Articles of Confederation Day set for Nov. 15

Step into 1777. Articles of Confederation Day, Nov. 15 at York’s Colonial Complex. Hands-on history, live reenactments, 18th century market. Celebrate the events in York where America became a nation.
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51st Annual Fall Oyster Festival

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.
image showing Oyster Festival 2025 logo surrounded by photos from past Oyster Festival events

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

a photo of raw oysters on a tray

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!

Seafood

Raw oysters
Fried oyster sandwiches
Oyster stew
Crab cake sandwiches

Sandwiches, soups and sides

Mac and cheese
Pulled pork sandwiches
Chicken corn soup
Hot dogs
Bratworst
Apple sauce
Coleslaw
Sauerkraut
Apple fritters

 

Photos from the 2025 Oyster Fest

Presenting Pearl Sponsors

Friends of the History Center logo
Lisa Fast
Coni Wolf

Heritage Half Shell Sponsors

Barley Snyder LLC
George Rew, in memory of Laura Lee Rettman-Rew
Kinsley Enterprises Inc.