Name: 51st Annual Fall Oyster Festival
Start: 2025-10-19T11:00:00-04:00
End: 2025-10-19T16:00:00-04:00
Location: Colonial Complex

Thank you to all who helped celebrate the historical connection of oysters to colonial York while supporting this major History Center fundraiser

When

Sun, Oct 19, 2025
11:00 am - 4:00 pm

Location

Colonial Complex

Cost

Free admission. Food and beverages are pay as you go.

Thank you to all who sponsored, donated, supported, and volunteered to make the Fall Oyster Festival ’25 the most successful ever! Together, we raised almost $90,000 to preserve and protect York County History. If you attended, please complete the event survey here for a chance to win a $25 Visa gift card if submitted before 11:59 p.m., Friday, October 24.

It was a gorgeous autumn day with history-infused family fun, live entertainment and, of course, lots of favorite fall foods, from apple fritters and pork barbecue to (of course!) oysters — raw, fried and in a stew. All proceeds benefit the York County History Center.

Why oysters at a York Festival? In 1964, an archaeological dig at the Golden Plough Tavern uncovered oyster shells—proof that these tasty bivalves were part of York’s culinary scene as far back as the 1800s. What started as a quirky nod to history quickly turned into an annual celebration: the now-beloved Oyster Festival, where community, food, music, and York County pride come together in one unforgettable day. Don’t let the name fool you – there’s something on the menu for every discerning palette!

Funds raised from the Oyster Festival support the History Center all year long, so more than 20,000 visitors each year can discover York County’s unique story in meaningful and memorable ways.

Save the Date: Sunday, October 18, 2026!

Questions? Interested in next year? Contact Amy Serafino, CFRE, Vice President of Advancement, aserafino@yorkhistorycenter.org; 717/848-1587 x227

Location

: Colonial Complex
: 157 W. Market St.
York, PA 17401 United States + Google Map

Oyster Fest Menu

All food is “pay as you eat” – grab only what catches your eye! And we’ll have a lot to catch your eye (and your appetite)! Sandwiches and platters range between $5 and $10. Adult beverages are around $5. Expect to pay around $20 for lunch, a drink and dessert.

Juicy pulled pork and creamy mac & cheese
Chicken corn soup and grilled brats, two York County favorites
Decadent desserts to satisfy your sweet tooth, from Friends of the History Center
Crispy apple fritters (still warm!), with apples from Flinchbaugh Orchards
And YES, oysters galore – fried, stewed, or “nude” (au naturel!), from Henry’s Seafood

Plus These Crowd Favorites: Farm Show milkshakes • Ice-cold beer • Refreshing soft drinks • Gnawjaw Bacon on a Stick • And so much more!