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Summer streets comes to Philly this weekend when 18th Street will be closed off to vehicular traffic so people can enjoy an expanded Rittenhouse Square with more outdoor dining, a bigger farmers' market, music, a movie screening under the stars and more... (Clockwise from top left: J. Smith for GPTMC, E. Mencher for GPTMC, J. Smith for GPTMC, courtesy Parc)

This is going to be awesome.

This Saturday, August 13, you’re going to want to be in Rittenhouse Square. Or at least right next to it.

A whole bunch of amazingness will be going down starting at 11 a.m. and going through the day until after dark. First off, the a bigger Rittenhouse Farmers Market will be in full swing along Walnut Street and now a section of 18th, from 9:30 a.m.-3 p.m.

Then the fun really gets started when Rittenhouse Square annexes a block of 18th Street for the day. The Locust-to-Walnut block will be shut down to vehicular traffic, making room for Rouge, Parc and Devon to expand their already awesome outdoor seating into the street creating a massive outdoor cafe.

The restaurants will be serving their delicious regular menus, which include plenty of awesome bites and drinks for a great Saturday afternoon alfresco respite. We’re thinking maybe a famous burger paired with a local beer at Rouge. Or maybe a lobster roll at Rouge. Or a nice charcuterie plate with an assortment of cheeses from Parc. And maybe a few drinks on the side. We cant wait.

Bonus: a portion of the proceeds from the day’s sales will go directly toward the upkeep and maintenance of Rittenhouse Square.

And lastly, at sundown, which will be around 8:30 p.m., the lawn closest to the intersection of 18th & Walnut will become an outdoor movie theater for a free screening of M. Night Shyamalan’s classic film The Sixth Sense, which was set and almost entirely shot in Philadelphia.

We kind of can’t believe how incredible this day is going to be, and it’s the absolute perfect way to enjoy a late summer, sunshine-saturated weekend. To ensure you’re fully prepared to partake in the day’s, and night’s, festivities, check out our handy pocket guide:

18th Street Outdoor Café
When: 11 a.m.-10 p.m.
Where: 18th Street between Locust and Walnut
What to expect: The street will be transformed into a giant outdoor café as the three famous park-side restaurants — Rouge, Parc and Devon — expand into the street. A portion of the day’s sales will go to the Friends of Rittenhouse Square, directly helping the upkeep of one of Philadelphia’s most popular parks. There will also be live music in the early afternoon, approximately 1-5 p.m.

The Sixth Sense Movie Screening
When: 8:30 p.m.
Where: 18th and Walnut Streets
What to expect: Seating is first come, first serve on the lawn. The screen will be set up across the street from Barnes & Noble, so you’ll be able to see it from that whole quadrant of the park. The speakers will be loud enough to reach that far as well. You’ll also be able to see it from your seat on 18th street if you were lucky enough to snag a table. Tip for lawn audience: bring bug spray!

Farmers Market
When: 9:30 a.m.-3 p.m.
Where: 18th and Walnut Streets, both on south sidewalk of Walnut Street and west sidewalk of 18th Street
What to expect: Vendors you can expect to see include Triple Tree Flowers, Blue Mountain Vineyard, John & Kira’s Chocolates, Market Day Canele, Frecon Farms and more. You can pay for your fresh goods with cash or Visa or MasterCards. Pick up a snack to enjoy as a faux-picnic during the movie screening!

This is going to be a great day for Rittenhouse Square. We’re very excited to see one of the city’s most popular parks providing creative and active programming that lets both locals and visitors to Philadelphia engage with the gorgeous space and its great neighborhood. See everyone there!

Previously: Block Party Alert: Rittenhouse Square To Take Over 18th Street For An Entire Day Next Saturday, August 13 With Expanded Dining, A Bigger Farmers’ Market, Live Music And More
 
Awesome Event Alert: A Free Outdoor Movie Screening Of The Iconic Philadelphia Film The Sixth Sense Coming To Rittenhouse Square Next Saturday, August 13