Have you been missing those one dollar samosas, mini burgers, pizza slices, craft beer, cupcakes, yoga certificates, theater tickets and other items that Baltimore Avenue Dollar Strolls bring to the neighborhood every summer? We have some good and bad news. Let’s start with good – this hugely popular event is coming back this summer and will again include tons of great $1 deals on Baltimore Avenue from 42nd to 50th Streets, from a growing number of participating local businesses.
The somewhat sad news is that there will be only two strolls this summer, down from four strolls in 2011. We hear that it’s a great effort and expenses to put this event together (the attendance grew to 20,000 visitors in 2012), with little revenue for participants, so the organizers had to make the decision to cut the number of the strolls for this year.
This year, the Baltimore Avenue Dollar Strolls are scheduled for June 13 and September 12, to ring in and close out the summer season. We’ll let you know more later about who will take part in these events and what they will offer.
April 2nd, 2013 at 2:10 pm
The lines are going to be ridiculous!
April 2nd, 2013 at 2:27 pm
This is awesome! Love seeing everybody out at the dollar stroll! Thanks to those who put it together!
Lines are minimal early in the stroll.
April 2nd, 2013 at 4:54 pm
Only two this year!
April 3rd, 2013 at 12:14 pm
That line reminds me very much of the new brunch place episode on Portlandia.
April 3rd, 2013 at 12:24 pm
I know I will sound like a kill joy but I can’t stand the dollar strolls. It draws these huge crowds of people all spending basically nothing. Why wait in 30 minute line for dollar icecream cone? Is it really worth the savings? If you come the next night you can get your cone in a minute and you only have to pay a dollar or two more.
No offense to the fine businesses in our neighborhood but I don’t think they really benefit from these dollar strolls. I assume a lot of them are taking a loss in the hopes that people will come back when there is no stroll. As a civilian living a few doors down from Milk & Honey, I just can’t stand the crowds.
April 3rd, 2013 at 1:20 pm
I agree Brendan. It’s not for everybody. For me, it is a day to make sure I stay home. The only real hassle is that I have to order my Subway sandwiches for the evening earlier in the day. They are not quite as fresh but they are still better than anything offered within a 10 or 20 block radius. Hopefully we will get a Starbucks on Baltimore Ave too and a Dunkin’ Donuts.
April 3rd, 2013 at 2:53 pm
I am sad there will only be two strolls. other people get caught up in the lines and $1 fair but really it is a cool night when west philly shines if you ask me. people mingle, smile, enjoy a side act/magician or local musician, eat a samosa, and get outside. it isn’t just about the $1 stuffs…it is community and interaction. one of the few times a year I fully enjoy living in Philadelphia
April 3rd, 2013 at 5:03 pm
Dollar stroll is my favorite porch beer night. Sit right on the corner of baltimore ave and people watch.
April 3rd, 2013 at 9:46 pm
What?! You don’t hide in your house behind closed shades cursing the sounds of folks enjoying themselves in a community atmosphere?
Weirdo.
April 4th, 2013 at 10:25 am
@ Brendangrad – It’s not about the savings on an ice cream cone, it’s about the conversations and laughs you have while waiting in line. I love the strolls because like Kelly said, I think it’s a cool night when West Philly shines as well. Everyone is happy and neighbors are chatting and kids are running into classmates and it’s just fun. I’m personally glad you don’t come out for it, you’d probably be the lone, angry face in the crowd.
April 4th, 2013 at 11:45 am
Its not just about getting X item for a dollar. It fosters a sense of community with everyone out there at the same time and also helps these local businesses get some exposure.
April 4th, 2013 at 12:49 pm
it’s a good evening out. I mean, you can’t really get too cynical about these things, 2 nights out 365, yeah? . . .
hanging out drinking dollar PBRs and watching Schooly D spin classic hip-hop and R&B along with other neighborhood freaks was just awesome
April 4th, 2013 at 2:10 pm
@April… well, I guess you’re welcome. You won’t have to see my “angry face.” You sound like an amazingly tolerant person so I wouldn’t want to ruin that for you. @Kelly, oddly for me it’s the one night of the year where I am not as happy to be in Philadelphia and more specifically on Baltimore Avenue. Most days of the year I love it more than anywhere else in the world. @everyone else, it’s just an opinion of mine. I respect your opinions of course.
April 4th, 2013 at 3:45 pm
R.I.P. Dollar Stroll, 2010-2010
April 5th, 2013 at 10:08 am
Community costs a dollar.
June 3rd, 2013 at 4:28 pm
The Band that was in front of Ati Olas last year was so cool and looked like they were having so much fun , letting the kids sing with them and their African Drums, guitars and all, I hope they are out this year. The Dollar Stroll is the time of year where i rack up on cheap goods, and plenty of womens’ phone numbers