Merchant Center

Blog

Welcome to our blog, your go-to source for all things Downtown York. From the latest happenings and upcoming events to exciting news and developments, we keep you informed and connected.

Get Lucky in Downtown York: Your St. Patrick’s Day Guide 

Mar 11, 2026 | Blog, Uncategorized

St. Patty’s day in Downtown York is filled with Irish cheer, live music, festive drinks, and plenty of reasons to wear green. Whether you’re planning a night out with friends, a family activity, or a full weekend of St. Patrick’s celebrations, there’s something for everyone. Here’s your go-to guide to all the St. Patrick’s fun, listed in date order so you can plan your lucky lineup.

March 13

Pot O’ Chili Cookoff at YMCA of the Roses
Friday at 11:30am! Get ready to taste some delicious homemade chili and celebrate St. Patrick’s Day spirit with us! Come enjoy great food, great company, and great community. Whether you’re competing or just tasting, this is an event you won’t want to miss! 

St. Patrick’s Kickoff at Gift Horse Brewing
The party starts early at Gift Horse Brewing with food and drink specials running all weekend long, as well as live music from Tate Lehman & the Blue Chilis. Grab a pint, enjoy the tunes, and toast to the start of St. Patrick’s celebrations.

March 14

40th Annual York Saint Patrick’s Day Parade
One of York’s favorite traditions returns! Head downtown for the 40th annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade filled with marching bands, festive floats, and plenty of Irish pride. The parade kicks off at 1 p.m. in Downtown York, along Market Street. Downtown Inc and the York County Economic Alliance are proud to share our President and CEO is the Grand Marshal! Be sure to visit the Kids Zone in the Square in front of Iron Horse, sponsored by Downtown Inc!

St. Patrick’s Day Shenanigans at Keystone Kidspace (10am – 5pm)
Families can join the fun with kid-friendly activities and festive crafts that bring a little Irish magic to the day. The Keystone Keyspace will be featuring crafts like DIY bagpipes and celebrating Pi Day with pie tasting, and homemade whipped cream.   

Both Central Market York and Penn Market will be open during parade day, making them great stops for food, shopping, and local vendors. Penn Market is right next to the start of the parade route at the staging and registration zone. Central Market will be offering live entertainment during parade day!

Live Performances & Entertainment on Parade Day! 

  • The Fig & Barrel Pub: Hooligan Jack, the One-Man Irish Band, 10:30 AM – 1:30 PM
  • The Yorktowne Hotel: Oh! Gill’s Irish Dancers, 11:30 AM – 12:00 PM. The rooftop lounge is open at 12pm for parade viewing!
  • Central Market York: Doherty Petri Dance Team, 11:30 AM – 12:00 PM
  • Union Lutheran Church: Ni Riain School of Irish Dance, 11:30 AM – 12:30 PM
  • White Rose Bar and Grill: Patio’s are open, three indoor bars, outdoor bar, four satellite bars, and DJ Maine J performing outside!
  • Gift Horse Brewing Company: Performances from Connor Green,  Mother Dimension, and GIVIN, keeping the party going all day long.
  • Holy Hound Taproom: Live music, great beer, outside seating right along the parade route! Open at 11am.

Get Lucky Event in Royal Square, 12pm-4pm

  • Collusion Tap Works: Try their brand new “Shenanigans” Dry Irish Stout, available on tap and in cans, plus food and drink specials.
  • Venture – Pick a lucky shamrock for a chance to win 10% off.
  • Planet Side Art Gallery & Custom Framing – Try your luck with the prize vending machine.
  • Hive Artspace – Explore the Glow Theory blacklight exhibit and enter a themed raffle.
  • King’s Courtyard Artists Collective – Create a custom wish bottle with wax seal and explore works from 20+ artists.
  • Casta Cigars – Small-batch, hand-crafted cigars.
  • The Glass Turtle Studio – Stop in during the festivities.
  • Roaming Roast Café – Shamrock and Lucky Charms themed coffee drinks plus cookie decorating class (2–4 PM, registration required).
  • Creatives on King – “Lucky Break” interactive punch board with prizes, art, and gift certificates.
  • Cornerstone Barbershop – Lucky #13 walk-in receives a free product.
  • In Between Pages – Buy one book, get one 50% off.
  • Nasim & Co. – One dessert cup holds a hidden gold seal with a surprise prize.
  • Alley’s Bar & Grill – Special parade hours beginning at 1 PM

March 15

Live Music at Gift Horse Brewing: Close out the weekend festivities with a performance by Soji, bringing more great music and laid-back vibes to the St. Patrick’s celebration.

March 17 – St. Patrick’s Day

Prix Fixe Dinner at Beaver Street Bistro: Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with a special prix fixe dinner. Reservations recommended: 717-326-7170

Granfalloons Tavern: Offering a St. Patrick’s themed menu all month long.

March 21: York’s First Leprechaun Crawl (11:30am)
Gather your friends, dress in your best Leprechaun attire, and explore Downtown York during the first-ever Leprechaun Crawl. Expect themed drink samples, 15+ fun stops, and plenty of St. Patrick’s spirit.

March 22

Pound & Pour at Collusion Tap Works: 3:00 – 5:30 PM, Join instructor Heather Cintron for a 45-minute cardio drumming workout using Ripstix, then enjoy a complimentary beer or cider afterward.

March 28

Celtic Trio Live at Central Market York: 10 AM – 12 PM. Enjoy traditional Celtic music while you shop and explore the market.

However You Celebrate…

From the big parade on March 14 to live music and events that showcase the festive spirit in Downtown York, there are plenty of ways to celebrate the Luck of the Irish all month long! Whether you’re raising a pint, catching a performance, or simply enjoying the festive atmosphere, there’s no better place to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day! Support local, wear your green, and celebrate with the amazing small businesses that make Downtown York shine.

About Downtown York

OUR MISSION: To drive, enhance, and encourage investment in Downtown York. Our historic downtown has been a thriving hub of commerce and trade since its founding in 1741.

Connect With Us

We’d Love to Hear from You! Share your thoughts, inquiries, or collaboration ideas.

Keep Reading About Downtown York News

Come back often to stay connected and share in the conversation!