Filbert Street Shuts To Cars As Reading Terminal Market Rolls Out Summer Plaza

Filbert Street just gave up its cars for the summer so Reading Terminal Market regulars can spread out a bit.

The market has launched a pop-up plaza that turns the 1100 block of Filbert Street into a pedestrian-only outdoor zone, complete with seating, vendor stalls and live entertainment. The seasonal activation, presented by Thomas Jefferson University, debuted Tuesday and is set to run through early August. Organizers say the goal is to ease the long-standing seating crunch inside the historic market and to create a fresh stage for local makers and performers.

According to Reading Terminal Market, The Plaza at Reading Terminal Market runs June 9–Aug. 2 and is open daily from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. The roughly 15,000-square-foot space on the 1100 block of Filbert Street is fully closed to vehicular traffic. The market notes that the outdoor area will host special activations and a rotating lineup of day‑stall vendors.

What to expect

As reported by The Philadelphia Inquirer, Molly Malloy’s is running the plaza bar, and the setup features lawn games, oversized photo ops and a rotating roster of musicians. The Inquirer also highlights a grand-opening ceremony and the completion of a $1 million lighting upgrade along the covered portion of the block. Market leaders framed the plaza and the new lighting as part of getting the surrounding area ready for a packed summer of festivals and sports events.

Why it matters this summer

The timing is no accident. The pop-up arrives as Philadelphia braces for a heavy tourism season that includes FIFA World Cup activities, America’s 250th anniversary events and MLB All-Star Week. NBC10 Philadelphia reports that the market attracted more than five million visitors last year, and officials expect those numbers to climb this summer. Organizers say the extra outdoor seating is designed to help thin out the crowds inside and keep visitors moving between Jefferson Station, nearby hotels and surrounding attractions.

Programming and hours

The market’s calendar lists recurring themed days such as "Truly Thursday" and "Sun Cruiser Saturday," along with daily acoustic performances and more than a dozen day‑stall vendors selling handmade goods and market merchandise. According to Reading Terminal Market, the plaza also includes family-friendly lawn games and midday entertainment windows aimed at drawing daytime crowds. Hours are set for 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily for the duration of the activation.

Presented by Thomas Jefferson University, the seasonal plaza is intended to relieve pressure on the market’s limited indoor seating while giving small businesses a highly visible new place to sell. Organizers say they will share updated schedules and vendor lineups on the market’s channels as the summer goes on.