Reading Terminal Market Expands Outdoors With New Summer Pop-Up Plaza Featuring Live Music, Vendors, and Outdoor Dining
Reading Terminal Market Expands Outdoors With New Summer Pop-Up Plaza Featuring Live Music, Vendors, and Outdoor Dining
Reading Terminal Market is taking the market experience outside this summer with the launch of The Plaza at Reading Terminal Market presented by Jefferson, a new outdoor destination that will transform the 1100 block of Filbert Street into a vibrant gathering space in the heart of Center City.
Beginning June 8, the 15,000-square-foot pedestrian-friendly plaza will be open daily from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., offering visitors expanded outdoor seating, live entertainment, local shopping, food and drinks, lawn games, and special events throughout the summer. A grand opening celebration is scheduled for Tuesday, June 9 at 11:30 a.m.
The eight-week activation arrives just as Philadelphia prepares for one of its busiest summers in recent memory, with the city welcoming visitors for major events including FIFA World Cup festivities, America’s 250th anniversary celebrations, and MLB All-Star Week.
Known as one of Philadelphia’s most iconic destinations, Reading Terminal Market is extending its footprint beyond its historic walls to create a lively outdoor experience where visitors can gather, eat, shop, and enjoy entertainment throughout the day.
“In preparation for the busy summer ahead, we asked ourselves how we could be the best version of Reading Terminal Market possible,” said Annie Allman, CEO and General Manager of Reading Terminal Market. “The answer was to get creative in utilizing every inch of our available public space to create joy for locals and visitors alike as they experience everything Philadelphia has to offer.”
The plaza will feature expanded seating areas where guests can enjoy food from Reading Terminal Market merchants while soaking in the summer atmosphere.
One of the highlights of The Plaza will be its rotating lineup of Market Day Stalls, featuring more than 15 local entrepreneurs and makers throughout the summer.
Visitors can browse a variety of locally crafted products including:
- Handmade goods
- Artwork
- Apparel
- Candles
- Cosmetics
- Jewelry
- Specialty gifts
- Home décor
Reading Terminal Market will also operate a dedicated merchandise cart offering exclusive market-themed and soccer-inspired apparel, with proceeds supporting the nonprofit Reading Terminal Market Corporation.
Live Music, Games, and Summer Fun
The Plaza is designed to be more than just an outdoor dining area.
Throughout the summer, visitors can enjoy:
- Live musical performances
- Lawn games including cornhole
- Oversized Jenga
- Sponsor activations
- Giveaways and special events
- Photo opportunities featuring giant Adirondack chairs
The entertainment lineup will rotate throughout the eight-week run, ensuring there is always something new for visitors to experience.
Molly Malloy’s Brings the Drinks Outside
For those looking to enjoy a cold beverage outdoors, Molly Malloy’s will operate a dedicated outdoor bar serving a variety of beer, cider, cocktails, and non-alcoholic beverages.
Drink offerings will include:
- Samuel Adams beers
- Dogfish Head beers
- Twisted Tea
- Sun Cruiser canned cocktails
- Truly Hard Seltzer
- Angry Orchard cider
- Pepsi products
- Smartwater
- Gatorade
Supporting the Market East Corridor
Jefferson, the presenting sponsor of the project, views the Plaza as another step toward strengthening the Market East neighborhood while creating more welcoming public spaces in Center City.
“Reading Terminal Market is a welcoming public space in the heart of Philadelphia, and this new pedestrian plaza extends its reach to serve even more visitors,” said Keith Leaphart, DO, Executive Vice President and Humana Chief Health Equity & Community Impact Officer at Jefferson. “The Market is a vital community asset—providing access to fresh foods while showcasing Philadelphia’s rich culinary diversity to visitors from around the world.”
