York Fest
Oregon Black Pioneers presents
York Fest
A weeklong festival honoring York of the Lewis and Clark Expedition.
Portland, Oregon
October 17-25, 2025
Who is York?
York was a Black man born in Virginia around 1772. He was enslaved by William Clark, who brought him west as part of the Lewis and Clark Expedition (1803-1806). York worked as a laborer and hunter during the journey, and showed friendship and goodwill to Native nations. Upon reaching the Pacific Ocean in 1805, York became the first Black person to cross North America above Mexico.
York’s contributions helped ensure the Expedition’s success, but he received no compensation for his services. He asked Clark for his freedom and Clark refused. York’s efforts were rarely acknowledged in the two centuries that followed.
This October, in honor of the 220th anniversary of York’s arrival in what is today Portland, artists and organizations across the city will gather to recognize and celebrate the achievements of our city’s first Black ancestor.
FAQs
When is York Fest?
October 17 – 25, 2025.
Where is the festival taking place?
Individual York Fest events will be held in different venues throughout the greater Portland area. Please visit the York Fest website for more details.
Who is putting this event on?
York Fest is presented by Oregon Black Pioneers, but each festival event is created and hosted by a different artist or organization. Visit the York Fest website for more details about each participating organization.
How do I purchase tickets?
Visit the York Fest website for links to each event’s ticketing page.
Where can I get press information?
Our press release and press kit will be available Wednesday, August 13. You can email yorkfest@oregonblackpioneers.org with any questions.
Event Lineup
Fri. October 17, The Unraveling of York Presentation and Discussion
Vin Shambry with Todd McGrain
Alberta House
Sat. October 18, Our Rooted Futures Festival
The York Collective
LABS Media
Sun. October 19, Boating with Bubba
Flossin Media & Soul District Business Association
TBA
Wed. October 22, Big Medicine: York Outdoors Film Screening and Panel Discussion
Oregon Black Pioneers, Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail, and NEW Multimedia
Tomorrow Theatre
Thu. October 23, The Journey of York Presentation
Hasan Davis and Oregon Black Pioneers
Alberta House
Fri. October 24, York The Explorer Folk Opera World Premiere
Aaron Nigel Smith and Dr. Renee Mitchell
Patricia Reser Center for the Arts
For ticketing information and more details about each event, visit YorkFest.com.
York Fest is made possible thanks to the generous support of our sponsors:
- City of Portland Office of Arts and Culture
- OnPoint Community Credit Union
- Travel Portland
- Travel Oregon
- Lewis and Clark Trail Alliance
Special thanks to Flossin Media, 1803 Fund, Alberta House, and The Joy Trip Project.
Media Links
- Press Release(coming soon)
- Press Kit (coming soon)
- National Park Service – People: York
- National Park Service – Lewis and Clark National Historical Park: York
Latest News from OBP
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