Adopt a puppy, go to dance party at April First Friday
Spring has sprung.
The days are getting longer, the temperature is getting warmer and now that April is almost here, the new season is all the more reason to visit downtown York – especially for First Friday.
From 5 to 9 p.m. April 1, participating downtown restaurants and businesses will offer special discounts, activities and entertainment related to this month’s “spring fling” theme.
The evening will include dance parties, free beer samples, children’s activities, adoptable puppies and more.
Note: South Duke Street between Princess and King St. and the unit block of North Beaver Street will be closed to vehicle traffic from 4:30 to 9 p.m.
Here are some of the First Friday highlights.
A spring awakening
“Spring Awakening,” inspired by the Broadway musical, will pay a visit to the Royal Square District for live musical performances from the YMCA Temple Guard, Weary Arts Group and more. Free popcorn will be provided.
Art and literature
While in Royal Square, check out the opening reception for the “Pulped Fictions” exhibit at Hive Artspace, 126 E. King St. The exhibit will feature works relating to books in subject, format, materials or inspiration.
For the kids
Bring your little ones to Creative York West, 118 W. Philadelphia St., for an interactive art activity from 4 to 9 p.m.
Then, stop by York Academy, 28 W. North St., for open play on the playground from 6 to 8 p.m.
Adopt a puppy
If you’re a dog lover, save some time to play with adoptable dogs and puppies from PA Caring for K-9’s at My Girlfriend’s Wardrobe, 41 W. Market St. You might even leave with a new family member.
Beer samples
No matter where you end up on your First Friday route, there’s a good chance you’ll be able to find some free beer samples nearby. Tastings will be available at the following locations, courtesy of The Beer Ace and Brewery Products.
The Beer Ace:
Foster’s Flower Shop, 27 N. Beaver St.
The Watchmaker’s Daughter, 22 N. Beaver St.
York City Pretzel Company, 39 W. Market St.
Baron Von Schwein, 35 W. Market St.
Hive Artspace, 126 E. King St.
56 Urban Provisions, 56 S. Duke St.
Redeux, 113 S. Duke St.
The Parliament Arts Organization, 116 E. King St.
Didi and Smiling John’s Barber Shop and Salon, 119 S. Duke St.
Kimman’s Co., 57 N. Beaver St.
Creative York, 10 N. Beaver St.
CoWork155, 155 W. Market St.
DiCarlo’s Pizza, 24 N. George St.
Brewery Products:
Tutoni’s, 108 N. George St.
Nuts About Granola, 46 W. Philadelphia St.
First Capital Dispensing Company, 57 N. Pershing Ave.
BrewVino, 251 N. George St.
White Rose Bar and Grill, 48 N. Beaver St.
See ‘Indiana Jones’
Let the First Friday fun continue with a showing of “Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom” as part of York’s Capitol Theatre’s new film series, featuring independent, silent and classic films and documentaries. The $7 movie begins at 9 p.m. at 50 N. George St. and includes a performance of The Mighty Wurlitzer organ at 8:30 p.m. Snacks, beer and wine will be available.
Dance the night away
If you love dancing, Creative York might be the perfect place to end your evening. In addition to a new ceramics exhibition on display in the Kerlin Gallery and a digital class demo in the Project Space, Creative York will host the Folklórico San José dance group from Hanover outside the shop at 10 N. Beaver St. at 7 p.m. Then, head inside for a digital dance party with DJ/VJ duo Aortic Valve in the gallery from 8 to 10 p.m.
Tutoni’s, 108 N. George St., will also host an evening of dancing and drinking at their First Friday after-party at the Supper Club, an after-hours club that opens at 9 p.m. You’ll enjoy music from DJ Cashmire and $5 house punch all night.