October #FFYork: Trick-or-treat, horror films and more Halloween fun

If you go

What: First Friday (Eat, Drink and Be Scary)

When: 5 to 9 p.m. Friday, Oct. 2

Where: Participating locations in downtown York

Parking: Street parking and the Market Street, Philadelphia Street and King Street garages are free after 5 p.m.

More information: Visit downtownyorkpa.com for a complete list of First Friday events.

Update

Due to the weather, the hayrides and other outdoor activities have been cancelled for First Friday, according to Downtown Inc. director of marketing Meagan Feeser.

Trick-or-treating will still go on as scheduled, but it will take place inside participating locations throughout Royal Square, she said.

Previously reported

Oct. 31 is still a month away, but downtown York is already in full Halloween mode.

Dozens of downtown restaurants and businesses will celebrate the holiday with Halloween-themed foods, pumpkin beer, costume contests, trick-or-treating and more at October's First Friday.

Participating locations will have extended hours and offer special deals or activities at the event, themed "Eat, Drink and Be Scary."

While you're downtown enjoying the fun, don't forget to use the hashtag #FFYork.

Here are some of the top attractions you won't want to miss.

Taste spooky snacks/drinks

It's never too early to start celebrating Halloween. Put on your best costume and stop by the Offcenter Grille at the Yorktowne Hotel, 48 E. Market St., for $5 Halloween cocktails, $3 New Belgium Pumpkick drafts and a $10 three-course tasting of Halloween-themed foods. The best dressed couple wins a romance package.

>> More fall food/drinks: 'Tis the season for all things pumpkin spice. Pick up a pumpkin spice latte from Cherie Anne, 48 W. Philadelphia St. before making your way to WellSpan's display on Beaver Street. WellSpan's executive chef and dietitians will hand out nutritious fall recipes and samples. Then, enjoy fall cocktails and an appetizer while checking out the new fall clothing at Sweet Melissa's Dream, 38 N. Beaver St.

Go for a hayride

Climb aboard a free hayride, sponsored by Brown's Orchard and Farm Market, from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Pick-up and drop-off is at 31 N. Pershing Ave. While you're in the area, check out this month's exhibitors on Beaver Street, including Sendmenote, Making Strides Against Breast Cancer, Shipley Energy and Brewery Products, which is kicking off its "Budmen for Boobies" campaign this month.

See a horror film

If a hayride just doesn't do it for you, head to Euphoria Tattoo Emporium, 102 N. George St., York, for some spooky Halloween fun. The tattoo parlor will feature vintage horror films throughout the evening. Snacks and drinks will also be provided.

Trick-or-Treat

Trick-or-treating isn't just for the kids. Break out those pumpkin baskets and Halloween costumes and grab a treat from participating shops in Royal Square from 6 to 7 p.m. Then, stick around for a costume contest and parade for children, adults and pets at 7 p.m. Live music from Ben & Joe and Halloween crafts will also be available.

>> Also in Royal Square: Grab some spooky snacks from Redeux, 113 S. Duke St.; taste the new fall Snickerdoodle Cookie bubble tea flavor at The Parliament, 116 E. King St.; check out the new "Spooky Art Show" exhibit at Hive Artspace, 126 E. King St.; and pick up some spooky art supplies from Prime Art Supply, 128 E. King St, to finish off your Halloween costume.

Decorate your witch hat

Wear your witch hat downtown Friday, and Foster's Flower Shop, 27 N. Beaver St., will adorn it with a flower. Don't have a witch hat? No problem. Learn to make a fresh flower crown instead.

More things to check out:

Swing dancing: Take a lesson for beginners at 7:45 p.m. or 8:30 p.m. in various swing styles before the dance kicks off from 9:15 p.m. to midnight at York Social Dance Studio, 324 W. Market St.

Ceramic painting: Paint a seasonal ceramic, munch on apples and pretzels from York Pretzel Co. and listen to in-house piano music at Rich Reilly Attorney at Law, 54 N. Duke St.

Foreign art: Also at Rich Reilly's you'll find works by Spanish painter Joaquin Montes Robledo and York artist Paul Kicklighter. Then, check out an exhibit by Puerto Rican artist Valentin Acosta Velasquez at Art & Framing Warehouse, 147 W. Philadelphia St. Proceeds from painting sales will benefit Velasquez's charity for low-income children in the Dominican Republic.

Puppies: Play with adoptable pups while shopping at My Girlfriend's Wardrobe, 41 W. Market St.

Have a beer

The following locations will offer beer samples from The Beer Ace:

Euphoria Tattoo Emporium (102 N. George St., York)

Baron Von Schwein (35 W. Market St., York)

York City Pretzel (39 W. Market St., York)

Sunrise Soap Co. (29 N. Beaver St., York)

Elizabeth & West (15 N. Beaver St., York)

Ironic (256 W. Philadelphia St., York)

56 Urban Provisions (56 S. Duke St., York)

Redeux (113 S. Duke St., York)

Alfano's Downtown Stylists (51 W. Market St., York)

Foster's Flower Shop (27 N. Beaver St., York)

Hive Artspace (126 E. King St., York)

The Parliament (116 E. King St., York)

Bair's Fried Chicken (Central Market House, 34 W. Philadelphia St., York)