York, a southern town in Pennsylvania, sits just about a two-hour drive away from Washington and Philadelphia. It is a relatively small town that can be traversed in a day. However, do not be misled by its small size. It is home to several events, places, and activities that will guarantee you a fun time. Some of its attractions include Downtown Historic York. It is also home to the National House, particularly famed for the visit of Charles Dickens. If you love wine, you will love this region. It has several vineyards, and wine can be enjoyed at several places in town. Aside from all these attractions, there are several festivals held in this city. Check this list of popular festivals in York, Pennsylvania, that you shouldn’t miss.
1. Yorkfest Fine Arts Festival
Spend your weekend in downtown York during YorkFest - York's premiere fine arts festival and enjoy free family...
Posted by Explore York PA on Wednesday, 21 August 2013
This festival lasts for an entire weekend. The event is held along the Codorus Creek in Downtown York. It is dedicated to the fine arts and features more than 100 artists from all around the US. Aside from the art on display, you will enjoy free entertainment and other exciting stuff. The kids will love the hands-on art activities as well. See amazing products like wearable art, fashion accessories, woodworks, handicrafts, and much more. You are also treated to an exhibition of contemporary furniture and other attractions.
Yorkfest Fine Arts Festival
Address: 101 S George St, York, PA 17401, United States
Website: Yorkfest Fine Arts Festival
Takes place: August
Price: Free
2. Olde York Street Fair
Happy Mother's Day! Need something to do! Head out to the Olde York Street Fair till 6pm!
Posted by Mitzels Photography on Sunday, 10 May 2015
The Olde York Street Fair is a Mother’s Day tradition in Downtown York. The festival is a fun one, hosted in and around the famous Continental Square. At the fair, you will see more than 100 vendors selling handmade arts and crafts. Your young ones will love the Kid’s Fun Block as it comes with facilities like bouncing castles and other stuff like games, coloring pages, and more. It’s a fun experience for the whole family. Aside from that, there are food vendors that offer a wide range of traditional American festival food. It is nice to note that 50% of the proceeds from such vendors go to local non-profit organizations.
Olde York Street Fair
Address: 101 S George St, York, PA 17401, United States
Website: Olde York Street Fair
Takes place: May
Price: Free
3. Harvest Vegfest
The Harvest Vegfest is dedicated to putting a spotlight on the great abundance of the local food and produce in York. As a community-centered event, it is open for all ages and offers loads of fun and memorable experiences. There is, of course, plenty of food. There are also loads of entertainment to enjoy, like family-oriented programs. Artisans from all around the area also come to participate. It is a vegan festival, and you will find vendors and speakers geared towards the vegan lifestyle. All who come here, whether vendors or speakers, carry out their activities with a vegan ethic.
Harvest Vegfest
Address: 1060 Church Rd, York, PA 17404, United States
Website: Harvest Vegfest
Takes place: September
Price: Free
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4. Yorktoberfest
Our YCAT Crew will be at Yorktoberfest this Saturday, 12-5pm, at the York Fair grounds! 120+ wines, 80+ craft brews, local food & a plethora of other vendors- hope to see you there!
Posted by York County Ale Trail on Thursday, 10 October 2019
Have a weekend full of fun, beer, live music, food, and fun activities for all members of the family or group. Yorktoberfest was first hosted by the Sons of the American Legion in 2011. Since then, the festival has grown in popularity. People come from all over the country to have fun. There is a wide selection of beer, wines, and more. All of the proceeds from the festival are donated to those in need. You can have a great time while helping people.
Yorktoberfest
Address: 334 Carlisle Ave, York, PA 17404, United States
Website: Yorktoberfest
Takes place: October
Price: 15 - 45 USD
5. Labor Day Festival
Over 20 vendors from New York and Pennsylvania will be part of the Arts & Crafts Fair at the 39th Annual Labor Day Fest....
Posted by Jamestown Parks, Recreation & Conservation Department on Tuesday, 28 August 2018
The Labor Day Festival is celebrated on the first Monday of September. It serves as a way of honoring the American labor movement. It commemorates all the contributions of workers to the development, wealth, well-being, and laws of the country. The celebrations last until the first Friday of the month and include fireworks, shows, food, and more. Everyone will enjoy the family-friendly scavenger hunt through the park trails. Overall, it is a beautiful festival for your family.
Labor Day Festival
Address: Kiwanis Lake, York, PA 17404, United States
Website: Labor Day Festival
Takes place: September
Price: Free
6. History on the Half Shell
Posted by York's Bubble Lady on Sunday, 20 October 2019
The Oyster Festival, now referred to as the History on the Half Shell, is the longest-running fundraiser in York County. The event serves many purposes, including supporting museums and historic sites of the York County History Center. It is the perfect opportunity to have a fun-filled time with your family. You will be treated to fried, raw, and stewed oysters, as well as a wide variety of other seafood. Come to explore the museum and learn more about the history of the city. There are also artisan demonstrations, live music, gallery tours, and so much more the family can enjoy during this celebration.
History on the Half Shell
Address: 217 W Princess St, York, PA 17401, United States
Website: History on the Half Shell
Takes place: October
Price: Free
7. York Bike Night
Posted by Peter Oldfield on Saturday, 21 September 2019
York Bike Night is one of the most popular traditions of the city, held in conjunction with the York Bike Week. It includes not just bike parades, which start from Continental Square in Downtown York, but also an exciting street party. Visit with your friends or family and have a wonderful time. The festival features various entertainment, food, vendors, exhibitions, shops, and more. The main draw, however, is the motorcycle parade. At the event, you will see different models of motorcycles, a sight you don’t want to miss.
York Bike Night
Address: 101 S George St, York, PA 17401, United States
Website: York Bike Night
Takes place: September
Price: Free
8. Light Up York
Christmas Fairy at the 2016 Light Up York powered by Shipley Energy #lightupyork Photo captured by Randy Flaum
Posted by Krystal Younglove The Indestructible Lady on Sunday, 4 December 2016
Light Up York is an exciting festival that occurs around the end of the year and marks a fitting, brilliant end to the year. It starts with several fun activities at different locations around the city. The family will enjoy these activities, especially the kids. It includes free photographs with Santa at Martin Library. There is a live reindeer at Continental Square, some photo props, and more. It also culminates with the annual lighting of York City Christmas Tree at Continental Square.
Light Up York
Address: 101 S George St, York, PA 17401, United States
Website: Light Up York
Takes place: Usually held in December
Price: Free
9. A Taste of York City
Posted by A Taste of York City on Monday, 25 February 2019
York encourages tourists to come and indulge in the finest foods and drinks in the city. A Taste of York City is a celebration of all the things that make the city great. Some of the activities that accompany the event include a seated dinner, with each meal served by different restaurants around the area. Enjoy unique experiences, live auctions, and various entertaining activities.
A Taste of York City
Address 125 E College Ave, York, PA 17401-5516, United States
Website: A Taste of York City
Takes place: February
Price: Free
10. Box Lunch Revue
Northeastern School District is getting ready for today's Box Lunch Revue in Cherry Lane. #BLRyork
Posted by York City Special Events on Thursday, 3 May 2018
The Box Lunch Revue is held at Cherry Lane in Downtown York. They offer free musical entertainment to keep you enthralled. There are several musical genres on show, including jazz, hip hop, country, folk, blues, indie, and more. The celebration is a staple of the downtown music scene and paves the way for an exciting time for locals and visitors alike. Although it is usually held in an open area, in case of rain or bad weather, the event is moved to Central Market.
Box Lunch Revue
Address: 10 N George St, York, PA 17401, United States
Website: Box Lunch Revue
Takes place: May - August
Price: Free
Have a festive time in York
York is a small yet bubbling town in Pennsylvania. It welcomes visitors with open arms and offers an excellent experience for all. Although there are several monuments and attractions, the main draw of this city is the plethora of festivals that happen year-round. Visit with your family to have an unforgettable time in York.
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