York Beach, Maine
York Days on the Maine Coast
Every summer York throws a ten-day celebration that pulls the whole town down to the beach, and Anchorage Inn sits in the thick of it. The Nubble glows white after dark, the craft fair fills the village, runners take to the streets, and it all ends with fireworks over the water. You are a walk from Long Sands and a short drive from every highlight.
Settle In for the Celebration
What York Days Looks Like in York Beach
This is York at its liveliest. For ten days the town leans all the way into summer, starting with the lighthouse lit after dark and building toward a craft fair, a road race, and a fireworks night that packs the sand. Most of it sits within a few minutes of the inn.
- The Nubble Lighthouse glows white every night from July 31 to August 9, the summer version locals call Christmas in July
- Fireworks close the celebration on Sunday, August 9, launching over Short Sands Beach a few minutes up the coast
- The York Days 5K sets off Sunday morning from York High School, with proceeds going to youth programs around town
- The craft fair brings more than 50 juried makers, plus food and games, into York Beach village across the closing weekend
- Past the schedule, the village itself is made for wandering, full of shops, restaurants, and open summer afternoons
How to Spend York Days in York Beach
York Days 5K
8:00 AM
Kick off August 9 with the 5K, which leaves York High School at 8:00 AM. Sign up ahead of time, since there is no race-day registration, then come back for a dip in the outdoor pool.
York Days Craft Fair
11:00 AM
Once the race wraps, spend late morning at the craft fair in York Beach village, more than 50 juried makers with food stands and lawn games running right through the afternoon.
Afternoon on Long Sands
Afternoon
Cross the road to Long Sands Beach for the middle of the day. It is the inn's front yard, so there is no drive and no parking to sort out, just sand and surf until you are ready for dinner.
Dinner by the Water
Early Evening
Eat early, before the beach fills up for the finale. Sun and Surf sits right on Long Sands if you want the Atlantic in view with your meal.
The Nubble's Last Night
8:00 PM
August 9 is the final night of the summer lighting, so make time for the Nubble Lighthouse before the fireworks. Sohier Park, about six minutes up the coast, has the clearest view once it goes dark.
Fireworks Finale
9:00 PM
Close out York Days with fireworks over Short Sands Beach at 9:00 PM. Head down early, claim a patch of sand, and watch the ten days end over the water.
FAQ
They go off over Short Sands Beach at 9:00 PM on Sunday, August 9. It is a short drive up the coast from the inn, or a longer stroll if you would rather walk it.
The race starts at 8:00 AM on Sunday, August 9, at York High School. Grab your bib and shirt from 7:00 AM that morning, or at the early pickup on August 8. Register before July 31, since there is no sign up on race day. Register here.
The lighthouse stays lit every night from July 31 through August 9. Sohier Park has the clearest view and sits about six minutes away by car. Learn more about Nubble Lighthouse from our Explore page.
Yes. Registered guests have on-site parking for the length of their stay.
We welcome well-behaved dogs in select pet-friendly rooms. A nightly pet fee applies. Please let us know at the time of booking so we can assign the right room.
