Blog

For 100 years, the lights have been on in downtown York.
Audiences have gathered beneath the chandeliers of the Strand Theatre, settled into seats at the Capitol Theatre, applauded touring performers and local artists, laughed together, watched films, introduced their children to live theatre, and created memories that have lasted long after the curtain closed.
This year, the Appell Center for the Performing Arts is celebrating an extraordinary milestone: 100 years of the Strand Theatre and 100 years of the Capitol Theatre’s current chapter in York’s entertainment history. Together, these iconic venues tell a story that is about much more than buildings. It is a story about York’s resilience, its creativity and, above all, its people.

Downtown Inc is pleased to announce the winners of the 26th Annual Downtown First Awards, held at The Appell Center for the Performing Arts on the evening of Thursday, August 13, 2026.

Downtown Inc was proud to represent Downtown York at the 2026 Pennsylvania Downtown Center Conference, held June 28–July 1 in Erie, Pennsylvania. The annual conference, themed “Making Waves on Main Street,” brought together downtown revitalization professionals, community leaders, and changemakers from nearly 200 Main Street and Elm Street communities across the Commonwealth to share innovative ideas, successful programs, and strategies for building vibrant downtowns.

Downtown Inc was proud to represent Downtown York at the 2026 Pennsylvania Downtown Center Conference, held June 28–July 1 in Erie, Pennsylvania. The annual conference, themed “Making Waves on Main Street,” brought together downtown revitalization professionals, community leaders, and changemakers from nearly 200 Main Street and Elm Street communities across the Commonwealth to share innovative ideas, successful programs, and strategies for building vibrant downtowns.

Whether you’re enjoying First Friday, live music, local history, patriotic celebrations, baseball, or fireworks, Downtown York offers countless ways to celebrate Independence Day and America’s 250th anniversary. Join us as we honor our nation’s past while celebrating the vibrant community that continues to make history right here in York.

National and statewide recognition highlights Downtown York’s continued momentum and commitment to revitalization

Across the country, Main Street communities have long understood that preservation is not about “freezing” a downtown in time but rather it is about adapting historic places for modern use while maintaining the character that makes them unique. That philosophy is central to the Main Street Approach, a nationally recognized framework for downtown revitalization that emphasizes preservation-based economic development. Historic buildings create authentic experiences that cannot be replicated in suburban shopping centers or new construction developments. They attract entrepreneurs, residents, visitors, and investors looking for places with personality and a sense of place. In Downtown York, that approach is visible everywhere.

Beginning May 10 and continuing through October 18, Sundays in the City invites residents and visitors alike to slow down, explore, and experience a different side of Downtown York. While Sundays have traditionally been considered a quieter day downtown, the city is full of opportunities to shop, dine, relax, recharge, and reconnect with community. Whether you’re grabbing brunch with friends, browsing vintage shops, exploring art galleries, spending time outdoors, or enjoying a family outing, Downtown York offers the perfect Sunday reset. From historic landmarks and museums to locally owned boutiques, breweries, cafes, and restaurants, there is plenty happening throughout the city every Sunday.

Travel isn’t just about getting away, it’s about connection, community, and opportunity. And there’s no better time to celebrate that than during National Travel & Tourism Week, happening May 3–9, 2026. Plus- a GIVEAWAY for one free night at The Yorktowne Hotel plus a curated collection of itineraries and local recommendations to help you explore the very best of Downtown York and the surrounding Trail Towns.