Since its debut in 2010, the Baltimore Avenue Dollar Stroll has grown into a hugely popular event. Neighbors and Philadelphians from around the city convene on Baltimore Avenue to enjoy deals from local businesses, plus live music, free activities for kids, and a chance to experience one of our favorite commercial corridors in West Philadelphia.

At the September 5th, 2024 Dollar Stroll, businesses will offer $1, $3, and $5 options. Whether you’re a seasoned Stroller or visiting for the first time, here are some ways to make the most out of your Dollar Stroll experience.

CLICK HERE TO SEE THE FULL LIST OF VENDORS FOR THE SEPTEMBER 2024 STROLL

1. Be Ready for the Weather!

Make sure to check the forecast before heading out to Stroll. If temperatures are in the 80s or higher, plan to wear cool clothes and to hydrate before and after the event. We recommend bringing a refillable water bottle so you can hydrate on the go! Our event is rain or shine, so if the forecast calls for precipitation, bring an umbrella or poncho to help with keeping dry. 

2. Arrive Early

The Dollar Stroll officially runs from 5:00-8:00 pm, with the largest crowds gathering in the 6:30 - 7:30 window. If you want to get first crack at the more popular spots, attempt to arrive close to 5:00 before the crowds get too large. Whether you arrive early or late, we recommend you…

3. Plan Your Evening

To get the most out of your evening, study the Dollar Stroll map (see below) and make a plan for what you want to buy (available online soon or at the UCD tents at each end of the event). Vendors like the Manzanita, the Baltimore Pet Shoppe, Ceramic Concepts, or the collection of community merchandise vendors –  who sell merchandise instead of food or drinks – tend to have shorter lines, while restaurants with $1, $3, and $5 bites tend to get crowded. See the map below to plan! One way to ensure you get to sample everything you want is to…

4. Divide and Conquer

Most businesses do not limit how many items you can purchase. If you’re going with a group, consider splitting up and buying multiples from each business and then meeting up to share. That way, you can enjoy a variety of items in the same time as it would take for the whole group to each buy the same item together. Another way to make sure to keep lines moving is to…

5. Bring Plenty of Cash, Especially Singles and $5 Bills

The Dollar Stroll is a cash-only event for the items being sold for $1, $3, and $5. Make life easier for yourself and for the official businesses participating by arriving at the event with a stack of $1 and $5 bills. 

6. Look for the Official Vendors

Want to make sure you’re getting quality products? Only businesses or vendors listed on the maps are official Dollar Stroll participants, meaning they are an approved business located on Baltimore Avenue or a licensed and permitted community vendor approved by both the Health Department and UCD to safely prepare and sell food. Support the official Dollar Stroll businesses along your way as you…

7. Get Ready to Walk

It’s called the Stroll for a reason! From the easternmost participant (Renata's Kitchen) to the westernmost (Triple Girl Treatment Candle Co), the complete walk is 0.9 miles. We recommend wearing comfortable shoes, being patient while navigating lines and crowds, and also paying attention to the weather report. And while you’re walking around…

8. Try Something New

Part of what makes Baltimore Avenue, University City, and West Philly so great is the diversity of cultures that co-exist. During the Dollar Stroll you can enjoy food from Thailand, Ethiopia, India, China, and the Mediterranean to name a few, plus a variety of healthy and more indulgent treats. You just might decide you have a new favorite and that you need to…

9. Come Back to Baltimore Avenue after the Dollar Stroll!

Yes, the Dollar Stroll’s deals are awesome, but this a great neighborhood to visit throughout the year! Whether you’re trying restaurants for University City Dining Days, grabbing a cold treat, or doing some shopping, Baltimore Avenue is an awesome location throughout the year.

The Baltimore Avenue Dollar Stroll returns in on September 5th from 5:00 to 8:00 pm. Read details about participating businesses, entertainment, and other details here.