A Budget-Friendly Guide for Spring and Summer Fun in Erie, PA
Wednesday Mar 12th, 2025
In Erie, you can stretch your vacation budget without sacrificing fun! Festivals, outdoor adventures, and family-friendly attractions await, offering big experiences at little cost, proof that your unforgettable Erie getaway doesn’t have to come with a hefty price tag.
Festivals and Events
Nothing marks the return of warm weather quite like Erie's festival and events calendar. While admission to these events is free, be sure to bring along some spending money for delicious treats and fun extras.
May 16-18: Edinboro Art & Music Festival showcases art and music in the spirit of the Appalachian culture.
May 23-25: Troika Russian Festival features authentic Russian cuisine, entertainment, and a vodka ice bar.
June 12: 14th Fest celebrates the beginning of summer in Downtown Erie with live music, local food, and children’s activities with a block party on 14th Street between French and Holland.
June 14: Erie’s Juneteenth Celebration is a block party celebration of freedom with live entertainment, vendors, food trucks, and family activities.
June 28: Erie Pride on the Bay invites you to be your true selves on Erie’s beautiful Bayfront at Liberty Park, featuring drag queen and king performances, vendors, food, and music.
July 11-12: The Panegyri Greek Festival returns for its 37th year, highlighting Greek culture and delicious cuisine at the Assumption Greek Orthodox Church.
July 19: The AmeriMasala event in Perry Square/Downtown Erie is a multicultural arts celebration of ethnic arts, food, and entertainment.
July 21-27: Discover Presque Isle highlights the beauty of Presque Isle State Park through various family-friendly events, entertainment, and activities.
August 2-3: Erie’s Blues and Jazz Fest fills Frontier Park with the eclectic sounds of local, regional, and national blues and jazz performances.
August 8-10: St. Paul’s Italian Festival is a celebration of all things Italian, including homemade meatballs, pasta fagioli, and cannoli.
August 15-17: CelebrateErie is downtown Erie's biggest event showcasing the art, food, culture, music, and people of Erie. Free national headlining concerts highlight each night.
August 22-24: Zabawa Polish Summer Festival is packed with lively polka music, dancing, and authentic Polish food.
Live Outdoor Concerts
Free live music is best served with a view! Nearly every day throughout late spring and summer, Erie comes alive with free outdoor concerts such as 8 Great Tuesdays on Erie’s Bayfront and the UPMC Sunset Music Series at Presque Isle State Park’s Beach 11. (pictured)
Outdoor Movie Nights
Pack some blankets and cozy up for regional outdoor movie nights! The Erie Downtown Partnership Downtown Movie Mondays take place each Monday in Perry Square from June through August, and feature themed trivia and prizes. Edinboro’s Movies Under the Stars are on the campus of PennWest Edinboro behind the Pogue Center July 17, 24, and 31 and at Goodell Gardens August 7, 14, and 21. All movies begin at dusk, weather permitting.
Waldameer Park and Water World
Not many amusements parks offer free admission and parking - but Waldameer does! The family-owned, multi-generational park at the entrance to Presque Isle features more than 100 attractions, with new rides and slides being added every year. At Waldameer, pay only for what you ride. The onsite water park, Water World, does charge an admission fee. (pictured)
Presque Isle State Park
Erie's most visited attraction, and Pennsylvania's most visited state park, truly sparkles during the spring and summer. Presque Isle features seven miles of sandy beaches and breathtaking scenery, with more to see and explore than can be fit into one day. Park admission, beaches, parking, and most activities are free. Read more about some of the best activities on Presque Isle here.
Erie’s Lighthouses
Erie’s Presque Isle Lighthouse, Erie Land Lighthouse, and North Pier Light are 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 year-round. A separate fee is charged to climb and tour the Land Lighthouse and the Presque Isle Lighthouse. Click here for spring/summer hours and admission fees.
The Bicentennial Tower
Commemorating the 200th anniversary of the founding of the City of Erie, the Bicentennial Tower is 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 even Canada on clear days. Click here for spring/summer hours and admission fees.
The Tom Ridge Environmental Center (TREC)
This free educational center teaches visitors about Presque Isle State Park through interactive exhibits and a glass-enclosed observation tower providing breathtaking views of Lake Erie. TREC is open daily from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. April 1 to October 31.
Kid-Friendly Dining Options
Dining out with the family doesn’t have to be expensive. Several budget-friendly restaurants in Erie offer tasty meals and kid-approved options. Roma’s Italian Kitchen’s entire kids' menu features options such as spaghetti and meatballs priced at $7.99 or less. At Lucky Louie's, kids love the Octodog and will enjoy lots of yard game options or running around in the expansive picnic area while you eat. Families can mix and match their meals from six local vendors inside the Flagship City Food Hall, featuring favorites like ippa Pizza and Cheeserie. Kids eat free every Wednesday at all three Applebee’s Grill & Bar Erie locations with the purchase of an adult meal. Quaker Steak & Lube is a surefire family hit, combining sandwiches, burgers, and wings with the option of onsite duckpin bowling. Firebirds Wood-Fired Grill's extensive kids menu includes grilled steak, chicken, and salmon options for $13.95 or less.
