First Friday is a celebration of Downtown York, PA shops, restaurants, cultural venues and nightlife hot spots. On Friday February 7 from 5-9pm, downtown shops and restaurants host special events, offer refreshments and promotions, and sponsor live entertainment. As you are enjoying the First Friday happenings with your family, share your photos on Instagram and Facebook, @downtownyorkpa, #ffyork. Events and activities in BOLD are made possible this month thanks to grants from our First Friday sponsor, WellSpan Health.
Events happening in the Market District
- Appell Center for the Performing Arts: Jazz in the City featuring Paul Carr, 5:30pm AND Free Frist Friday Family Film: SOUL, 6:30pm.
- Creative York: Art with Heart 2025 kicks off at 5pm!
- Gift Horse Brewing Company: Celebrate the end of Dry January with Craft Beer, Local Liquors, Delicious Food and DJ Jay Starr at 7pm!
- Ewe and Me Yarn Shop: Celebrate 8 years in business! Shirsty Cat Designs is bringing a Trunk Show to the store with amazing yarns and fibers. Stop by to shop and meet Kelly.
- Marketview Arts: We’re kicking off the annual YCASE Art Walk from 5pm-9pm! Join us on the third floor of Marketview Arts for refreshments and to get the first look at artwork by talented York-area high school students. Marketview Arts is one of 9 venues in downtown York participating in the Art Walk. Learn more here.
- Martin Library: Books & Cakes event! 5-7pm in the Quiet Reading Room, Atrium, and Lounge (Children’s Room and 2nd Floor not available during event). First Fridays at Martin Library return in February with another edition of Books & Cakes! This time, our theme is to celebrate Black History Month. Come decorate a cupcake inspired by African American books and authors. Materials and examples provided. This is a free, family-friendly event!
- York County History Center: Friends of the York County History Center Treasures and Trinkets Sale, 5-8pm
Events happening in the Royal Square District
- Alley’s Grand Opening: Live music by the Highway Boys. 5pm
- Creatives on King: Open 2-8pm Last chance to catch the 3D show in the gallery! Sugar Anarchy will be hosting Charcuterie classes – tickets required and can be found via the Facebook event!
- Granfalloons: #1stFridaze with Aortic Valve February Edition, 9pm
- HIVE artspace – open 5-9pm – Join us for the opening of “Love Me – Love Me Not” an eclectic heart-themed group exhibit featuring artwork & giftable items from more than 40 regional & international artists! Come see the exhibit, get a sweet treat, visit artists Erin Fallon and Wendy Lane Smith in their 2nd floor studios from 5-8, say hello to Angel the Tortoise – and maybe pick up a little something for the special someone in your life (and that includes You, by the way)!
- Josh Johnson Creative Studio: New linoleum block print and other original work.
- Kings Courtyard – 5-9pm – Valentine’s Day is coming up and we will have special treats and activities to celebrate yourself and others! We have art and gifts of every kind to fit evey budget. Liette Monic will be available, 6-8:30 pm, for Channeled Tarot Readings with special events pricing, $30 for 10 cards.
- Noel’s Rock Shop: Open 5pm-9pm
- Venture: Welcome to Venture’s February/March gallery full of flowers! The opening exhibit of Ellen Engdahl Ehlenbeck’s gouache floral paintings are bursting with color! Reception from 6-8pm, Store Hours 5-9pm
Events happening in WECO District
- Businesses in the WeCo District will feature extended hours and special events, making it a great evening to discover local offerings. Check out the WeCo First Friday Facebook event here! Click the discussion tab to view each business’s featured events, specials, and more.
- Start your evening off with a visit to Precious Gems Little Art Drop Gallery, a free little art gallery! It’s in WECO and the only one around! Always open and always stocked with free original art pieces for the community to enjoy!
- Then round the corner of the block to stop by Steph Holmes Artist Studio. Be one of the first 20 visitors to receive an exclusive nature-inspired art postcard! Grab your postcard and explore a studio filled with nature-inspired artwork. You can also watch Steph paint live at her easel during the evening. Located at 336 W Market St, Downtown York, PA. Open noon to 8 PM.
- Grab a bite to eat and a warm drink at Gather 256, which is open from 5 PM to 9 PM. They are celebrating the kick-off of York College of Pennsylvania‘s York Community Art Scholars Exhibitions (YCASE) art walk. Gather 256 is thrilled to be hosting West York Area High School student artwork; plan to visit other stops on the YCASE art walk on Friday, or attend a guided tour on Saturday, February 8th. In lieu of an artist talk, they’ll have a selection of “art parts” for all ages to engage with the creative process in their space–come tinker! Thanks to WellSpan Health for their sponsorship of this event. Gather will be serving a dedicated dinner menu, including their $5 DIY pizza for kids. Don’t forget to bring your student ID for 10% off of your meal!
Parking:
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 and parking in one of the three downtown parking garages is free after 6:30pm. Click the links below for driving directions to the three parking garages:
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
- E. King Street and S. Queen Street Lot (directly across from The Bond)
For more information on parking in Downtown York, click here.
For more information on First Friday and to stay up to date info on all the fun activities happening in Downtown York be sure to visit downtownyorkpa.com
