and give thanks under the Harvest Moon. This 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, September 26:

  • 10th Street between Arch Street and Winter Street

 

Sunday, September 27

Parkway 5K Run & Walk
8:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.

The Parkway Run & Walk, presented by Citadel Credit Union, is a 5K run/2K walk that raises 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, September 27:

  • Eakins Oval (both sides)

The following streets will be closed from 5 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. on Sunday, September 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, September 27:

  • Kelly Drive from Eakins Oval to S. Brewery Hill Drive (both sides)

 

Puerto Rican Day Parade
12 p.m. – 3 p.m.

The Annual Puerto Rican Day Parade, one of Concilio’s signature cultural events, proudly honors the history, resilience, and vibrant contributions of the Puerto Rican community. Experience an unforgettable celebration in the heart of the city as the streets come alive with Puerto Rican flags, traditional music, poetry, dance, and cultural expressions that showcase the richness and spirit of our heritage.

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, September 27:

  • Benjamin Franklin Parkway from 22nd Street to Logan Circle

 

Open Streets: West Walnut
10 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Center City District’s popular street closure program returns 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.

Open Streets: West Walnut is presented by Fulton Bank and produced with support from Rittenhouse Row and the City of Philadelphia.

Road Closures
The following streets will be closed beginning at 7 a.m. on Sunday, September 27, until approximately 6 p.m.:

  • Walnut Street between Broad Street and 19th Street
  • 18th Street between Locust Street and Chestnut Street

NOTE: All scheduled activities are weather-dependent. Motorists can check conditions on more than 40,000 roadway miles by visiting www.511PA.com. 511PA, which is free and available 24 hours a day, provides traffic delay warnings, weather forecasts, traffic speed information and access to more than 1,000 traffic cameras.

 

Parking Restrictions

The streets listed above will be posted as “Temporary No Parking” zones. Motorists 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.

 

Public Transportation

Below is a summary of SEPTA detours that will be in effect during the weekend in connection with the events. Check the SEPTA website for additional information.
 

Saturday, September 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, September 26 through approximately 1 p.m.
Sunday, September 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, September 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, September 27 through approximately 6 p.m.

Service is subject to change. Customers should refer to System Status for updates to routing throughout the day.

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