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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.

Join the fun of First Fridays as a vendor during Downtown Inc’s series of block parties on North Beaver St.! Each will take place the First Friday of every month June, July, August, and September from 5:00pm – 8:30pm. Please carefully read the instructions below before applying.

Monthly Themes:

  • June – Pride in the Street
  • July – Fourth of July BBQ Block Party
  • August – Farmers Fest
  • September – Future Neighbors and Friends 
Become a Vendor
Market District Events
Royal Square District Events
WeCo District Events
Parking Options

Market district

Downtown Inc’s First Friday Block Party on Beaver Street: Downtown Pride Celebration– Join us in Downtown York for a vibrant Pride-themed First Friday Block Party as we celebrate love, inclusion, creativity, and community! Experience an evening filled with local vendors, food and beverages, family-friendly activities, community resources, and plenty of opportunities to connect with friends old and new.

African-American First Fridays Spring, Summer, Fall Series 2026: It’s that time of year again! African-American First Fridays are BACK! ❤️🖤💚 We are ROCKING with an amazing Theme for our 7th Year! ❤️🖤💚
“Vendors, Performances, Yard Sale & Cookout Style.” Events will be located in Penn Park, 100 W. College Ave. from 5pm-9pm every Frist Friday (June-Ocotber except for July)! Join us for the perfect opportunity to highlight what you offer and become a VENDOR or PERFORMER during our Spring/Summer/Fall Series 2026! Contact The AAFFs Team! DM: African-American First Fridays. Email: africanamericanfirstfridays@gmail.com. Text: 717-870-2175 

Marketview Arts 2025-26 Arts Fellows Exhibition Opening Reception
📍 37 W. Philadelphia St.
🕔 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM

Join Marketview Arts on June First Friday to celebrate the opening of the 2025-26 Arts Fellows Exhibitions. Refreshments will be provided. Featured exhibitions include: “Jack of All Trades, Master of None” by Powder Mill Foundation Arts Fellow Marcos Repollé, a multimedia exhibition and event. “Cuero” by Appell Arts Fellow Gabriel Sanchez Carpio, a solo exhibition exploring Caribbean cultural syncretism and the experience of navigating modern life under Western influence. Through a series of paintings, the work examines the tension between everyday life and the mystical. The Appell Arts Fellowship and Powder Mill Foundation Arts Fellowship are 11-month artist residencies awarded annually to recent York College graduates pursuing careers in creative fields. Each fellowship culminates in a public exhibition showcasing work created during the residency.

The Gunter-Smith Center for Community Engagement: Road to Independence Art Exhibition Opening Reception & Artist Panel
📍 59 E. Market St.
🕔 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM

Celebrate the opening of the Road to Independence Art Exhibition. An artist reception begins at 5:00 PM, followed by an artist panel discussion at 6:00 PM led by Dr. Jessica Sponsler, Assistant Professor of Art History at York College. Sponsored by the Lincoln Highway Association in preparation for its national conference in York June 22–27, 2026, the exhibition commemorates America’s 250th anniversary through artwork depicting scenes along the historic Lincoln Highway, the nation’s first coast-to-coast highway established in 1913. The exhibition features local and regional artists highlighting historic buildings and roadside attractions from New York City to San Francisco. The exhibition is free and open to the public through June 26.

Revolt Style Studio 10-Year Anniversary Celebration & First Friday Weekend Launch
📍 Beaver Street
🕙 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM

Revolt Style Studio is celebrating 10 years in Downtown York with a month-long anniversary celebration beginning on First Friday. First Friday highlights include:

  • Launch of a new music section featuring vinyl from regional indie artists, vintage records, and CDs.
  • Pop-up appearance by longtime vendor Moonrise Candle.
  • Limited-edition mini prints from Counterprt Studios available throughout June.
  • $10 sidewalk sale rack and $10 mystery bags.
  • New branded merchandise featuring the shop’s alternate logo.
  • Community mural collage installation showcasing customer photos from the past decade.

Additional special events, pop-ups, and product launches will take place throughout June.

Appell Center for the Performing Arts First Friday Free Family Film: Disney’s Beauty and the Beast (1991)
📍 50 N. George St.
🕡 6:30 PM – 8:00 PM

Celebrate the 35th anniversary of Disney’s Beauty and the Beast with a free family screening. Follow Belle on her unforgettable adventure through an enchanted castle filled with beloved characters and timeless music in one of Disney Animation’s most celebrated films.

Appell Center for the Performing Arts, Jazz in the City: Percussion Blowout
📍 50 N. George St.
🕠 5:30 PM – 8:00 PM

Jazz in the City’s annual season-ending Percussion Blowout returns for an evening of world-class musicianship and high-energy performances.

Featuring:

  • Jose Canto
  • Chris Loser
  • Karla Michelle Serrano
  • Jeff Stabley
  • Mack White
  • Louis Woodyard

Led by York College adjunct faculty member Jeff Stabley, this crowd-favorite event showcases some of the region’s top percussionists and jazz musicians. Advance tickets are recommended as the event often sells out. Sponsored by OSS Health.

royal square district

 

Come hang out with us in the Royal Square District for First Friday! See below for a peek at what we have planned for you! Find the Facebook event with event information here. 

– CORNERSTONE BARBERSHOP – Open for walk-ins 9am – 6pm.
– CREATIVES ON KING – 12-8. No info.
– GLASS TURTLE STUDIO – 12-9. No info.
– HIVE artspace – 5-9. Join us for the opening of “Pair-A-Dox” – this group exhibit explores the concept of two things that go together, creating a perfect pair (or paradox) and features artworks by 35 artists in a wide variety of mediums.
– IN BETWEEN PAGES – 12-8. Two floors of used books!
– KING’S COURTYARD – 5-9. Meet two new artist-members: Chris Robins(2D & 3D Mandalas) and Rebecca Ruggles (mixed-media surrealism). Also, 3 Pride face paint designs for $5 each (10% donated to Rainbow Rose). Rebecca will also have more information about face painting. Join us!
– MOLLY’S FOLLIES – 5-9pm. Shop antique, vintage, and upcycled home decor.
– NASIM & CO – Stop by for a dessert cup from 11am – 9pm.
– NOEL’S ROCK SHOP – 6-8pm. Guitars, pedals, amplifiers & accessories. VISIT US OR ELSE!
– ROAMING ROAST – 9a-9p. No info.
– STONE SONG POTTERY STUDIO – 5-8. Grand Opening Celebration! Studio tours, wheel demonstrations, treats and champagne, and a raffle!
– TIGER RABBIT STUDIO – No info.
– VENTURE – 5-9. Venture’s new exhibit, “Roots and Wings” featuring the paintings of Carolyn Martin and Melody Martin, opens. Both are local artists with Carolyn focusing on birds and Melody on her walks in Nixon Park and York County trails. Serving charcuterie and bites with bubbly drinks.
– THE VENTURE STUDIOS – 5-9. 128 E King St Studio Artists will have select studios open.
– VIBRISSAE GROOMING & PET BOUTIQUE – 9am-4pm. $10 nail trims every First Friday! Get to know our staff! Book with us on First Friday with deposit and get 15% off your scheduled groom or 15% off memberships.
– GRANFALLOONS TAVERN – First Friday Afterparty starts at 9pm with Aortic Valve! $5
– ALLEYS BAR – House Fridays with DJ Pound. No cover before 9.
FOOD & BEVERAGES:
– LEVANT MEDITERRANEAN CUISINE – 11am-8pm. So delicious! Try the Mediterranean Platter for a taste of several items.
– COLLUSION TAP WORKS – Open noon-10pm. Great bar food + 24 beers on tap.
– GRANFALLOONS TAVERN – Open 12-10pm+. Friday Night Special – Half-Price Backside of the Food Menu! American bar fare, wings, burgers, steak.
– WORLD GRILLS – Open 11am-8pm. Asian-fusion. Vegetarian / vegan options available.
– THE YORKTOWNE HOTEL – Continental cuisine with a twist from 5-10pm. The Rooftop Lounge is open 4-11, so come on out to the district for the main event from 5-9, then end the night enjoying some stellar views and a nightcap!

weco district

Join us in the WeCo District, York’s arts and small business district located just West of the Codorus Creek, for a First Friday full of creativity, food, and community.

Find FREE parking at Foundry Plaza/Codorus Boat Basin. Save this parking & walking map to follow from stop-to-stop: https://maps.app.goo.gl/QruQ1hsDuUgaqRte6

  • Steph Holmes Artist Studio is open 8 AM to 5 PM. Explore this working artist studio full of nature-inspired paintings and prints. On the 2nd floor of Gather 256 at 256 W Philadelphia St, York, PA.
  • Gather 256 is open from 8 AM to 5 PM. Visit this neighborhood Bistro featuring great food, coffee, and local artwork at 256 W Philadelphia St, York, PA.
  • The Studio Art Group (also referred to as the Target Building) is open from 5 PM to 8 PM and hosts a solo art show by Bill Mummert at 263 W Market St, York, PA. 
  • The Queue Gallery is open from 5 PM to 8 PM and is hosting “Water, Water, Everywhere”, a group show of original art featuring 75 pieces by 35 different artists at 280 W Market St, York, PA. 
  • Precious Gems Little Art Drop Gallery is WeCo’s little free art gallery. Take home a tiny artwork, leave one for the next visitor! Find something precious to take home at 36 S Newberry St, York, PA.
  • Penn Market, York’s oldest farmers market, is open from 6:30 AM to 3 PM at 380 W Market St, York, PA.
  • Skillet2Plate Soul Bistro is open 11 AM to 10 PM dishing up delicious Southern comfort food at 355 W Market St, York, PA.
  • Pecan Tree Cafe is open 11 AM to 9 PM serving up offering soulful eats such as fried fish, mac and cheese, and yams.
  • LifePath Thrift is open 9 AM to 8 PM and carries clothing, furniture, and home decor items at 283 W Market St, York, PA.

 

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.

Downtown Calendar