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.

York Saint Patrick’s Day Parade

The 39th Annual York Saint Patrick's Day Parade will step off at 1 p.m. on Saturday, March 15, 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 Sean Kenny, President of the Farm and Natural Lands Trust, who will serve as this year's Grand Marshal. Don your best green outfit and join the fun.

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

Parade photos by Randy Flaum.

Umbrella Sky

If you’re in downtown York for Saint Patrick’s Day events, check out the beautiful new umbrella sky along Philadelphia Street between the Appell Center for the Performing Arts and Central Market House. Be sure to use #LuckyYouLuckyYork when posting photos to social media. The umbrellas will remain up through the Go Green in the City event on Saturday, April 25.

Pre-Parade Party

Join Keystone Kidspace and the Cultural Alliance of York County for a St. Patrick's Day Pre-Parade Party! Enjoy all that Keystone Kidspace has to offer, including making special wearable crafts to wear while you watch the parade. Want to test your luck? Make your own leprechaun trap, then come back to our St. Patrick's Shenanigans on Sunday to see if it caught anything!

Park in our parking lot for free, play until the parade, then walk down George Street to watch the big event! The parade begins at 1 p.m. Re-entry after the parade will be allowed; just show us your hand stamp!

We're open 10 a.m.-5 p.m. on Saturday as usual. Admission is free from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. (only) courtesy of the Cultural Alliance of York County and Explore York. Regular admission is required after 1 p.m.

Looking for some pre-holiday Irish music?

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

• February 25-March 2: Riverdance at American Music Theatre
• March 1: The Pilgrims of Deep Run at Balla Cloiche Vineyards
• March 8: Penn-Mar Irish Festival Pop-Up at Aldus Brewing Company’s Dolphin & Anchor Pub
• March 9: Celtic Angels Ireland at Eichelberger Performing Arts Center
• March 15: Ian Carroll and The Patrick Players at Balla Cloiche Vineyards

Ales on the Rails

Brewery Tours is partnering with Northern Central Railway of York for Sips and Shenanigans on Saturday, March 15. This excursion will have an Irish twist! Sample cold beers from regional, independent craft breweries while enjoying a train ride with scenic views.  Designated Driver tickets are available and include water and snacks.

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:

• AleCraft Brewery
• Aviator Brew Hub
• The Fig & Barrel Pub
• Gift Horse Brewing Company
• Mudhook Brewing Company
• South County Brewing Company
• Vortex Brewing Company
• Wyndridge Farm
• The Yorktowne Hotel, Tapestry Collection by Hilton

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

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.

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.

Sunday Shenanigans

Keystone Kidspace is hosting St. Patrick's Shenanigans on Sunday, March 15, from 12 noon-4 p.m. What is St. Patrick's Shenanigans at Keystone Kidspace? You'll really have to experience it for yourself! The whole building will be full of the silliest, sneakiest, and greenest shenanigans they could think of. You’re invited to break out your leprechaun outfit and join in on the shenanigans. All are invited to join in on the fun! Day passes are $12.

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 11-12:  Dills Celtic Festival at Dills Tavern (be sure to check out the new Eichelberger Distillery on the grounds).
• June 21:  Penn-Mar Irish Festival at a NEW location for 2025 (Pheasant Run Greenhouse and Garden Center). Discounted advance tickets are available online here or in person at That Pig Place.

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