---
title: Special Events
description: Special events sponsored by the Town of York and York Parks and Rec
---
[Skip to content](https://www.yorkparksandrec.org/special-events#main-content)
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- Programs
- [Youth](https://www.yorkparksandrec.org/youth-programs)
- [Teen (The Action)](https://www.yorkparksandrec.org/the-action)
- [Adult](https://www.yorkparksandrec.org/adult-programs)
- [Clubs](https://www.yorkparksandrec.org/clubs)
- [Outdoors](https://www.yorkparksandrec.org/outdoor-programs)
- [Special Events](https://www.yorkparksandrec.org/special-events)
- [Nubble Light House](https://www.yorkparksandrec.org/nubble-light-house)
- [Center for Active Living](https://www.yorkparksandrec.org/center-for-active-living)
- [Parks and Places](https://www.yorkparksandrec.org/parks-and-places)
- [Beaches](https://www.yorkparksandrec.org/beaches)
- [York Ocean Rescue](https://www.yorkparksandrec.org/york-ocean-rescue)
- [Community Calendar](https://www.yorkparksandrec.org/communityeventcalendar)
- [Facility Calendar](https://www.yorkparksandrec.org/facility-calendar)
- [Community Center](https://www.yorkparksandrec.org/community-center)
[Skip to content](https://www.yorkparksandrec.org/special-events#main-content)
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Programs
- Programs
- [Youth](https://www.yorkparksandrec.org/youth-programs)
- [Teen (The Action)](https://www.yorkparksandrec.org/the-action)
- [Adult](https://www.yorkparksandrec.org/adult-programs)
- [Clubs](https://www.yorkparksandrec.org/clubs)
- [Outdoors](https://www.yorkparksandrec.org/outdoor-programs)
- [Special Events](https://www.yorkparksandrec.org/special-events)
- [Nubble Light House](https://www.yorkparksandrec.org/nubble-light-house)
- [Center for Active Living](https://www.yorkparksandrec.org/center-for-active-living)
- [Parks and Places](https://www.yorkparksandrec.org/parks-and-places)
- [Beaches](https://www.yorkparksandrec.org/beaches)
- [York Ocean Rescue](https://www.yorkparksandrec.org/york-ocean-rescue)
- [Community Calendar](https://www.yorkparksandrec.org/communityeventcalendar)
- [Facility Calendar](https://www.yorkparksandrec.org/facility-calendar)
- [Community Center](https://www.yorkparksandrec.org/community-center)
# Special Events
## Upcoming Events!
Would you like to support a local community event as a sponsor? Find out more by clicking here!
[Sponsor an Event!](https://www.yorkparksandrec.org/event-sponsorship?hsLang=en)
### COMMUNITY EVENTS
Check out our exciting lineup of community events! Join us throughout the year for a variety of fun and engaging activities that cater to all interests and ages. Don't miss out on these opportunities to connect with your neighbors and make lasting memories together. Mark your calendars and get ready to experience the best of what our community has to offer!
### **Festival of Frights Parade with “Trunk or Treat”**
###### **Friday, October 23rd Short Sands Ellis Park - Ocean Ave.**
The York Parks & Recreation Department, with special help from the York Police Department and the Center for Active Living, is pleased to host this Halloween event to be held October 23rd at Short Sands. The event will consist of a Halloween costume parade that begins at Short Sands basketball courts at 4:30pm and finishes at the Center for Active Living, 36 Main Street. **If you’d like to be in the parade, please line up at Short Sands Basketball Courts no later than 4:15pm.** Following the parade portion of the event there will be a “Trunk or Treat” for all participants to get some candy and treats at the Center for Active Living. Get those costumes ready and join us for a night of fun!
If you or your business would like to host a trunk on our Trunk or Treat, you can fill this form out to be a part of our event!
**ONLY FOR TRUNKS - Participants do not need to register.**
[Register a Trunk Here](https://share.hsforms.com/127LN0CVITva-DVoyX5Bl2wqp05f)
### **Polar Express 2026**
###### **December 2nd - December 4th Woody's Brick Oven Pizza 11 Railroad Ave, York, ME 03909**
'Twas the night before the Parade…and The Polar Express is coming to town!
Add this staple to your holiday celebrations by joining us in your pajamas for this Polar Express Event. Your evening begins with a “trolley express” ride through scenic York Beach. We’ll venture to the Nubble Lighthouse to view its spectacular Christmas Lights. The backdrop of the Lighted Nubble is the perfect spot for the telling of the classic Chris Van Allsburg story THE POLAR EXPRESS. Upon our return, we invite you to join us in the warm and cozy Woody’s Brick Oven Pizza for some of Santa’s favorites, hot chocolate and cookies. We might even be lucky enough to have a visitor join us (hint: he’ll be dressed in red!). This is an evening your family won’t want to miss; maybe you’ll even be chosen to receive the first gift of Christmas!
***DUE TO SPACE RESTRICTIONS, YORK RESIDENTS ONLY PLEASE!***
Special thanks to Williams Realty Partners for the generous use of their trolley, Wally as our polar express, and to Woody’s Brick Oven Pizza for their hospitality and amazing cookies!
[Register Here](https://secure.rec1.com/ME/york-parks-recreation/catalog/index/905064c1aba49e2f7b8acd2a4c51c52b?filter=c2VhcmNoPXBvbGFyJTIwZXhwcmVzcw==)
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### **Festival of Lights Holiday Parade**
###### **December 5th, 2026 York Village**
Join us in celebrating York's Holiday Season with the Festival of Lights Parade. The parade starts promptly at 4:30pm on Saturday, December 5th. All are welcome! We would like to encourage the businesses in York to get involved in this community parade. What a great way to advertise your business and at the same time join in the spirit of the holidays and be involved in your community! You never know, a friendly competitive spirit could put a ***Best Business*** banner on your float this year! Other honors include ***Best Use of Music, Best Lights, Best Children’s Float* and *Most Magical*.**
**Thank you to York Police Department for their support of this event which would be impossible without them!**
[Register Here](https://share.hsforms.com/1sQ5VEsodTE2gAluzsKl0nQqp05f)
### **Festival of Lights Holiday Concert**
###### **December 12th, 2026 York Community Auditorium**
Join York Parks and Recreation for our Winter Community Concert, the festive finale of the Festival of Lights! We’re thrilled to welcome back the Seacoast Wind Ensemble for an evening of holiday favorites that will fill the York Community Auditorium with seasonal cheer.
The Seacoast Wind Ensemble is a long-standing community concert band made up of talented local musicians from across the Seacoast region. Known for their lively and polished performances, they bring a mix of classic holiday tunes, seasonal favorites, and crowd-pleasing arrangements that are perfect for audiences of all ages.
Tickets are $5 per person. Come celebrate the season with great music and good company!
[Register Here](https://secure.rec1.com/ME/york-parks-recreation/catalog?filter=c2VhcmNoPTQ1MjY5ODA=)
### **Sweetheart Ball 2027**
###### **Thursday, February 4th The Meeting House at the Union Bluff 8 Beach Street, York Beach, ME 03909**
Treat your child to the Annual Sweetheart Ball, a festive evening of dressing up and dancing. A photo area will be set up, complete with fun accessories. This semi-formal event will include family friendly music, dancing, and light refreshments. Space is limited and pre-registration is a must for this event, we suggest registering early as we anticipate a sellout again this year!
This event is for York Residents only and all guests MUST be pre-registered.
**A huge thank you to the Union Bluff Meeting House for hosting us again this year!**
[Register Here](https://secure.rec1.com/ME/york-parks-recreation/catalog/index/905064c1aba49e2f7b8acd2a4c51c52b?filter=c2VhcmNoPXN3ZWV0aGVhcnQ=)
### ROAD RACES
Listed below in the following order:
- Big A 50K (May)
- York Hospital 5k (June)
- Four on the 4th (July)
- York Days 5K (August)
- Mt. A Trail Challenge 5K/1 Mile (September)
### Big A 50k
[**Register Here!**](https://runsignup.com/Race/ME/York/BigA50K)
**[For More Information about Mount A: Click HERE!](https://agamenticus.org/)**
**The Big A 50K Course**
The course is composed of three 10.35 mile loops starting at the summit of Mount Agamenticus (Big A) and climbing back up the Big A and going over Second Hill and Third Hill and back up the Big A. There are opportunities to cross the finish line at approximately 10 miles and 13 miles (or any multiple of them up to 31 miles/50K). The terrain is mostly single track with some dirt road and ATV-type trails. Footing is technical with plenty of rocks, roots, and elevation changes. Trail running shoes are recommended. The full 50K has approximately 5,787 feet of elevation gain.
**Course Records**
- Patrick Caron 4:48 (2017)
- Lila Gaudrault 5:22 (2022)
**Race Contacts**
Please direct registration related question to Nick Darby – ndarby@yorkmaine.org
For race related questions email Geoff at – [Yorktrailrunner@gmail.com](mailto:Yorktrailrunner@gmail.com)
Interested in volunteering? CLICK HERE (New SignUp coming soon)
### York Hospital 5k
[**REGISTER HERE**](https://runsignup.com/Race/ME/York/YorkHospital5K)
**Saturday, June 5, 2027**
Come out and join the FUN by running or walking with York Hospital on Saturday, JUNE 5, 2027! Follow our race course over the iconic Wiggly Bridge, along the beautiful York River, through Steedman Woods, past the York Golf & Tennis Club - and back to the hospital campus in town.
Special prizes will be presented to the top male and female winners in each division and healthy snacks and refreshments – fruit, granola bars and water - will be provided to all. Children (and parents!) are encouraged to participate.
Race Day Registration: York Hospital will CLOSE registration at 5pm on THURSDAY, JUNE 3. Paper registration forms will be available for cash, check or credit card payments for race day registrants on Saturday, June 5. There is no additional cost or penalty for race day registrations - so come join the fun!
Registration opens at 7am at the Hospital, and the race begins promptly at 8:30am, rain or shine. For those who pre-register (BEFORE 5pm on THURSDAY, JUNE 3), bib pick up will be held both Friday, June 4, from 4p-6p AND on Saturday, June 5, from 7a-8:15a in the Henry Warner Conference Room located in the lower level of the Henry Warner Building on the hospital campus.
All funds raised will support the *Caring for All* Campaign to expand efforts to care for our community when needed most. Thank you for supporting York Hospital and the patients we serve!
### Four on the 4th
[**Registers Here!**](https://runsignup.com/Race/ME/York/YorkMEFouronthe4th)
York Parks & Recreation and York Rotary are happy to announce the 2026 Annual Four on the 4th Road Race in York, Maine!
Registration opens on February 1st, 2026, at 12:00am and stays open until July 1st, 2026, or until filled, whichever comes first. The race is limited to 1,000 participants so register early! Those who have registered by June 1st will be guaranteed a free race shirt. Beyond June 1st, shirts will be given upon availability.
**NO DAY OF REGISTRATION AVAILABLE!** All registrations must be completed by July 1st at 8pm!
Those participating in the race on July 4th will pick-up their bib and shirt that morning, at York High School between 6:30am-7:25am. The race begins at 7:30am sharp. Early bib pick up will be available at YHS on July 3rd from 3:00pm-5:00pm.
This is the 47th Annual Four on the 4th and we hope you join us! Thank you again for your support!
**Race Contacts**
Please direct questions to Nick Darby – ndarby@yorkmaine.org
### York Days 5k
[**Sign Up Here!**](https://runsignup.com/Race/ME/York/YorkDays5K)
The fourth race in the Seacoast Road Race Series, this 5K is part of the Annual York Days Celebrations. This race benefits youth programming throughout York. Registration opens on February 1st, 2026, at 12:00am and ends July 31st at 11:59pm. Those who register by June 1st will be guaranteed a free race shirt in their requested size. Beyond June 1st, shirts will be given upon availability.
Participants may pick up their race shirt and bib on race day, Sunday, August 9th. The race begins at 8am sharp and day-of bib and shirt pick up opens at 7:00am.
THERE WILL BE AN EARLY BIB PICK UP OPPORTUNITY ON AUGUST 8TH. Be on the lookout for more information about early bib pick up as we approach race day!
THERE WILL BE NO RACE DAY REGISTRATION. All registrations must be complete by July 31st!
Thank you again for your support!
**Race Contacts**
Please direct questions to Nick Darby – ndarby@yorkmaine.org
### Mt. Agamenticus Trail Challenge
**[Sign Up for the 2026 Trail Challenge: Click HERE!](https://runsignup.com/Race/ME/York/MtATrailChallenge)
5K starts at 9:00 AM - 1 Mile starts at 9:20 AM**
Our **10th Annual** Mt. A Trail Challenge 5K/1 Mile event will be held Saturday, September 19th, 2026 at the summit of Mount Agamenticus.Run, hike, roll or stroll through either our 1 Mile or 5K course. This challenge is timed the good ol’ fashioned way with stop watches, thanks to our local York Highschool Cross Country Team. There are no traditional age category prizes, but there will be a raffle for all participants!
This year, any *previous participants who beat their own personal Trail Challenge record* can receive a Mount Agamenticus Conservation Region logo pin!
*As always, all funds raised go right back into Mount A conservation & education efforts. **Thank you** for your continued support!*
If you have any questions, comments, or feedback, please [contact us](http://agamenticus.org/contact-us/)!
**Course Descriptions:**
**5k Course:** Starts in open field at summit, follows Big A trail around the top for a gentle warm up. Follow down the road to Hairpin Turn trail to the first water stop. Continues to Ring trail and follows it all the way around counter-clockwise, to second water stop before a challenging climb back to the top. Course will overlap slightly before the connection to Witch hazel trail. This year the course follows a portion of the Big A once again and finishes at the start area.
**1 Mile Course:** Starts at the center platform and follows the universal access trail around the inner loop and then outer perimeter to finish near our pollinator garden. Virtual participants: look for pink signage to help guide your way.
**Race Contacts**
Please direct questions to Nick Darby – ndarby@yorkmaine.org
### FAQs
**Where and when is the race?**
Race dates, times and locations are listed on our website and runsignup.com
**How do I register for a race?**
Register online, using a race’s link listed above.
**What is the race’s course?**
Each race’s course should be linked to their respective registration page or linked above.
**Where can I pick up my bib once I’ve registered?**
Bib pick up takes place on race day beginning 1 hour before the race start time. We also offer early bib pick up on occasion.
**Can I get a refund once I’ve registered?**
Race registrations are non-refundable.
**Am I eligible for a t-shirt?**
All runners registered before the t-shirt deadlines will receive a race t-shirt. A shirt deadline is posted on all registration forms.
**Where do I get my t-shirt?**
T-shirts are given to eligible participants the day of the race, or at an early bib pick up.
**Where can I find my race results?**
Results will be posted on this page, under each race.
**Can I run with a baby jogger/stroller?**
Baby joggers/strollers are welcome, but we ask that runners who use them please begin the race toward the back of the pack. In some cases, a volunteer may guide your baby jogger/stroller through the chute at the finish area.
**Can I run with my dog?**
For the safety of your dog and other runners, we do not allow dogs at our any of our races.
## Rock the Beach!
Rock the Beach is York Parks and Recreation’s free summer live music series held on the sand at the Long Sands Bathhouse. These family-friendly concerts bring the community together for an afternoon of music by the ocean. Fans are encouraged to bring chairs, blankets, and friends to enjoy the show right on the beach.
We’re always looking for talented local and regional bands to join the lineup. If you’re interested in performing, please fill out the form!
### Rock the Beach Form
## More happenings in town!
Stay connected with everything happening around town! Our community calendar is your go-to source for local events hosted by other groups, businesses, and nonprofits. Have an event coming up that the community should know about? Let us know, and we’ll make sure it’s added to the calendar. Together, let's keep our town vibrant and informed!
### Community Event Calendar
See what else is going on in town with other groups, businesses and non-profits!
[CLICK HERE](https://www.yorkparksandrec.org/communityeventcalendar?hsLang=en)
[](https://www.yorkparksandrec.org/?hsLang=en)
PLACES
- [- Community Center](https://www.yorkparksandrec.org/community-center)
- [- Nubble Lighthouse](https://www.nubblelightstore.com/)
- [- Mt. Agamenticus](https://agamenticus.org/)
PARTNERS
- [- Sponsorship](https://www.yorkparksandrec.org/sponsorship)
- [- Community Partners](https://www.yorkparksandrec.org/community-partners)
- [- Town of York](https://www.yorkmaine.org/)
ABOUT
- [- Department Information](https://www.yorkparksandrec.org/about-us)
- [- Employment](https://www.yorkparksandrec.org/employment-opportunities)
- [- Brochure](https://www.yorkparksandrec.org/brochure)
- [- Blog](https://www.yorkparksandrec.org/york-parks-blog)
- [-Accident Report](https://www.yorkparksandrec.org/accidentreport)
LEGAL
- [- Policies and Regulations](https://www.yorkparksandrec.org/policies-and-regulations)
- [- Ordinances](https://www.yorkparksandrec.org/ordinances)
- [- Requests for Proposals](https://www.yorkparksandrec.org/rfp)
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