Merchant Center

First Friday

EVERYONE is invited to attend Downtown York’s monthly First Friday in Historically Edgy Downtown York, presented by WellSpan Health.

First Friday in Downtown York
Sponsored by WellSpan Health, First Friday is your chance to experience the best of Downtown York’s shops, restaurants, cultural venues, and nightlife. From 5–9 p.m., businesses come alive with special events, promotions, refreshments, and live entertainment.

As you explore, don’t forget to share your favorite moments on Instagram and Facebook by tagging @downtownyorkpa and using #ffyork.

✨ From our bustling Beaver Street Block Party to unique happenings throughout Downtown York’s micro-districts, every First Friday is a new way to discover your city. Our Beaver Street Block Parties will return in May 2026.

Market district

Appell Center for the Performing Arts: Jazz in the City: A Great Day in Harlem- Concert & Film Screening. Join us for this special Jazz in the City concert in the historic Capitol Theatre on First Friday, January 2, where Kirk Reese (piano), Hassan Shakur (bass) and Jeff Stabley (drums) will perform music from artists or songs featured in the 1994 documentary 𝘼 𝙂𝙧𝙚𝙖𝙩 𝘿𝙖𝙮 𝙞𝙣 𝙃𝙖𝙧𝙡𝙚𝙢, followed by a screening of the Oscar-nominated film.

 

royal square district

 

HIVE artspace, 126 E King St: 5-9pm. Join us for the opening of the first exhibit of the New Year featuring striking artworks in black & white. Come say hello to Susan & Heather, visit Wendy and Erin in their studios on the 2nd floor, and Angel will be here too!

Third Round Art, 126 E King St: Open 5pm-9pm

King’s Courtyard Artist Collective, 124 E. King St.: 5pm-9pm, Special guest Elliz will help you create “Wish Bottles.” Also shoppers and visitors can enjoy live music!

Venture, 128 E. King St.: Venture will be open 5-9, highlighting wearables. Handmade scarves, wrist rockets, & hats. Jessica Novinger will be in Studio 2 above Venture after 3pm. Visit Tatyana Nadtochey in her studio 5pm-9pm. The 3rd floor will also be active and open- stop by and visit Planet Side Artworks from 5pm-9pm!

Vet Techy Talk, 23 E. King St.: We will be doing our $10 nail trim and then 5% off accesories 

 

weco district

    parking options

    Parking is plentiful in Downtown York. There are 1,260 garage parking spaces and 350 on-street parking meters in our downtown area, and parking couldn’t be any easier for First Friday in Downtown York. On-street parking is free after 5pm. 

    Parking Garages: King Street Garage, Market Street Garage, Philadelphia Street Garage.Normal daily rates will apply from 8am-5pm. 

    Free parking is also available in the Royal Square District after 5pm at the following locations: Corner lot of E. Newton Ave and S. Duke Street and E. King Street and S. Queen Street Lot (directly across from The Bond). For Collusion Tapworks Customers, parking is available in the corner lot of S. Howard Street and E. Newton Avenue (directly behind the Bond).

    WeCo: Free on-street parking on West Philadelphia Street and at the Foundry Park parking lot.

    ​Ready for more fun?

    ​We have events year-round! Check out our calendar.