End summer on a high note with family-friendly adventures that won’t cost a penny!
August feels like summer’s last stand, a rousing finale to the long hot days and late sunsets. But, the fun’s not over yet. If you’re a local seeking a creative staycation or a road tripper in search of a quick getaway; whether you have a few hours or a couple days, soak in the last days of summer and ease into autumn with these adventures in York County, PA that we selected with Black travelers in mind.
Even better, they’re family-friendly and they’re all free!
Stroll the Gear Garden in Foundry Park
The Gear Garden located in the WeCo District of downtown York, PA and waterside to the Codorus Creek is a magical garden of colorful “flowers” made from recycled gears, sprockets and other industrial artifacts, all from York County industries. Kids of all ages love to play among the metal, mechanical blooms. And the best part, they never fade. Additional art pieces are found throughout the park.
The Gear Garden is located in Foundry Park on W. Philadelphia Street, between Pershing Avenue. and Newberry Street.
https://www.york365.com/public-art/gear-garden-in-foundry-park/
Celebrate York County, Pennsylvania’s 275th Anniversary
On August 19th, York County, PA celebrates its 275th anniversary. Take a trip through time and history with the York County History Passport Program! Through September 1st, students (18 and under) can visit participating history sites throughout York County to learn about York’s rich history, including famous figures in Black history like Julia Johnson who was active in York County’s Underground Railroad. Collect stamps in your passport and enter to win exciting prizes. The more passport stamps you collect, the higher your chances of winning prizes!
Visit the website for more details: https://www.yorkhistorycenter.org/event/history-passport
Penn Park Children’s Play Garden
Cool off in the Splash Pad and enjoy the wide-open spaces at Penn Park Children’s Play Garden, a favorite gathering spot for locals. While you’re there, don’t miss the significance of this historic park. Over the years, it has been a gathering place for all type of occasions, including demonstrations and protests in the 1960s. In a most difficult moment, an incident of police firing over the heads of Black youths assembled there sparked racial unrest in 1968.
Read more about the history of Penn Park in this article by author Jim McClure, featuring historian Jeff Kirkland: https://www.ydr.com/story/opinion/2023/09/13/york-pa-s-penn-park-was-heartbeat-of-the-city-it-can-be-again/70830933007/
Penn Park is located at 100 West College Avenue in York, PA. 17401.
The Right to Read
The Right to Read is a documentary film that shares the stories of an activist, a teacher and two American families who fight to provide the youngest generation with the most foundational indicator of life-long success: the ability to read. Directed by Jenny Mackenzie with LeVar Burton as an Executive Producer, this documentary reinforces the importance of literacy as a civil right and advances the growing movement to use evidence-based approaches to literacy instruction in classrooms across the U.S.
Hosted on August 23 at 6:30 p.m. at The Appell Center for the Performing Arts. This is a free film screening and panel discussion presented by the NAACP York County Branch. Stay after the film for an engaging panel discussion.
Visit the website for more event details: https://appellcenter.org/show/the-right-to-read-film-screening-panel-discussion/
Royal Square Mural Walk
From colorful and whimsical to murals with a social message, the Royal Square Mural Walk includes 30 larger-than-life murals in a one-block radius, so it’s an easy walk, bike or drive. Mural artists represent diverse backgrounds and perspectives, which adds to the richness of the experience. Perfect for all ages.
Visit the website to get your self-guided tour map and start your adventure! https://www.royalsquaredistrict.com/murals
Poetry Spoken Here
All voices are welcome! Step up to the mic and read your poetry, or sit back and take in local writers sharing their words. If you would like to read your works, contact Carol Clark Williams at lucybeanstalk@verizon.net or sign up at the event.
Presented by Creative York on August 24; 3-5 p.m. Creative York is located at 10 N. Beaver Street, York, PA 17401
Visit the website for more details: https://creativeyork.org/events/yorkartsweek/
York Arts Week Chalk Walk, August 24-25, 2024
Chalk Walk is an exciting event designed to celebrate the creativity of artists and promote the importance of public art. The sidewalks of downtown York become an artist’s canvas and a place for the audience to watch works of art being created. Murals will be located in Downtown York on West Market Street between Beaver Street and Pershing Avenue.
Visit the website for hours and more information: https://www.york365.com/event/chalk-walk-2024/
African American First Friday
This celebration of African American culture and community has become a favorite pastime for locals and visitors alike. Held in historic Penn Park, located in the heart of York City, PA, you’ll be drawn into a welcoming environment of live music and entertainment, food, games, dance, and more – it feels like an invite to the family cookout. Don’t miss the last First Friday event of the summer on September 6, 5 p.m. – 8 p.m. Penn Park is located at 100 West College Avenue in York, PA. 17401.
Visit the Facebook page for more details on featured entertainment and activities: https://www.facebook.com/AAFFsYC717
Latin Music Festival, September 14, 2024
No better way to end the summer on a high note and kick off Hispanic Heritage Month than with the Latin Music Festival! From traditional dishes to modern interpretations, the food trucks and vendors promise a culinary journey like no other. Join in this lively celebration of Latin culture, where every second holds a cultural experience and every bite tells a story.
The event will be held 10 a.m.-9 p.m. at Penn Park, located at 100 West College Avenue in York, PA. 17401.
Check the Facebook event page for more details: https://www.facebook.com/events/824880659450652/