York, PA

Local Events

Reenactments, heritage festivals, and living history programs — experience the Revolution where it happened.

Upcoming This Year

Sep

ReenactmentFeatured

Colonial Court Day at the York Colonial Courthouse

York County Colonial Court House, York, PA

Annual living history program at the reconstructed Colonial Court House where the Continental Congress met in 1777-1778. Costumed interpreters portray delegates debating the Articles of Confederation and the French Alliance, with guided tours and period demonstrations bringing York's role as the first capital to life.

Varies; check with venueTypically held on or near September 30 to mark the anniversary of Congress's arrival in York; contact York County History Center to confirm exact dates.More info →

May

Ceremony

French Alliance Day Celebration

York County Colonial Court House and Gates House, York, PA

Commemoration of the Continental Congress's ratification of the Treaty of Alliance with France on May 4, 1778, while meeting in York. The event features historical lectures, reenactors portraying French and American diplomats and soldiers, and a recreation of the public celebration that took place in York's streets when the alliance was announced.

Varies; check with venueHeld on or near May 4; contact York County History Center to confirm as this may be incorporated into broader spring programming.

May

Guided Tour

Historic York Walking Tours — Revolutionary Capital Tour

York County History Center campus and downtown York historic district

Guided walking tours through downtown York's historic district visiting key Revolutionary War sites including the Colonial Court House, Gates House (where Lafayette met with members of Congress), and the Golden Plough Tavern. Tours are offered seasonally and cover the nine months when York served as the capital of the United States.

Varies; check with venueOffered seasonally, typically spring through fall (May–October); contact York County History Center for current schedule.More info →

Jul

Festival

Fourth of July Celebration at York County History Center

York County History Center, York, PA

Independence Day programming at the York County History Center campus, including guided tours of the Colonial Court House, Gates House, and Golden Plough Tavern. Features costumed interpreters, readings of the Declaration of Independence, and family-friendly activities highlighting York's Revolutionary War heritage.

Varies; check with venueJuly 4th or nearest weekend; contact York County History Center to confirm dates.More info →

Nov

Ceremony

Articles of Confederation Anniversary Program

York County Colonial Court House, York, PA

Special commemorative program marking the adoption of the Articles of Confederation on November 15, 1777, at the York Colonial Court House. Includes lectures by historians, living history presentations of the congressional debates, and exhibits on the significance of America's first governing document.

Varies; check with venueHeld on or near November 15; contact York County History Center to confirm scheduling as this may not occur every year.