FAQs
Please Note -
We will be updating the information below as we receive more details and questions. Check back closer to the event to make sure you have all the info you need.
Do I have to register for the Print Crawl?
Yes, you can register here by purchasing a blank poster. Click Here. You will either need to register ahead of time or show up to our centrally located registration table in the main square at the intersection of King and Queen Streets where you can pay cash or use a credit card to purchase your poster to participate in the print crawl. The event is set up as “pay-what-you-can” ranging from $0-$20 (buy your poster here) with the additional option of donating to our fundraisers the night of the event OR through our GoFundMe campaigns. The money generated from poster sales goes towards the event costs to ensure we are able to continue coordinating the Print Crawl each year. We also raise money for one graphic design student at Pennsylvania College of Art & Design (https://gofund.me/d465f14f) and one design/printing student at Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology (https://gofund.me/9c06beb2). Donations go directly to whichever school you choose to support.
Where do I pick up my poster for Print Crawl participation?
You will need to pick up your poster at our centrally located registration table in Heritage Square at the intersection of King and Queen Streets in front of the Visitor’s Center from 4-9pm the night of the Print Crawl.
Where do I pick up my Print Crawl shirt?
You will need to show your receipt to pick up your shirt along with your poster at our centrally located registration table in Heritage Square at the intersection of King and Queen Streets in front of the Visitor’s Center from 4-9pm the night of the Print Crawl.
Where can I purchase a Print Crawl shirt the night of the event?
Whatever inventory of shirts is available the night of the crawl will be available at the centrally located registration table in Heritage Square at the intersection of King and Queen Streets in front of the Visitor’s Center from 4-9pm the night of the Print Crawl.
Do I have to register for the Print Crawl even if I am choosing the $0 option?
Yes, you still need to register here. Click Here. This helps us keep track of the number of participants and plan for future years. The event is set up as “pay-what-you-can” ranging from $0-$20 (buy your poster here). The money generated from poster sales goes towards the event costs to ensure we are able to continue coordinating the Print Crawl each year.
Will there be posters from previous years for sale?
Due to the nature of the event, requiring participation by you to complete the design, there are not posters from earlier years available for sale. There will however be T-shirts and tank tops from previous years available here and the night of the event for 50% off until they run out.
What types of payment are accepted?
If you register ahead of time, you’ll need a credit card. If you show up to our centrally located registration table once the event has started, you can pay cash or use a credit card to purchase your poster to participate in the print crawl. You can register here in advance of the event. Click Here.
What is the route for the crawl this year?
While there is no set order you need to finish your poster in, allowing you to jump from stop to stop in any order, you can find the map here. The map will show the print locations, sponsor locations, food, and parking options. There will also be a map included in your program booklet when you pick up your poster. We are also planning to have items marking the path for the crawl this year to hopefully make it more clear as to where you are going after dark.
Where is the best place to park?
Street parking is free after 6pm and the Lancaster Parking Authority Garages are $5 after 5pm if you leave before 5am the following day, you can find the program with the map in it here that is marked with the parking garages along the route that this applies to. It does need to be a Parking Authority garage for the $5 flat rate to apply.
What businesses are offering discounts this year?
Our Town, Larkstone, Foxduck, Levengoods, Central Market Flowers & Hempfield Botanicals… Be sure to look through the entire program booklet while you are waiting in line to see all the discounts and coupons.
Will there be food or drinks during the crawl this year?
We heard you loud and clear and have added a few food trucks and some beverages along the route for your convenience this year. All refreshments will be marked on the map in the program booklet. Some will be complimentary and some will require additional payment.
What time do I need to start to complete my poster?
We highly recommend you do whatever it takes to start as close to 5pm as possible to have the best chances of completing your poster. The Registration table will be ready to go by 4pm, but the print shops won’t be ready until 5pm. Every year we try to make as many adjustments as possible to accommodate the crowds and avoid unfinished posters. We want you to finish your poster too! Hopefully the adjustments we’ve made this year will help alleviate some of the wait times! We also recommend you purchase your poster ahead of time to avoid waiting at the registration table. Just show your receipt/ticket and you’ll receive everything to participate in the crawl.
What are the start/stop times for the Print Crawl?
All stops will be open from 5-9pm with registration starting at 4pm. From there you can start your crawl wherever you would like.
I paid too much for the Print Crawl - how to I get my money back?
Luckily, there are coupons and discounts in the program booklet. The more discounts you redeem, the more money you get back!
Is Lancaster safe after dark?
We have never had any issues during our event. This is the seventh year we are doing this and it has always been during First Friday in September, with sunset at 7:37pm. Yup I looked it up for you! So please plan accordingly. Like any city, there are always possibilities, but we’ve never had any issues during our event.
Are there restrooms along the route?
We have restrooms at a few spots along the route, if you need one, just ask.
Is the Print Crawl accessible?
Yes, the Print Crawl is a mostly accessible event with a few exceptions. If anyone needs assistance in completing a stop along the crawl, we’ll be able to assist you.
Why is there a fundraiser if I have to pay for the Print Crawl?
The money generated from poster sales goes towards the event costs to ensure we are able to continue coordinating the Print Crawl each year. The raffle fundraiser is an opportunity to support our local design/print programs in the way of scholarship money. There are two separate gofundme pages set up. One for Pennsylvania College of Art and Design and one for Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology. Choose the one you want and donate above. For every $10 you donate, you will receive a raffle ticket. The raffle is located at FORCEpkg where you will pick up your sticker for the Print Crawl. The print crawl itself takes A LOT of time and energy to coordinate. It has become even more time consuming over the years.
Why is there a pay-what-you-are-able fee setup this year?
In our survey last year, we heard every answer from the $5 price was too cheap, to perfect, to too expensive. In order to try and keep everyone able to enjoy the event, we thought we’d try a pay-what-you-are-able option and see how it goes. We don’t want someone to be left out if they are a student in college or going through a rough patch financially. This is a really fun event and we want everyone to be able to join in. So pay what you are able and hopefully in the end it all works out! The money generated from poster sales goes towards the event costs to ensure we are able to continue coordinating the Print Crawl each year.