Get into the Irish spirit and celebrate St. Patrick’s Day in the land of makers, York County, PA! 

York Saint Patrick’s Day Parade

The 38th Annual York Saint Patrick's Day Parade will step off at 1 p.m. on Saturday, March 16, along Market Street in downtown York City. This beloved annual tradition, which is completely organized by volunteers, will begin in front of Penn Market and disband just east of the Yorktowne Hotel. Be sure to head downtown early for Irish dance and musical performances at multiple locations before the parade. Look for the Explore York team with a decorated vehicle in the parade! Congratulations to Kelley Gibson, President of the Cultural Alliance of York County, who will serve as this year's Grand Marshal. Don your best green outfit and join the fun.

Irish dance performances:

  • 11 a.m.-12 noon:  Ni Riain School of Irish Dance will perform at Central Market
  • 11:30 a.m.-12 noon:  Oh! Gills Irish Dance Team will perform at Martin Library
  • 11:30 a.m.-12 noon:  Miss Teen PA Lizzie Shacklett will perform at The Yorktowne Hotel
  • 12 noon-12:30 p.m.:  Doherty Petri School of Irish Dance will perform at Penn Market

Additional parade day entertainment at Continental Square:

  • 11 a.m.-2 p.m.:  Face painting and balloon art by Atomic Bounce
  • 11 a.m.-2 p.m.:  Caricatures by Jesse
  • 12:15-12:35 p.m.:  Lancers Alumni Drum and Bugle Corps 
  • 12:45-1:15 p.m.:  The Emigsville Band

An image of people watching the St. Patrick's Day parade pass

Looking for some pre-holiday Irish music?

We've gathered a list of locations presenting Irish music leading up to the holiday.

Ales on the Rails

Brewery Tours is partnering with Northern Central Railway of York for Sips and Shenanigans on Saturday, March 16. This excursion will have an Irish twist! Sample cold beers from regional, independent craft breweries while enjoying a scenic trip through the Howard Tunnel! Your ticket includes 10 flight samples (5 ounces each) from selected breweries in a keepsake glass, as well as complimentary water and snacks. Designated Driver tickets are available and include water and snacks. Purchase tickets here.

Feeling Crafty?

On March 14, The Wandering WoodCraft is hosting a Shakes & Shamrocks craft event at Sarah's Creamery in Dover. You can choose from a Shenanigans Welcome sign or a Shamrocks Welcome sign. All materials are included in the cost. You can find all details here.

wooden signs by The Wandering WoodCraft

Special Menu Items

Looking for special menu items? Here are links to a few of our members who have special menu items planned for Saint Patrick's Day Weekend:

Be sure to check in your Good Libations Trails digital passport at participating locations to earn free swag! Click here to download.

But wait, there's more!

York County's love of Irish music doesn't end in March. Mark your calendars for these two great festivals coming up in the near future: