Where to Celebrate St. Patrick's Day in York County, PA

Cead Mile Failte! That’s One Hundred Thousand Welcomes to York County, PA. We’ve gathered a few suggestions for getting into the Irish spirit during March … and keeping the celebration going with some Celtic festivals later this spring and summer.

York Saint Patrick’s Day Parade

The 40th Annual York Saint Patrick's Day Parade will step off at 1 p.m. on Saturday, March 14, 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. Look for the Explore York team with a decorated vehicle in the parade again this year! Congratulations to Kevin Schreiber, President & CEO of the York County Economic Alliance, who will serve as this year's Grand Marshal. Don your best green outfit and join the fun.

Head downtown early for pre-parade entertainment in multiple locations:

• The Fig & Barrel Pub: Hooligan Jack, the One-Man Irish Band (10:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m.)
• The Yorktowne Hotel: Oh! Gill's Irish Dancers (11:30 a.m.-12 noon)
• Central Market: Doherty Petri Dance Team (11:30 a.m.-12 noon)
• Union Lutheran Church: Ni Riain School of Irish Dance (11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.)

Thank you to Razzle Dazzle Balloons for creating our award-winning parade decorations again last year!

Parade photos by Randy Flaum.

Pre-Parade Shenanigans

Visit Keystone Kidspace 10 a.m.-5 p.m. on Saturday, March 14, for St. Patrick's Shenanigans 2026: Pi Day Edition, a delightfully silly mash-up of pie, puns, and St. Patrick’s Day spirit! Join us for DIY bagpipes, pie tasting, and homemade whipped cream on our blender bikes! We’ll celebrate all things infinite and silly at Keystone Kidspace. Take a festive group walk up to the York St. Patrick’s Day Parade at 1 p.m. to show off our shenanigan-worthy creations, then come back after the parade for more fun all day. No matter how you slice it, there’s something for everyone at Keystone Kidspace! Shenanigans activities are included with Open Play admission.

Looking for some pre-holiday Irish music?

We've gathered a list of locations presenting Irish music leading up to and including the holiday. Check back for updates!

• March 6: Across the Pond at Dills Tavern
• March 8: Celtic Angels Ireland at Eichelberger Performing Arts Center
• March 9: Susquehanna Folk presents Dervish at the West Shore Theatre
• March 13: Tartan Terrors at the Appell Center for the Performing Arts
• March 13-14: Celtic Woman: A New Era at the American Music Theatre
• March 17: Emerald Isle: A Joyful Celebration of Irish Music & Dance at the Pullo Center

Dining Out

March 14: Ian Carroll and the Patrick Players will be performing at Balla Cloiche Vineyards 

March 13, 14, 15, and 17: South County Brewing Co. has entertainment and food specials

Beaver Street Bistro, which recently opened at 30 N Beaver St in downtown York, is serving a four-course prix fixe dinner on March 17. Seating is limited and reservations are recommended.

Check our calendar of events for updates!

Ales on the Rails

Brewery Tours is partnering with Northern Central Railway of York for Sips and Shenanigans on Saturday, March 14. This excursion features a guided tasting of a magically delicious selection of 10 different craft beers inspired by the Emerald Isle while enjoying a train ride with scenic views.  Designated Driver tickets are available and include water and snacks.

Curl Up with a Good Book

In Between Pages has gathered a range of genres that celebrate Ireland’s culture, history, and traditions. Stop by and peruse this curated collection just in time for Irish American Heritage Month.

Refillism is hosting a Lucky Book Swap March 17-22. Bring a gently used book you loved. Take a book home. Simple as that. The lucky part: Each day, one or two books will be lucky. Swap the right book and you’ll find Refillism Bucks inside, good for money off future purchases. Adult books only. Books should be in good condition.

Step Out in Style

Looking for the perfect Irish sweater, tartan scarf, or flat cap to wear to parades and gatherings? Visit Oxford Hall Celtic Shop in New Cumberland, south-central Pennsylvania’s destination for authentic Celtic apparel, jewelry, food, home goods, and so much more. Treat yourself to lunch in their cozy tea café for a delightful afternoon outing.

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:

• April 17-18:  Dills Celtic Festival at Dills Tavern (be sure to visit the Eichelberger Distillery on the grounds, and check in on the Good Libations Trails pass to earn points toward prizes).
• June 20:  Penn-Mar Irish Festival at Pheasant Run Greenhouse and Garden Center in Glen Rock. Discounted advance tickets are available online or in person at That Pig Place.

Events are constantly being added to our online calendar, so please check back often. Sign up for our twice-monthly Getaway Guide email for updates on additional events throughout the year.