July 03, 2020
Thom Carroll/for PhillyVoice
A portion of 2nd Street in Northern Liberties will be closed to traffic on July 11 for Easy StrEats, allowing restaurants to safely expand their outdoor dining.
Update July 9 at 4:15 p.m.: Easy StrEats will not take place on Saturday, July 11, as previously scheduled. The event, which would have expanded outdoor dining onto 2nd Street, is postponed.
Reasons include concerns over weekend weather and public health and safety, as well as logistical challenges.
"We feel confident that, working with the City's multi-agency team and other business districts, we can strike the right balance for expanded outdoor seating that meets the requirements of public health officials and evolving needs of businesses," said Kris Kennedy, executive director of Northern Liberties Business Improvement District.
A new date has not been selected. Open on the Ave, which was a similar event in East Passyunk, also is not happening this weekend.
Original story: The annual 2nd Street Festival in Northern Liberties is canceled this summer due to the COVID-19 crisis, but there's a new event to look forward to in July.
On Saturday, July 11, 2nd Street will be closed to traffic from Germantown to Spring Garden avenues between noon and 8 p.m. for Easy StrEats, allowing restaurants to safely expand their outdoor dining.
"Put on your mask, keep a safe distance from others, and shop your heart away so that beloved businesses thrive and return in full force," the event's Facebook page states. "For brunch, dinner, or any other meal in-between, restaurants will open outdoor seating, available by reservation only."
Around 20 restaurants in Northern Liberties will be able to extend their seating into the street for the event. Participating restaurants include Standard Tap, El Camino Real, Green Eggs Cafe, Bourbon and Branch and Urban Village.
On Easy StrEat's FAQ page, the Northern Liberties Business Improvement District suggests that the event may not be a one-time-only deal.
"It largely depends on people behaving, wearing masks and not making a mess of things," the website states.
In South Philly, a portion of East Passyunk Avenue also will be closed off to traffic to expand outdoor dining from Friday, July 10, through Sunday, July 12.
