dining & happy hours

• Collusion Tap Works – Open noon-10pm. Great bar food, 24 beers on tap. Enjoy $20 flatbreads and flights all day!
• Granfalloons Tavern – Open 12-10pm+. AORTIC VALVE at GRANFALLOONS TAVERN – Our First Friday Afterparty starts at 9pm with the audio-visual freak-out stylings of Aortic Valve! $5
• Gather 256: Open from 5 PM to 9 PM, serving a dedicated dinner menu including delicious Fall specials, and complimentary beer and wine! Their $5 DIY pizza for kids will be available as well. During your visit, you’ll also see the work of Ed Kaitz, on exhibit in the Main Gallery until November 8th. Gather will be kicking off a donation drive to benefit our local First Responders. On December 5th, they’ll prepare and deliver as much food as they can with the funds raised. Please consider helping to add to Gather’s generous $1,500 anonymous donation, along with their Thanksgiving Day match, by donating throughout November. If you’d prefer not to contribute financially, you can still participate by using their notecards to write a heartfelt thank you!
• Skillet2Plate Soul Bistro: Open 11am-10pm
• World Grills: Open 11am-8pm. Asian-fusion. Vegetarian / vegan options available.
• The Yorktowne Hotel – Dinner 5-10pm. Continental cuisine with a twist.

Explore more Downtown York happy hour options here!

art galleries & exhibits

• Creatives on King: SPECIAL EVENT: WINTER WANDER – Kick off the new year Exploring the charm and creativity of the Royal Square District throughout the month of January and enjoy a chance to win a Royal Square prize package valued over $300! Pick up your punch card at one of the participating RSD merchants and begin your winter wander this First Friday! Creatives on King is also open until 8pm with sales on Blue Q and CJ Bella merch. The gallery will be in mid-transition, preparing for the opening of “Taking up Space” on January 10th!. 
• HIVE artspace: Open 5-9pm – Join us for the opening of “A Whiter Shade of Pale” a limited-palette exhibit featuring a myriad of white tones with artworks by 25 artists. We will have a large selection of clearance artworks in the back room as well. Don’t forget to pick up your punchcard for Winter Wander for a chance to win a gift basket full of Royal Square goodies!
• Josh Johnson Creative Studio: Open 6-10. Original watercolors linoleum block prints on display.
• King’s Courtyard Artist Collective: Open 5-9pm. Joyous and Happy New Year from King’s Courtyard Artists’ Collective. As we enter this exciting time in the Royal Square District, visit us for seasonal items and put the magic in your life by purchasing that Artwork you’ve had your eye on for months! We have new art, new gifts, and a new member, Jessica Novinger!
• Marketview Arts: Jazz lovers of York, get ready for a night of good music, great food, and even better company! Join us for the inaugural Fridays After Dark event—featuring live jazz, local vendors, and an atmosphere that’s perfect for kicking off your weekend. So, grab a drink, a friend, and your favorite Friday fit. The party starts when you walk in! This event is presented by the York College Center for Community Engagement and Four Squares York, with food and beverages sponsored by Traditions Bank. 7pm-10pm. 

• OMG Studios: Open 5-9. All ornaments $10. Free print with purchase of an original. Still have weaving and pottery available.
• Royal Square District Mural Park: Download the FREE app VisionsSolutionsAR and experience some augmented reality visual surprises in the mural park (allow your location while using the app)! Hot Tip: Be sure to look up at the sky above the parking lot!
• Steph Holmes Artist Studio: Steph Holmes Artist Studio is open with extended hours from noon to 8 PM. Stop by to explore Steph’s studio full of original art and prints, enter to win the free art giveaway during your visit, and watch as Steph paints live at her easel. Located at 336 W Market St in downtown York, PA. RSVP: https://www.facebook.com/share/vJSGXyVKTPUPU6nD/
• Venture: Open 5-9. Cozy/Warmth. The Art of Don Wood exudes the feeling of warmth and the touch of the hand with his wood-turned bowls. Stop by for January’s First Friday at Venture and share some food and drinks with us.

entertainment & live music

• Appell Center: Jazz in the City Presents Jazz on a Summer’s Day. 5:30pm. Tickets are $15 in advance and $20 the day of the show. Join us for a special Jazz in the City concert in the Capitol Theatre, where Jeff Stabley and his trio will perform select music from the artists and songs featured in the iconic 1959 documentary Jazz on a Summer’s Day, followed by a screening of the legendary film.
• Gather 256: Gather 256 will be open from 5-9pm at 256 West Philadelphia Street with new art from Joedian Douglas in our Main Gallery. We’ll be serving a dedicated dinner menu, along with complimentary wine and beer, though we are also BYOB. Our $5 DIY pizza for kids will also be available. Come in and cozy up! Bring you favorite winter project–journaling, knitting, reading, painting–and settle in for the evening. Everyone is welcome!
• Mesa Moreira: Come for dinner, stay for the entertainment First Friday, December 6th, at Mesa Moreira with Joel Toluba on piano and vocals performing tasteful renditions of jazz, pop and classic rock favorites!
• Royal Square District Mural Park – Download the FREE app VisionsSolutionsAR and experience some augmented reality visual surprises in the mural park (allow your location while using the app)! Hot Tip: Be sure to look up at the sky above the parking lot!
• Skid Row Garage: The Jasons, Italian Blood, Olde Tigers, Coffee with Lions, Paperback Tragedy. $10 advance, $!5 at the door. Doors open at 7pm. ALL AGES. 243 W. Market St.
• York County History Center: Walk back in time when you visit the Colonial Complex for our brief guided tour focusing on Colonial Holidays and Traditions. Guided tours take 15 minutes, tours end in the Summer kitchen with a warm fire and snacks. 

kid-friendly activities

shopping, retail, & more

• Casta Cigars: Open 12pm to 8pm
• Cornerstone Barbershop & Shave Parlour: Walk ins welcome, 9pm-6pm.
• Gusa by Victoria:  Open 5-9pm – Sparkle Into the New Year with Timeless Style! If you didn’t get a chance to toast a glass of champagne on New Year’s Eve, here’s your moment to make it right! Join us this First Friday to celebrate new beginnings by treating yourself to an exclusive, handmade treasure from Gusa by Victoria. Step into 2025 with confidence, wrapped in designs that radiate elegance, individuality, and lasting value. Let’s toast to bold beginnings and timeless style, your way.
• Line & Anchor Barbershop: Shop open 8am-7pm. For just 10 bucks, let our gumball machine work its magic and pick a hair design just for you! Get ready for some fun designs!
• First Friday in Royal Square: Shop your way through the district! Come start your Holidays off with us! Here’s a peek at what we have planned for you in Royal Square
• Noel’s Rock Shop: Open 5-9. Guitars, amplifiers, effects pedals, and accessories are all available at Noel’s Rock Shop.
• WeCo First Friday: WeCo First Friday is presented by the merchants in the WeCo district of Downtown York, PA, on the first Friday of every month. Businesses in the WeCo District will feature extended hours and special events, making it a great evening to discover local offerings.

Parking