Open Streets Wilmington Returns: Major Street Closures Bring Major Movement, Fun and Education

Open Streets Wilmington is excited to announce the return of its popular Open Streets Wilmington events series this year. These FREE events take place monthly, closing busy streets to motor vehicles for the afternoon, and OPENING them as safe community spaces for people of all ages and abilities to get outside, connect, exercise, and play. Open Streets Wilmington raises awareness of unsafe streets that aren’t meeting the needs of local residents and helps community members reimagine what their streets could look like. 

The 2025 Open Streets season runs from April through September, rotating through different neighborhoods to spotlight Wilmington's vibrant and diverse communities.  The season kicked off on April 26th with a successful event on N. Walnut Street in Downtown Wilmington, drawing over 500 attendees.

Upcoming 2025 Open Streets Events:

• THIS SATURDAY MAY 31ST 1-4PM: NEW CASTLE AVENUE BETWEEN PEARL & A STREETS

• Saturday June 28th 1-4pm: W. 4th Street between Broom & Lincoln Streets

• Saturday August 16th 1-4pm: N. Market Street between 18th Street & Vandever Avenue

• Saturday September 14th 11am-2pm: Bowers Street between 23rd Street & Todds Lane

Attendees will enjoy a wide range of activities including:

• Transportation improvements, interactive street design

• Free sports and fitness demos

• Live music and entertainment

• Free games and crafts for all ages

• Local food and small business vendors

• Play Streets Wilmington activities

• Community and health resources, giveaways, and more!

Volunteers play a key role in the success of each event and are encouraged to sign up here.  Students, families, individuals, and community groups are all encouraged to sign up and help make these events safe, welcoming, and fun for everyone.

Amanda August, Executive Director of Jefferson Street Center and part of the Open Streets Wilmington leadership team  shares, “The impact of Open Streets for our community has been astounding. The first event on Baynard really catalyzed the transportation changes that are implemented today, including the installation of the first protected bike lane in the City and an overall lane reduction, which makes cars drive a lot slower down the boulevard. The events also bring so much energy, resources and connection. We are thrilled to continue supporting this initiative by working with other community partners and empowering them to use these events to create the change they want to see, and have fun while doing it!”

Open Streets Wilmington is a collaborative initiative of the Urban Bike Project of Wilmington, West Side Grows Together, Partnership for the Delaware Estuary, Jefferson Street Center, DJ Timdogg, WILMAPCO, UD Living Lab, YMCA of Delaware, The WRK Group, the Rysheema J. Dixon Foundation, Nuestras Raíces Delaware, and The Warehouse.  Open Streets Wilmington would not be possible without the generous support of the Delaware Division of Small Business, ChristianaCare, Play Streets, and Delaware on Main Street.