New flavors, a Kids Corral and shorter lines: The 52nd annual festival returns Oct. 18
You shared your feedback, and we listened! The 52nd Annual Fall Oyster Festival, presented by White Rose Bar & Grill, returns Sunday, Oct. 18, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. with new flavors, more family fun and improvements to help you spend more time enjoying the day. Join us at the Colonial Complex on Pershing Avenue between Market and Philadelphia streets in historic downtown York. Admission to the festival is FREE, as is access to the museum, with food, beverages and merchandise available around the Colonial Complex grounds. Whether this is your 52nd year attending or your first, we’re excited to welcome you!
Come hungry for oysters and plenty of delicious new options! And yes, we offer more than just oysters! This year’s expanded menu includes Maryland crab soup from White Rose Bar & Grill, salads from Wired Chef, fries, fish and chips, and pulled pork and mac and cheese from Susie Ques. The beverage lineup features Yuengling Oktoberfest, Yuengling Flight, New Trail Broken Heels, New Trail The Raven and Wyndridge Caramel Apple Cider, plus Ultra Zero NA as a nonalcoholic option. And yes, Oyster Shooters – with Holla Vodka! Whether you’re an oyster enthusiast, foodie, or joining friends and family for a fall outing, there’s plenty to tempt your taste buds.
Bring the kids to explore the new Kids Corral, featuring the Shear Heaven alpaca petting zoo and activities offered by organizations including York Art Association, Creative York and Keystone Kidspace. We have a great live music line up all day, including the returning crowd favorite, Crossing Abbey Road. Browse more than 25 vendors and artisans in the Golden Plough Marketplace and shop our new festival merchandise benefiting the History Center, including beanie style winter hats, T-shirts, keychains and stickers! Make time for history, too, with free admission to the History Center, short Lightning Talks throughout the day and free timed tours of the Gates House and Plough Tavern. Visit the festival website for the full Kids Corral activities and schedule of events.
We’ve also made changes to help your day run mo
e smoothly. An improved festival layout, clearer signage and more efficient food lines, ordering and fulfillment operations, will help you find your way and get back to the fun sooner. Convenient, easy to find luxury portable restrooms offer added comfort, while updated credit card systems make checkout faster, all supported by a team of 100 volunteers will help keep the festivities moving. Whether you’re young or young at heart, this event is ready to accommodate you and make it a great day.
Thanks to our generous sponsors, including Presenting Sponsor White Rose Bar & Grill, this year’s festival brings even more ways to enjoy a fall day in downtown York while supporting local history. Proceeds benefit the York County History Center, helping care for artifacts, maintain historic sites and provide free and affordable programming throughout the year. Gather your friends and family, bring your appetite and join us for a day of food, discovery and community!
