A Budget-Friendly Guide for Spring and Summer Fun in Erie, PA
Tuesday Apr 16th, 2024
With the increasing expenses of everyday items, finding affordable ways to have fun becomes increasingly important. Fortunately, in Erie, there are many wallet-friendly ways to enjoy life’s pleasures. Overflowing with festivals, events, attractions, and outdoor adventures, the region offers you many options for planning the perfect lake escape to maximize your vacation budget.
Festivals and Events
Immersive yourself in the sights, sounds, and aromas of the many free admission festivals across Erie County.
May 17-19: Edinboro Art & Music Festival showcases art and music in the spirit of the Appalachian culture.
May 24-26: Troika Russian Festival features authentic Russian cuisine, entertainment and a vodka ice bar.
June 15: Erie’s Juneteenth Celebration is a block party celebration of freedom with live entertainment, vendors, food trucks, and family activities.
June 29: Erie Pride on the Bay invites you to be your true selves on Erie’s beautiful Bayfront at Liberty Park. Pride Fest features drag queen and king performances, vendors, food, and musical entertainment.
July 12-13: The Panegyri Greek Festival returns for its 36th year! Showcasing Greek history, culture, and delicious cuisine at the Erie Orthodox Church.
July 20: The AmeriMasala event in Downtown Erie is a multicultural arts celebration of ethnic arts, food, and entertainment.
July 22-28: Discover Presque Isle highlights the beauty of Presque Isle State Park through various family-friendly events, entertainment, and activities.
August 3-4: Erie’s Blues and Jazz Fest returns to Frontier Park with its eclectic mix of local, regional, and national blues and jazz performances.
August 9-11: St. Paul’s Italian Festival highlights all things Italian, including fantastic food!
August 16-18: CelebrateErie fills the streets of Downtown Erie with a focus on local art, food, culture, music, and the people of Erie.
August 23-25: Zabawa Polish Summer Festival is packed with lively polka music, dancing, and authentic Polish food.
Live Outdoor Concerts
During the late spring and summer months, Erie comes alive with free outdoor concerts from Erie’s beautiful Bayfront to the vineyards of Lake Erie Wine Country. With performances by local, regional, and national artists, there’s a diverse array of musical styles to enjoy almost every day of the week!
Asbury Woods Monday Music in the Woods
Erie Philharmonic Concerts at Gibson Park
Goodell Gardens Summer Music Series
KingView Mead, Wine, and Cider Friday and Sunday Concert Series
Penn Shore Winery Music in the Vineyards
Downtown Erie
In addition to outdoor movie nights, Downtown Erie offers additional fun and free events!
- Trivia Nights at Flagship City Food Hall, Tuesdays from 6 to 8 p.m.
- 3rd Annual 14th Fest, Friday, June 14 near the corner of French and 14th Street from 5 to 9 p.m. with live music, food, games, and children’s activities.
Presque Isle State Park
In addition to free admission and parking, Presque Isle has other free opportunities for visitors to experience and appreciate its natural beauty. Sink your toes into the seven miles of sandy beaches or dip in Lake Erie’s waters. Pontoon boat tours of the park’s diverse lagoon systems are offered Saturday and Sunday mornings from Memorial Day through Labor Day at the canoe and boat livery. Fish throughout the park at the East, West, and North piers, Perry Monument, the lagoons, or any boat launch area. Click here for a map of Presque Isle.
Pictured above - Lagoon by Pontoon at Presque Isle State Park. Photo by Paul Gibbens.
Tom Ridge Environmental Center
The Tom Ridge Environmental Center (TREC) is a free educational center dedicated to teaching visitors about the unique 3,200 acres of Presque Isle State Park and the many different forms of life that inhabit the peninsula. TREC features interactive exhibits, and a glass-enclosed observation tower providing panoramic views of Lake Erie.
Erie Land Lighthouse
Shining a light on Erie’s rich maritime history, Erie’s three lighthouses: Presque Isle Lighthouse, Erie Land Lighthouse, and the North Pier Light, are iconic symbols of the region’s connection to the Great Lakes and their pivotal role in navigation. The grounds of all three lights are free to explore. A separate fee is charged to climb the tower at the Land Lighthouse and to tour the house and tower at the Presque Isle Lighthouse.
Spring/Summer Hours:
Presque Isle Lighthouse (on Presque Isle State Park) – April: Open Saturdays and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Memorial Day to Labor Day: Daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. $8 per person to climb the tower.
The North Pier Light (on Presque Isle State Park)– Open year-round during park hours from 5 a.m. to sunset. Free
Erie Land Lighthouse - April - May: Saturdays and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
June - September: Open Fridays through Mondays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. $6 per person to climb the tower.
The Bicentennial Tower
The Bicentennial Tower commemorates the 200th anniversary of the founding of the City of Erie and is easily one of Erie’s most recognizable attractions. Its top observation platform rises 138’ in the air, providing spectacular views of Presque Isle Bay, Lake Erie and the City.
Spring/Summer Hours:
April: Saturdays and Sundays from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
May: Daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Memorial Day to Labor Day: Daily from 10 a.m. to 9 pm.
Admission:
$6 for adults, $2 for children 7-12, and children under 6 are free.
Free admission is offered on the first Tuesday of each month (excluding holidays, weather permitting).
Pictured above. Photo by @crispsnaps on Instagram.
Live Horse Racing
Live thoroughbred horse racing at Presque Isle Downs and Casino is free and family-friendly! Get up close and personal to the action from their expansive trackside patio area. Racing takes place Mondays through Thursdays from May 20 to October 24. Post times begin at 3 p.m.
Pictured above. Photo by Paul Gibbens.
Hiking and Biking Trails
Spend time exploring Erie’s wide open spaces with miles of hiking and biking trails.
Lake Erie Arboretum at Frontier Park
Presque Isle State Park
Self Guided Tours
Explore Erie your own way on your own time! A full list of self-guided tours is here and also on VisitErie’s free ‘Hello Erie’ mobile app.
Erie County Mural Arts Tour – Discover more than 90 public murals located throughout Erie County.
African-American Heritage Trail - Featuring more than 40 stops, the Erie African American History Tour showcases historic points of interest, public art, and businesses that pay tribute to the City of Erie's African American heritage.
Spend some time at the official visitor’s center for the Lake Erie Concord Grape Belt Heritage Area. Located among the vineyards of Lake Erie Wine Country, The Grape Discovery Center supports and promotes the grape industry through engaging stories, educational exhibits, gift shop and a café.
