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Free Things to Do in Erie - a Budget-Friendly Guide to Spring and Summer Fun

Tuesday May 2nd, 2023

With the increasing expenses of everyday items, such as groceries, people are looking for cost-effective ways to make the most of the warmer months. The Erie region is overflowing with free festivals, events, attractions, and activities that will allow you to plan a refreshing lake escape and help you save some cash. If you’re wondering where to begin, here are the top free and fun things to do in Erie, Pennsylvania.

Festivals and Events

Immerse yourself in the sights, sounds, and smells of numerous festivals across Erie County festivals that offer free- admission.

May 19 – 21: Edinboro Art & Music Festival showcases art and music in the spirit of the Appalachian culture.

June 11 – 17: Erie’s Juneteenth Celebration is a block party celebration of freedom with live entertainment, vendors, food trucks, and family activities.

June 14: 14th Fest, hosted by Erie Downtown Partnership, will feature live music, food, games, and children's activities from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. on the corner of French and 14th Streets. 

June 24: Erie Pride Fest and Parade is a welcoming space for everyone to celebrate their true selves. It includes a parade down State Street, drag queen performances, vendors, and musical entertainment.

July 7-8: The Panegyri Greek Festival showcases the history, culture, and amazing food of Greece.

July 22: The AmeriMasala event is a multicultural arts celebration of art, food, and performances.

July 24-30: Discover Presque Isle features events and activities in honor of Presque Isle State Park.

August 3-5: Dan Rice Days commemorates the life of one of the most famous clowns in history.

August 5-6: Erie’s Blues and Jazz Fest is an eclectic mix of local, regional, and national blues and jazz performances.

August 11-13: St. Paul’s Italian Festival highlights all things Italian, including fantastic food!

August 18-20: CelebrateErie is a festival that focuses on local art, food, culture, music, and the people of Erie, with nightly nationally acclaimed headliners on the mainstage on State Street.

August 25-27: Zabawa Polish Summer Festival is filled with lively polka music, dancing, and food.

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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. Learn more about the beaches of Presque Isle State Park here

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.

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Outdoor Concerts

The late spring and summer months are filled with free outdoor concerts from Erie’s beautiful Bayfront to the vineyards of Lake Erie Wine Country.  Almost every day of the week there is an opportunity to enjoy a different style of music performed by local, regional, and national artists. Some of the ongoing music series include Asbury Woods Monday Music in the Woods, 8 Great Tuesdays, UPMC Sunset Music Series (at Presque Isle State Park), Erie Philharmonic Concerts at Gibson Park,  Goodell Gardens Summer Music Series, Penn Shore Vineyards Summer Concerts, and Arundel Cellars Sunday Music Series.

Downtown Erie

Nearly every day of the week, the Erie Downtown Partnership hosts free events in downtown Erie. 

  • Mondays in June: free fitness classes for all fitness levels, led by Kaitlyn Falk. Classes begin at 6 p.m. in Griswold Park
  • Wednesdays from June to August: free morning gentle flow yoga overlooking Presque Isle Bay led by Chelsea McQuaid. Classes begin at 6 a.m. on the Bicentennial Tower observation deck. 
  • Thursdays in July and August: free concerts on the Perry Square Park Stage from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. (pictured, above. Photo courtesy of the Erie Downtown Partnership)
  • Sundays from June 25 to September 3: Farmers markets in Perry Square from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., featuring fresh local produce and goods, as well as live music on the Perry Square Stage. 
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Erie Land Lighthouse

The present lighthouse was built in 1867 and was the first commissioned lighthouse along the Great Lakes. The former keeper's house is separate and serves as a private residence. The light at the top of the tower functions but is not an active aid to navigation. Every first Tuesday of the month from April through October 2023 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., the lighthouse is open to visitors to climb its winding staircase to the observation platform for stunning views of Lake Erie.

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. Free admission is offered on the first Tuesday of each month (excluding holidays, weather permitting). 

Pictured above. Photo by @crispsnaps on Instagram.

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Live Horse Racing

Live thoroughbred horse racing has returned to Presque Isle Downs and Casino and best of all it’s free to watch 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 15 until October 19.  Post times begin at 3 p.m.

Pictured above. Photo by Paul Gibbens.

Hiking and Biking Trails

Erie's vast and varied hiking and biking trails are the perfect spaces for free fresh air. Walk in the woods to find the Grandfather Tree at Asbury Woods or stroll through miles of manicured trails and lots of species of trees at Lake Erie Arboretum at Frontier Park. The Greater Erie Regional Trail Network offers great resources for finding trails throughout Erie County. 

Self Guided Tours

Explore Erie on your own during a self-guided tour. A complete list of tours is here and is also available on VisitErie’s free ‘Hello Erie’ trip planner app. Tours include the Erie County Mural Arts Tour, which features the more than 90 public murals located throughout Erie County, and the African American Heritage Trail, highlighting African American historic points of interest, public art, and businesses.

Additionally, the Downtown Erie Sculpture Walk features numerous sculptures placed throughout Erie’s Downtown and Bayfront districts. The public art project is on display through August 2023.

 

Partner Spotlight

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Erie Events

Erie Events manages a four facility entertainment complex that includes the Warner Theatre, Erie Insurance Arena, Bayfront Convention Center and UPMC Park. These four venues host a variety of events that include world-class entertainment, family friendly shows and sporting events.

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814 Photo

Showcasing the incredible year round beauty of the City of Erie and its surrounding areas, commonly referred to as its area code "the 814". Explore some of Erie County's most breathtaking landscape photography.

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Farmhouse Retreat

Your “Home Away from Home” short term rental sleeps 8 and is in a great location close to Erie Sports Center, Splash Lagoon, shopping and restaurants, as well as Steelhead Fishing. This restored 1881 Farmhouse is located on 10 private acres. Reminisce about bygone days when life was slower and simpler. With a long driveway and large yard, kick back by the firepit, watch wildlife or enjoy a beautiful Erie sunset from the back patio.

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The Cork 1794

Open for Lunch and Dinner. Get ready for an experience like no other. An atmosphere where uncommon style, comfort and service seamlessly meld. Where food and beverages are expertly crafted to be beautiful, satisfying and truly special. A place that makes every day feel like a reason to celebrate.

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Two45 Waterfront Grille Now Open!

Savor an exquisite waterfront dining experience at Sheraton Erie Bayfront Hotel, where culinary excellence meets panoramic views. This signature restaurant invites you to indulge in a delectable journey with a menu showcasing locally sourced ingredients and global inspirations while overlooking the serene waters of Lake Erie.

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mazza spotlight

Mazza Vineyards and the South Shore Wine Company

The Mazza family welcomes you to explore 3 unique locations in Lake Erie Wine Country. Sip and savor award-winning wines at Mazza Vineyards and the historic South Shore Wine Company, both located in North East, PA, and be sure to visit their combination winery, distillery and brewery, Mazza Chautauqua Cellars/Five & 20 Spirits and Brewing, in nearby Westfield, NY.

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u pick 6 spotlight

U Pick 6 Craft Beer Pubs & Restaurants

Erie’s own local craft beer pubs are a must-visit! With 4 great locations, just pick one that’s convenient for you! A casual, family friendly dining experience with something for everyone! To view our menu, check out what’s on tap, or get to directions to our pubs, learn more now!”

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Poverty Knob Farmhouse Ales

Stop by Port Farms to check out the newest addition, Poverty Knob Farmhouse Ales. We offer hand-crafted beers and delicious sharable food year-round. The brewery is family and dog friendly with both indoor and outdoor spaces. We offer games, music and entertainment for all ages!

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UPMC Hamot - See What Makes Us Different

UPMC Hamot is a 458-bed hospital in Erie, Pennsylvania, offering a full complement of inpatient and outpatient services. The hospital serves as a regional referral hub and is the only accredited trauma center in the region.

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ASCEND Erie - Climbing | Fitness | Yoga

NOW OPEN! ASCEND fosters a community-centered climbing, fitness, and yoga experience by serving individuals and groups of all ages, backgrounds and abilities. Located in Downtown Erie, ASCEND welcomes Erie visitors to stop in and give climbing a try!

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The Cove Bay-Side Restaurant & Tavern

The Cove Bay-Side Restaurant & Tavern is sure to give you an unforgettable and care-free dining experience. Enjoy a nautical atmosphere with a beautiful view of Presque Isle Bay.

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Dobbins Landing

Located on the southeast shore of Lake Erie, the Port of Erie has been promoting industrial, commercial, and recreational opportunities on the waters of Lake Erie since 1959.

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Millcreek Mall

The Millcreek Mall features more than 160 stores, restaurants, and fun for the whole family on Upper Peach Street, Erie’s most popular shopping district! Shopping in Erie means no sales tax on clothing or shoes. Choose from a variety of hotels located on the Mall property and just minutes away at the intersection of Peach Street and Interstate 90.

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One stop convenience.

Fill your tank, pick up fresh food from local brands, and a six-pack to go in 40 regional locations.

Award-Winning Compassionate Care

Voted Erie’s Choice Best Hospital for eight years in a row

Ante-up, Erie.

Find true action with slots, table games, sports book, and horse racing.

Just for fun!

Experience family summer fun on more than 100 great rides, slides and attractions at Waldameer!

Soak in the fun!

Experience 84 degrees all year at one of the top water parks in the country.

Award-Winning Compassionate Care

Voted Erie’s Choice Best Hospital for eight years in a row

Ante-up, Erie.

Find true action with slots, table games, sports book, and horse racing.

One stop convenience.

Fill your tank, pick up fresh food from local brands, and a six-pack to go in 40 regional locations.

Soak in the fun!

Experience 84 degrees all year at one of the top water parks in the country.

Just for fun!

Experience family summer fun on more than 100 great rides, slides and attractions at Waldameer!