The Independence Day weekend is packed with family reunions, friendly gatherings, picnics, parades, fireworks and other festivities commemorating America’s independence.  The Erie region has several Fourth of July weekend events to help you celebrate our most patriotic of holidays. Main photo credit: Dave Tamulonis

Lights over Lake Erie
Celebrate Independence Day with a fireworks extravaganza on Erie’s beautiful Bayfront!  On Wednesday, July 3, beginning at 10 p.m. a spectacular “Lights over Lake Erie” fireworks display will launch from the Bicentennial Tower. The brilliant display will be viewable from numerous vantage points along the Bayfront including Bayview Park, Presque Isle State Park, and public areas along the waterfront. For details including parking and shuttle service, click here.

(pictured, below. Photo by R. Frank Photography)

Erie SeaWolves Double-A Baseball
Combine one of America’s favorite summer pastimes with the Fourth of July holiday for three nights of family fun at UPMC Park with the 2023 Double-A Eastern League Championship Erie SeaWolves!

• Thursday, July 4: Megablast fireworks display following the game. 6:35 p.m. start
• Friday, July 5: Megablast fireworks plus a special appearance from Captain America. It’s Marvel’s Defenders of the Diamond Night. The team will wear special Marvel-themed jerseys, and fans are encouraged to dress as their favorite Marvel superhero.
• Saturday, July 6: Patriotic beach towel giveaway. Be one of the first 1,000 fans and receive a patriotic SeaWolves beach towel featuring Uncle Sam Wolf.

Chris Higbee in Concert - The Fun Park at Erie Sports Center
Enjoy an energetic concert from country singing sensation Chris Higbee live on the Horseheads Brewing Stage on Saturday, July 6 from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. Admission to the concert is $5 per person. Picnic table seating is available; however, guests can bring their own chairs. The Fun Park will be open featuring batting cages and mini golf.

Boro with the Works
Boro with the Works is a family-friendly Independence Day celebration held on the campus of PennWest Edinboro University on Wednesday, July 3 from 6 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. near Mallory Lake. The fun includes a Kids Zone, local food trucks, music by DJ Millennium Sound, and a patriotic performance by the Concert Band of Northwest PA. Fireworks begin at 10 p.m.  In the event of rain, fireworks will be held on Thursday, July 4. 

57^th Annual Millcreek Township Fourth of July Parade
Pick the perfect spot to watch Erie County’s largest 4^th of July parade! The sirens will blare and the parade will step off Thursday, July 4 at 9:45 a.m. from West 12^th and Marshall Streets and proceed west on 12^th Street to the American Legion. This year’s Grand Marshals are the Millcreek Township Fire Department.   

Albion Fireworks Festival: The two-day event is held Saturday and Sunday, June 29-30 at Albion Borough Park, Lisek Circle, and features live music, food, mullet contest, bike parade, craft show, bounce houses, obstacle courses, and family activities. Fireworks begin at dusk on June 30.

Lawrence Park Township: The Lawrence Park Township community in east Erie County, celebrates on Thursday, July 4 with a 10 a.m. bike parade from Lake Cliff Park to Napier Park followed by a 2 p.m. Main Street parade. Fireworks begin at dusk. 

Enjoy the Fourth in North East, PA: The picturesque town of North East, PA celebrates the holiday with family activities, live music, food trucks, and fireworks (dusk). The fun starts at 5 p.m. at Gravel Pit Park.