Erie’s arts and culture scene offers a vibrant mix of events for you to explore artistic expressions through various subjects such as visual arts, music, dance, and theater. These events will move, challenge, and inspire your senses, leaving lasting memories. Experience the power of creativity firsthand and schedule yourself to attend these engaging spring arts and culture events throughout the Erie region.

Downtown Art Brunch
March 11, April 8, May 13, and June 10
11 a.m.-2 p.m.
Every second Saturday of the month, art enthusiasts can visit four downtown art galleries while enjoying light brunch refreshments and strolling through a multitude of beautiful and inspiring art exhibits. The participating galleries are Glass Growers Gallery, City Gallery, D’Hopkins Denniston Gallery Fine Art, and The 10|20 Collective. Admission is free.

The 100^th Annual Nicole and Harry Martin Spring Show
March 17 - August 11, Erie Art Museum
Thursday-Friday 2-8 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m. – 5 p.m., Sunday 1-6 p.m.
It’s time to party with the Erie Art Museum as they celebrate the 100^th Annual Nicole & Harry Martin Spring Show. The annual juried event showcases multi-media artwork from artists living or working within a 250-mile radius of Erie. This year’s juror is art historian and arts administrator Gaëtane Verna, the executive director of Wexner Centre for the Arts. General museum admission is free for members and $10 for non-members.

Artist Exhibits: Malcolm Christhilf and Rachael Burke
March 24 – April 24 (Malcolm), April 28 – June 12 (Rachael), Glass Growers Gallery
Monday – Friday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Specializing in still life and landscape paintings, Malcolm Christhilf is a professor of Fine Arts at Edinboro University and has been exhibited in national and regional exhibitions for more than thirty years. With a fascination for the energy of nature and its elements, Rachel Burke, a former art professor at Edinboro University, has had numerous solo exhibitions in many galleries, museums, and universities. Admission is free.

Cirque at the Symphony with Troupe Vertigo
April 15, Warner Theater
3 p.m. and 8 p.m.
Presented by the Erie Philharmonic inside the historic and recently renovated Warner Theater, the 2022-23 Pops season concludes with Troupe Vertigo, a group of expert circus performers who have collaborated with numerous national and international symphonies. Expect an evening of stunning physical feats choreographed into stunning works of art. Ticket information can be found here.

“Self-Help”
April 15 – May 10, Erie Station Dinner Theatre
Wednesday Noon, Saturday 5:30 p.m., Sunday 2:30 p.m.
This comedy by Norm Foster tells the tale of a married pair of struggling actors who decide to reinvent themselves as self-help gurus. Soon they have it all from fame to fortune, along with a shocking discovery. Their lives unravel in a hilarious farce as they try to conceal a body and hold on to their falsely won fame. Box office hours and tickets are here.

“Spooks, The Haunting of the Skowronski Sisters”
April 21 – May 6, PACA (Performing Artist Collective Alliance)
Friday and Saturday 7:30 p.m.
This play, which showcases an Erie theme, was written by local playwright Richard Boler and enjoyed a successful run of over 100 performances at the former Roadhouse Theater. Set in 1986, the Skowronski sisters have gathered for a blessing of the family home, but a ghostly presence disrupts the ceremony and demands an airing of the family’s “horrible secret”. The sisters’ dilemma: Just exactly whose horrible secret is it? Tickets can be found here.

Presque Isle Gallery & Gifts Spring Open House
April 22, Inside the Tom Ridge Environmental Center
5-9 p.m.
Filling the gift shop and the first floor of the Tom Ridge Environmental Center, the annual spring event highlights artwork from more than 20 local artists in an eclectic mix of mediums including photography, painting, sculpture, textiles, and pottery. Door prizes, snacks, live music, and local libations will be available. Admission is free.