YorkFest has been canceled again, so artists and business owners created their own event

Angel Albring
York Daily Record

After YorkFest, a decades-long arts event typically held in August, was canceled for a second time in three years, local business owners and artists decided to create a replacement event.

York Arts Week, a week-long, citywide event celebrating the cultural richness of York's creative community, will be held in place of YorkFest this year, according to a news release.

The event, organized by a collection of local businesses and organizations, will be held from Saturday, Aug. 20 to Saturday, Aug. 27, with events occurring all around downtown York.

“Once we learned that YorkFest is not happening this year, a group of local businesses and arts organizations came together to create an event that complements and highlights our thriving arts community,” said Jessica Weikert, event organizer and owner of Revolt Style Studio. “The goal of York Arts Week is to increase awareness of the robust artistic community that exists in and around our city, as well as celebrates all the wonderful things these organizations and creators are doing for our city.”

Jessica Weikert, owner of Revolt Style Studio at 24 N. Beaver Street.

According to Mayor Michael Helfrich, York city does not produce its own events, and there is no formal event committee.

During Arts Week, more than 35 performances, exhibits, workshops, concerts, tours, and other events will take place at over 25 venues throughout York City, according to the release.

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Some of the events include:

  • The 12th annual PA Cigar Box Guitar Festival
  • 3rd seasonal DreamWrights Block Party
  • Royal Square District Gallery Crawl
  • Downtown Chalk Walk
  • Artist studio tours
  • Walking tours
  • Classes and workshops
  • Live performances
  • Gallery shows

There will also be several activities for children throughout the week, including the Orchestra Petting Zoo at The Curious Little Playhouse and WITF’s “Ready, Set, Explore!” with a Daniel Tiger meet and greet.

A complete list of the events planned during York Arts Week can be found at yorkartsweek.com. Regular updates will be posted on the York Arts Week Facebook and Instagram.

More information will be released closer to the event date.