Skip to Main Content

VisitErie Blog

Fireworks credit D Tamulonis v2

Happy Birthday America! Great Ways to Celebrate Independence Day in Erie PA

Thursday Jun 1st, 2023

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 with Erie’s beautiful Bayfront as the perfect backdrop!  On Monday, July 3, beginning at 10 p.m. Erie's largest Independence Day fireworks display, Lights Over Lake Erie, will launch from the Bicentennial Tower and will be viewable from 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)

Bayfront 2 credit R Frank WEB

Erie SeaWolves - Independence Day Weekend

Combine one of America’s favorite summer pastimes with the Fourth of July weekend and that equals three nights of family fun and fireworks with the Erie SeaWolves at UPMC Park!  

  • Saturday, July 1: Patriotic jersey giveaway night. Show off the red, white, and blue with a special SeaWolves replica patriotic jersey featuring the team’s Uncle Sam Wolf.
  • Sunday, July 2: Fireworks Night. Any fan that purchases a light-up or glow product from the SeaWolves team store can watch fireworks on the field in front of the SeaWolves dugout. 
  • Monday, July 3: Fireworks Night.

Chris Higbee in Concert and Fireworks - The Fun Park at Erie Sports Center

Enjoy a lively concert from country singing sensation Chris Higbee live on the Horseheads Brewing Stage followed by a fireworks display on Saturday, July 1 from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. Admission to the concert is free. Picnic table seating is available; however, guests are welcome to bring their own chairs. The Fun Park will be open featuring batting cages, mini golf, and go-karts.

Lake Erie Sunset and Fireworks Sail

Enjoy the Erie SeaWolves fireworks display from a truly unique perspective aboard the historic Schooner Lettie G. Howard on Sunday, July 2 from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. During the two-hour sail, you can help the crew set some of the larger sails and then sit back to relax with a leisurely sail on Presque Isle Bay while witnessing one of Erie’s amazing sunsets and then fireworks from UPMC Park.   

56th Annual Millcreek Township Fourth of July Parade

Pick the perfect spot to watch Erie County’s largest 4th of July parade! The sirens will blare and the parade will step off Tuesday, July 4 at 9:45 a.m. from West 12th and Marshall Streets and proceed west on 12th Street to the American Legion. This year’s Grand Marshalls are Erie hometown heroes.   

Albion, PA Independence Day Festival: 

The two-day event is held Saturday and Sunday, July 1-2 at Albion Borough Park, Lisek Circle, and features live music, food, a craft show, and family activities. Fireworks begin at dusk on July 2.

Lawrence Park Fireworks Display

The eastern Erie County community celebrates on Tuesday, 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 10 p.m. 

North East Fireworks Display

The picturesque town of North East, PA celebrates the holiday with family activities, live music by Beatles tribute band Abbey Road, food trucks, and fireworks at dusk. The fun starts at 4 p.m. at Gravel Pit Park.

 

Partner Spotlight

Dobbins Landing Spring 2022 EB 2

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.

Learn More

Port Farms Fall Spotlight 400 x 300

Fall Harvest at Port Farms

Happy Fall Y’all! Come enjoy the farm during Fall Harvest season September 16 – October 29. Grab your friends and family and enjoy a variety of fall themed activities for every age. With over 25 attractions, our guests create long-lasting memories worth repeating. General admission includes wagon rides, our 8-acre bigfoot corn maze, slide mountain, ball zone, game garden, pedal carts, corn box, Tiny Town, animal exhibits, mindbender mazes, trike track, tire fort and so much more! Plan a birthday party with a campfire spot! PLUS, this year we have added tons of new events that are included with admission!

Learn More

erie events spotlight

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.

Learn More

CartHorse Spotlight 400 x 300

Cart/Horse

Cart/Horse Distilling is a first-generation woman-owned distillery, pioneering the craft in Edinboro, Pennsylvania. Handcrafted care never goes out of style. We put that artistic attention into every bottle of our small batch spirits. Cart/Horse proudly produces rum, whiskey, vodka, gin, and several award-winning specialty liquors. Our robust cocktail menu uses the finest and freshest ingredients for each custom-built drink.

Learn More

AHN Spotlight 400 x 300

AHN Saint Vincent- Award-Winning Medical Care

AHN Saint Vincent has been here from the beginning, providing award-winning inpatient and outpatient medical care. Need express care? We’ve conveniently placed AHN facilities on the west and east side of Erie, just walk-in! AHN Saint Vincent is not only recognized locally (Erie’s Choice- Best Hospital) but nation-wide, so you can expect high-quality care, greater safety, and better results.

Learn More

Olivers Mini Golf Spotlight 400 x 300

Oliver’s Bayfront Mini Golf

This 18-hole course is the newest addition to Oliver’s Beer Garden, offering stunning views of Erie’s Bayfront and the Bicentennial Tower. Play your round and then enjoy delicious food & drink from the snack bar or Oliver’s Food Truck!

Learn More

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.

Learn More

Mall Image Spotlight v2

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.

Learn More

Airport Image Spotlight

When you have an opportunity to fly, give Erie a try - support your hometown airport!

Direct daily flights to Charlotte. Erie International Airport is serviced by American Airlines with daily flights to Charlotte with connections to many other destinations.

Learn More

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!”

Learn More

bayfront grille

Outdoor Dining at the Bayfront Grille

The Bayfront Grille Restaurant at the Sheraton Erie Bayfront Hotel is excited to announce that our Bayside Patio is open for Lunch and Dinner. Please check Open Table for reservations or contact the restaurant directly at 814-454-2005.

Learn More

Hamot Spotlight 400 x 300

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.

Learn More

814 photo Spotlight 400 x 300

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.

Learn More

CF Spotlight 400 x 300

Country Fair

We proudly opened our doors in Erie in 1965. A lot has changed between now and then, but our mission remains the same – offer fresh food, from our favorite local brands, at a convenient location. In one stop, you can fill up your gas tank and grab breakfast, lunch, groceries and a bottle of wine or a 6-pack to go. We look forward to serving you and your family during your trip to Erie!

Learn More

the cove from the cove site

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.

Learn More