YoCo Twist Blog
Explore York's Makers Spirit Event
June 13-15, 2025
The Makers Spirit Event is Explore York’s annual celebration of the creators behind the area’s most sought-after and beloved products and services. For over 20 years, this event has highlighted the people and businesses who have brought one-of-a-kind experiences for all to enjoy.
Every June, the Makers Spirit Event initiates multiple days of festivities, inviting you to explore the craftsmanship and creativity that define York County. From farm-fresh flavors to artisan-crafted treasures, discover the diverse talents and unique offerings that make York County a true haven for makers and enthusiasts alike.
What is the Makers Spirit Event?
The Makers Spirit Event helps highlight the local craftsmanship of York County dating back to 1749. Ever since the very beginning, York County has been producing nationally recognized goods and services, including Snyder's of Hanover, a beloved snack brand known for its high-quality pretzels.
What To Expect
Behind-The-Scenes Tours
Get a firsthand look at the ingenuity and craftsmanship of York County businesses. See where the magic happens and learn about the production process behind each unique product and service.
Meet the Makers
Mix and mingle with the people behind the products and services you love here in York County. Meet a wide range of entrepreneurs and artisans, who make everything from ice cream to handcrafted marble and stained glass fixtures.
Hands-On Activities
Enjoy hands-on activities and workshops which can include everything from learning a new skill to arranging flower bouquets or picking your own lavender in the fields.
Be sure to follow us on Facebook and Instagram to stay updated on all things Makers Spirit!
If you have any questions, please contact us at Marketing@YorkPA.org.
How To Win Prizes
📸 Snap photos while enjoying the different experiences
📲 Post them to Instagram or Facebook
🏷 Tag @ExploreYorkPA and use #MakersSpirit2025
✨BONUS: TAG the host location of your experience!
We will choose winners on Monday, June 16! 🎉 The more you tag us, the more chances you have of winning! There is no limit to the amount of times you can enter.
We will notify winners by commenting on the post they tagged us in!
PLEASE NOTE: @ExploreYorkPA is the ONLY account that will be notifying you if you're a winner. DO NOT respond to any comments or messages from other accounts appearing to pose as us.
PLEASE NOTE: Many of the experiences require reservations in advance.
Friday, June 13, 2025
Appell Center for the Performing Arts
Enjoy a behind the scenes tour of the Appell Center, including its historic theatres - the Capitol Theatre built in 1906 and the Strand Theatre which will be celebrating its Centennial this summer. The tour will be led by President & CEO Todd Fogdall!
Friday, June 13: 4 p.m.
No reservations required.
More About the Appell Center
Candi J. Duda Stained Glass and Garden Art
Celebrate Explore York's Makers Spirit Event by taking a hands-on Stained Glass Class. Create a Stained Glass Mountain! This class will give you hands-on experience from choosing and cutting glass, grinding and foiling, soldering, and cleaning.
Classes will be held at two hour intervals, so pre-registration is required. Each class will be approximately two hours long.
Cost is $45 per person.
Please call or text (preferred) 717-324-0721 to reserve your spot.
Friday, June 13: 8 a.m., 10 a.m., 12 p.m., and 2 p.m.
Once you've contacted Candi to reserve your spot, an invoice will be sent to you. Do not send payment to anyone else (beware of scammers).
Learn More
Castle Creek Farm
Join us at the Lavender Thyme Faire! Take part in activities throughout the day including craft/plant vendors, demonstrators, farm animals, and informative talks on honeybees, herbs, weed walks, and more. Wagons rides will also be available.
General admittance fee: $8, children under 12 are free.
Some hands on activities (makes&takes) may require additional fees.
Friday and Saturday: 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
More About Castle Creek Farm
Heartwood Nursery's 16th Annual Serviceberry Festival
Celebrate with us at our family-friendly festival dedicated to the beautiful native Serviceberry tree! It's a great way to learn about this little known tree, explore our groves, and taste this delicious native fruit.
Check out the event schedule!
Friday, June 13: 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Saturday, June 14: 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Serviceberry Festival Event Schedule
Joe StrEat Cafe
Enjoy coffee samples, coffee roasting demonstrations, and learning about our bean-to-cup process!
Coffee roasting demonstrations:
Friday, June 13: 1-2 p.m.
Saturday, June 14: 1-2 p.m.
Coffee samples are available all day throughout Friday and Saturday!
More About Joe StrEat Cafe
Mark & Val Wines
Enjoy a wine making demonstration!
Friday, June 13: 6-8 p.m.
Sunday, June 15: 4-6 p.m.
40 attendees permitted at each demonstration.
Learn More About Mark & Val Wines
Northern Central Railway
Book an exclusive, behind-the-scenes look at the magnificent steam locomotive, The MACK #85! NCR Will have guest engineer, the knowledgeable and enthusiastic Barney Grambling on site for a private tour of his engine. Barney is ready to share the secrets of this iron horse, from the fiery heart of the engine to the iconic whistle that announces its arrival.
Friday, June 13: 2:30 p.m., 3:30 p.m., 4:30 p.m.
Only four people per private tour.
Book Your Tour
River Rock Provisions, Home of Half Nuts Popcorn
Come pop with me! Enjoy a behind-the-scenes experience at Half Nuts Popcorn, where you'll witness the art of making our famous Caramel Corn. See our skilled poppers in action as they craft each batch to perfection, and even lend a hand in the popping process.
Space is limited to five people at a time in the kitchen.
Operating Hours:
Friday, June 13: 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
Saturday, June 14: 9 a.m.-6 p.m.
Sunday, June 15: 12-6 p.m.
Learn More!
Snyder's of Hanover (SOLD OUT)
Take a catwalk tour of our Hanover plant!
Please wear closed-toe shoes for safety purposes.
Friday, June 13: 10 a.m., 10:45 a.m., 11:30 a.m.
Saturday, June 14: 10 a.m., 10:45 a.m., 11:30 a.m.
There will be a limit of 25 people per tour.
Snyder's of Hanover
1350 York Street,
Hanover, PA 17331
Please note: This experience will show as Campbell's Company on the map below.
Susquehanna National Heritage Area-- River Boat Tours
Come aboard the Chief Uncas, a historic 112-year-old electric power motor yacht, for an unforgettable boat tour experience on the Susquehanna! Discover the history of the Chief Uncas and the Susquehanna River's lasting legacy on this 1-hour signature boat tour! Take in the spectacular river views as SNHA guides you on a journey through the river’s cultural and natural heritage.
Personalize your river adventure with June's special theme tour, Flames Across the Susquehanna, departing from the Zimmerman Center Friday and Sunday at 2pm.
Explore the Susquehanna’s Civil War history as you cruise by the stone piers that once held the world's longest wooden covered bridge that was burned to prevent Confederate militia from crossing.
River Discovery Boat Tours:
Friday, June 13: 12 p.m. and 4 p.m.
Sunday, June 15: 12 p.m. and 4 p.m.
Purchase your tickets using the link below.
Tickets cost $24 for adults and $12 for youth (age 5 - 17). Take advantage of $2 discount for seniors (age 65+). Children (under 5) tickets cost $5.
The Chief Uncas holds 22 passengers.
Purchase Tickets
The Bakery Complex
Be one of the first to get a behind-the-scenes, sneak peek of The Bakery Complex, a 50,000 square foot multi-tenant entertainment complex coming to West York. Explore the ultimate destination and see the transformation before your eyes. You will be able to see the building in its raw state as we are in the midst of constructing everything you've always wanted under one roof.
Friday, June 13: 10:30 a.m., 2 p.m., and 5:30 p.m.
Saturday, June 14: 12 p.m.
Reserve Your Spot:
Learn More About the Bakery Complex
The Handsome Cab
The Handsome Cab is hosting a bourbon tasting where we will taste 4 small batch bourbons with tasting notes for $20.
Friday, June 13: 5:30 p.m.
Tickets are $20 per person. Reservations are required, and can be made via the link below.
Reserve Your Spot
The Prancing Pig
Enjoy a bubble glazing workshop! Bubble glazing in pottery is a decorative technique where soap is added to glaze to create bubbles that leave unique, lace-like patterns on the ceramic surface after firing.
30 minute reservations will be available; 1-6 people per reservation. You can glaze up to two free tiles. Additional tiles available for purchase, max of 6 tiles per person.
Friday, June 13: 12-8 p.m.
Saturday, June 14: 12-8 p.m.
Sunday, June 15: 12-8 p.m.
This is a free event. A credit card is required to hold your reservation, but there will only be a charge if you are a no show.
Reserve Your Spot!
Vision Solutions AR
Experience a guided tour of the Explore York Augmented Reality Trail, with locations including Mural Park, The Yorktowne Hotel, Goodridge Freedom House, City Center, and Colonial Complex.
Attendees will need an iPhone, iPad, or Android device to operate the Vision Solutions AR app as well as the check in on the Explore York Augmented Reality Trail.
Friday, June 13: 1 p.m., 3 p.m., 5 p.m.
Tours begin at 105 S Howard St, York PA 17401.
Learn More About the Augmented Reality Trail
York Architecture Illustrated Walking Tours
Join our Historic Architecture of Royal Square Tour! Step into one of York’s oldest neighborhoods and explore the hidden layers of Royal Square’s built history. This walking tour highlights the district’s evolving architecture - from early 19th-century row homes to industrial-era warehouses - while uncovering the stories of the people, trades, and transformations that shaped it.
Discounted tours available for the Makers Spirit Event!
Friday, June 13: 5 p.m.
Saturday, June 14: 11 a.m.
Sunday, June 15: 11 a.m.
$10 per person, and you can book using the link below.
Tours begin in front of the Yorktowne Hotel.
Book Now
York County Solid Waste Authority
The York County Solid Waste Authority (YCSWA) operates a waste-to-energy facility where all of York county's household waste is responsibly combusted and used as fuel to generate electricity, Get a behind-the-scenes tour of our facility!
Friday, June 13: 10 a.m.
Please call (717) 845-1066 to schedule your visit. Registrants will be emailed specific instructions to access the facility and pertinent information regarding the tour.
Please wear closed-toe shoes for safety purposes.
Learn More About YCSWA
York Glassworks
Enjoy a glass fusing demonstration and workshop!
Friday, June 13: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Demos Only (No RSVP Required)
Saturday, June 14: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Workshop and Demo (RSVP Here)
Sunday, June 15: 12-5 p.m. Workshop and Demo (RSVP Here)
Located inside New York Wire Works:
441 E Market St, York PA 17403
Please note: Demonstrations are free, but workshops require a fee.
Learn More About New York Wire WorksSaturday, June 14, 2025
Barbecue & Brews by Main Street Hanover
Main Street Hanover presents the Barbecue & Brews Stroll, an afternoon filled with craft beer, mouthwatering barbecue, and downtown exploration! Stroll through historic Hanover, enjoy exclusive beer samples, indulge in delicious bites, and experience everything the vibrant downtown has to offer.
Saturday, June 14: 11 a.m.-3 p.m.
The event kicks off from Center Square in Hanover.
Tickets & Inclusions:
- VIP Taster Ticket – $40 -- 10 (3oz) beer samples from participating locations, barbecue appetizers along the route, a commemorative tasting glass, a map of all destinations
- Designated Driver Ticket – $20 -- Barbecue appetizers along the way, soft/non-alcoholic drinks at various stops
Castle Creek Farm
Join us at the Lavender Thyme Faire! Take part in activities throughout the day including craft/plant vendors, demonstrators, farm animals, and informative talks on honeybees, herbs, weed walks, and more. Wagons rides will also be available.
General admittance fee: $8, children under 12 are free.
Some hands on activities (makes&takes) may require additional fees.
Friday and Saturday: 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
More About Castle Creek Farm
Cultural Alliance of York County X Sneakerheadz
Join us for an unforgettable STEAM Sneakerheadz™ Community Workshop hosted by Ky the Chemist and sponsored by the Cultural Alliance. This no-cost, experiential learning workshop is designed for students in grades five through twelve, blending science, creativity, and sneaker culture in one exciting afternoon! Participants will get hands-on as they create and customize their own sneaker cleaners and deodorizers, all while learning the chemistry behind the ingredients, reactions, and everyday materials we often take for granted. All materials will be provided. Expect music, food, and fun—including a surprise live saxophone performance by Surprise Sax!
Saturday, June 14th: 12–3 p.m.
Location: 301 W Market St, York PA 17401
Seats are limited and RSVP is required to participate.
Reserve Your Spot Now
Heartwood Nursery's 16th Annual Serviceberry Festival
Celebrate with us at our family-friendly festival dedicated to the beautiful native Serviceberry tree! It's a great way to learn about this little known tree, explore our groves, and taste this delicious native fruit.
Check out the event schedule!
Friday, June 13: 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Saturday, June 14: 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Serviceberry Festival Event Schedule
Joe StrEat Cafe
Enjoy coffee samples, coffee roasting demonstrations, and learning about our bean-to-cup process!
Coffee roasting demonstrations:
Friday, June 13: 1-2 p.m.
Saturday, June 14: 1-2 p.m.
Coffee samples are available all day throughout Friday and Saturday!
More About Joe StrEat Cafe
Keystone Kidspace
Keystone Kidspace is a STEAM maker space for kids and their grownups. Keystone Kidspace is full of opportunities for kids and their families to create, make, tinker, explore, and play everyday. For the Makers Spirit Event, we will highlight our making opportunities and special activities with the event branding, encouraging visitors to get into the Makers Spirit together!
Our summer hours are Tuesday 4:30-7:30pm and Saturday 10am-5pm.
The special Makers Spirit Event activities will take place on Saturday, June 14 from 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
A day pass to Keystone Kidspace will give you access to all exhibits and interactive experiences for one full day.
Day Passes (Ages 4+): $12.00
Children 3 and under: Free
Purchase Your Day Pass
Northern York County Historical and Preservation Society
Dills Tavern; a living history "museum" featuring historic cooking, Farmers Market, and an 18th century reproduction distillery.
$10 for a tour of the historic Eichelberger Distillery. Reservations are not required, but you can book them online ahead of time.
Dillsburg Farmers Market: Saturdays 8 a.m.-12 p.m.
Book a Tour & Tasting
River Rock Provisions, Home of Half Nuts Popcorn
Come pop with me! Enjoy a behind-the-scenes experience at Half Nuts Popcorn, where you'll witness the art of making our famous Caramel Corn. See our skilled poppers in action as they craft each batch to perfection, and even lend a hand in the popping process.
Space is limited to five people at a time in the kitchen.
Operating Hours:
Friday, June 13: 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
Saturday, June 14: 9 a.m.-6 p.m.
Sunday, June 15: 12-6 p.m.
Learn More!
The Bakery Complex
Be one of the first to get a behind-the-scenes, sneak peek of The Bakery Complex, a 50,000 square foot multi-tenant entertainment complex coming to West York. Explore the ultimate destination and see the transformation before your eyes. You will be able to see the building in its raw state as we are in the midst of constructing everything you've always wanted under one roof.
Friday, June 13: 10:30 a.m., 2 p.m., and 5:30 p.m.
Saturday, June 14: 12 p.m.
Reserve Your Spot:
Learn More About The Bakery Complex
Snyder's of Hanover (SOLD OUT)
Take a catwalk tour of our Hanover plant!
Please wear closed-toe shoes for safety purposes.
Friday, June 13: 10 a.m., 10:45 a.m., 11:30 a.m.
Saturday, June 14: 10 a.m., 10:45 a.m., 11:30 a.m.
There will be a limit of 25 people per tour.
Snyder's of Hanover
1350 York Street,
Hanover, PA 17331
Please note: This experience will show as Campbell's Company on the map below.
The Prancing Pig
Enjoy a bubble glazing workshop! Bubble glazing in pottery is a decorative technique where soap is added to glaze to create bubbles that leave unique, lace-like patterns on the ceramic surface after firing.
30 minute reservations will be available; 1-6 people per reservation. You can glaze up to two free tiles. Additional tiles available for purchase, max of 6 tiles per person.
Friday, June 13: 12-8 p.m.
Saturday, June 14: 12-8 p.m.
Sunday, June 15: 12-8 p.m.
This is a free event. A credit card is required to hold your reservation, but there will only be a charge if you are a no show.
Reserve Your Spot!
The York Merchant X Quite the Stir
We’re excited to join Maker's Spirit Weekend with a 15-minute demo showcasing Gong Fu Cha and our branded teas, from delicate greens to robust blacks. This engaging session will celebrate tea’s rich flavors and traditions. We'll provide all equipment and educational materials!
Saturday, June 14: 11 a.m.-2 p.m. (15 minute demo every half hour)
Learn More About Quite the Stir
York Architecture Illustrated Walking Tours
Join our Historic Architecture of Royal Square Tour! Step into one of York’s oldest neighborhoods and explore the hidden layers of Royal Square’s built history. This walking tour highlights the district’s evolving architecture - from early 19th-century row homes to industrial-era warehouses - while uncovering the stories of the people, trades, and transformations that shaped it.
Discounted tours available for the Makers Spirit Event!
Friday, June 13: 5 p.m.
Saturday, June 14: 11 a.m.
Sunday, June 15: 11 a.m.
$10 per person, and you can book using the link below.
Tours begin in front of the Yorktowne Hotel.
Book Now
York Glassworks
Enjoy a glass fusing demonstration and workshop!
Friday, June 13: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Demos Only (No RSVP Required)
Saturday, June 14: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Workshop and Demo (RSVP Here)
Sunday, June 15: 12-5 p.m. Workshop and Demo (RSVP Here)
Located inside New York Wire Works:
441 E Market St, York PA 17403
Please note: Demonstrations are free, but workshops require a fee.
Learn More About New York Wire Works
York Revolution
Go beyond the ballpark with an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour of WellSpan Park, home of the Atlantic League Champions, the York Revolution! Explore areas fans rarely see, and top it all off with a once-in-a-lifetime photo opportunity alongside the Atlantic League Championship Trophy. Don’t miss your chance to experience the thrill from the inside!
Meet up at the main gate.
Learn More About the RevsSunday, June 15, 2025
Mark & Val Wines
Enjoy a wine making demonstration!
Friday, June 13: 6-8 p.m.
Sunday, June 15: 4-6 p.m.
40 attendees permitted at each demonstration.
Learn More About Mark & Val Wines
River Rock Provisions, Home of Half Nuts Popcorn
Come pop with me! Enjoy a behind-the-scenes experience at Half Nuts Popcorn, where you'll witness the art of making our famous Caramel Corn. See our skilled poppers in action as they craft each batch to perfection, and even lend a hand in the popping process.
Space is limited to five people at a time in the kitchen.
Operating Hours:
Friday, June 13: 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
Saturday, June 14: 9 a.m.-6 p.m.
Sunday, June 15: 12-6 p.m.
Learn More!
Susquehanna National Heritage Area-- River Boat Tours
Come aboard the Chief Uncas, a historic 112-year-old electric power motor yacht, for an unforgettable boat tour experience on the Susquehanna! Discover the history of the Chief Uncas and the Susquehanna River's lasting legacy on this 1-hour signature boat tour! Take in the spectacular river views as SNHA guides you on a journey through the river’s cultural and natural heritage.
Personalize your river adventure with June's special theme tour, Flames Across the Susquehanna, departing from the Zimmerman Center Friday and Sunday at 2pm.
Explore the Susquehanna’s Civil War history as you cruise by the stone piers that once held the world's longest wooden covered bridge that was burned to prevent Confederate militia from crossing.
River Discovery Boat Tours:
Friday, June 13: 12 p.m. and 4 p.m.
Sunday, June 15: 12 p.m. and 4 p.m.
Purchase your tickets using the link below.
Tickets cost $24 for adults and $12 for youth (age 5 - 17). Take advantage of $2 discount for seniors (age 65+). Children (under 5) tickets cost $5.
The Chief Uncas holds 22 passengers.
Purchase Tickets
The Handsome Cab
Join us for Sunday School as we learn about wines and wine regions.
With 20 wines on tap, The Handsome Cab has white, rose, and red wines from all over the world including France, Italy, Spain, Argentina, and California just to name a few.
Sunday, June 15: 1:30 p.m.
Tickets are $15, and you can taste 4 wines from our wine tap system. We'll review the wines and discuss the region & characteristics of each one.
To reserve your spot, please call (717) 793-2413.
Learn More About The Handsome Cab
The Prancing Pig
Enjoy a bubble glazing workshop! Bubble glazing in pottery is a decorative technique where soap is added to glaze to create bubbles that leave unique, lace-like patterns on the ceramic surface after firing.
30 minute reservations will be available; 1-6 people per reservation. You can glaze up to two free tiles. Additional tiles available for purchase, max of 6 tiles per person.
Friday, June 13: 12-8 p.m.
Saturday, June 14: 12-8 p.m.
Sunday, June 15: 12-8 p.m.
This is a free event. A credit card is required to hold your reservation, but there will only be a charge if you are a no show.
Reserve Your Spot!
York Architecture Illustrated Walking Tours
Join our Historic Architecture of Royal Square Tour! Step into one of York’s oldest neighborhoods and explore the hidden layers of Royal Square’s built history. This walking tour highlights the district’s evolving architecture - from early 19th-century row homes to industrial-era warehouses - while uncovering the stories of the people, trades, and transformations that shaped it.
Discounted tours available for the Makers Spirit Event!
Friday, June 13: 5 p.m.
Saturday, June 14: 11 a.m.
Sunday, June 15: 11 a.m.
$10 per person, and you can book using the link below.
Tours begin in front of the Yorktowne Hotel.
Book Now
York Fresh Food Farms
Join us for a tour of the farm with demonstrations and opportunities to participate in some farm or market prep work! Help us with harvesting, weeding, trimming, cleaning, or weighing fruits and vegetables!
Closed toe shoes are required for this visit.
This event is free.
Sunday, June 15: 12-2:30 p.m.
No reservations required.
Learn More About the Farms
York Glassworks
Enjoy a glass fusing demonstration and workshop!
Friday, June 13: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Demos Only (No RSVP Required)
Saturday, June 14: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Workshop and Demo (RSVP Here)
Sunday, June 15: 12-5 p.m. Workshop and Demo (RSVP Here)
Located inside New York Wire Works:
441 E Market St, York PA 17403
Please note: Demonstrations are free, but workshops require a fee.
Learn More About New York Wire Works
