“Westport Live” – Friday and Saturday nights from 11 pm-3 am Pedestrian-friendly District
Westport is nearing the return to pre-pandemic levels of adults 21 and over visiting on Friday and Saturday nights. With the crowds returning and nicer weather, Westport’s enhanced security screening will re-launch Friday, June 4, with five checkpoints around the perimeter of the pedestrian-only zone. The screening will remain in effect on Friday and Saturday nights from 11 pm to 3 am, while anticipated crowds are larger during fair weather, typically through some time in October.
These measures are similar to scans performed at stadiums that forbid entry with a weapon and open containers, as well as an ID checkpoint. As in the past, traffic is blocked from entering this 10-block area that transforms into Westport Live, the metros original and most popular District for nightlife. Patrons are eager to get back into the tradition of fun social nights, meeting people, and enjoying drinks, food, and music inside and out.
Despite 2020’s pandemic setbacks, the District is again thriving, including many new food and beverage establishments recently opening or planning to open in the coming months. Some highlights include:
2021 new restaurants
Kobi-Q Sushi – 425 Westport Rd
Providence Pizza – 415 Westport Rd
Wing Lovers USA – 4037 Mill St
Re-openings coming soon
Julep – June 2021
Port Fonda – June 2021
New summer openings
Johnny Kaw’s Outback (country bar) 4124 Penn Ave
Taco Bell Cantina – 4101 Broadway Blvd
Tin Roof Restaurant – 424 Westport Rd
Westport has successfully utilized the enhanced security screening program since 2018 to make the area safer and more inviting to all patrons. The feedback among patrons and businesses has been overwhelmingly positive. Westport’s Entertainment District has enforced a 21-and-older pedestrian-only access during weekend evenings for more than a decade.
The historic area will also utilize a new vehicular traffic pattern on Friday and Saturday nights to improve flow and parking access. A portion of Mill Street near Westport Road will be inaccessible to vehicles but allow access to the garage and local businesses. This parking garage has 600-plus spaces and is just steps from the pedestrian-only District. Additionally, there are parking lots and street parking just outside the perimeter of the pedestrian-only area. The ParkMobile app can help visitors identify available, close-in spaces.
As in the past, vehicles are not permitted to enter or leave the pedestrian-only zone from 10:30 pm to 3 am on weekend evenings. Westport encourages visitors to utilize taxi, ride-hailing, or ride-sharing transportation on weekend nights, and many patrons do so. In addition to ride-sharing pick-up on the north side of Westport Road, the District has added an alternative zone on the east side of the District along Broadway Boulevard for cabs and ride-sharing.
Maps are below.
Westport Live, Traffic Flow:
Westport Live, Parking Options:
Westport Live, Pedestrian and Ride-Sharing Zones:
