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Bayfront Aerial at Sunset given with permission from photog Patrick Grab resize

What’s New in Erie 2024

Tuesday Dec 26th, 2023

Here’s a look at what’s new in Erie, Pennsylvania for 2024!

Erie Eclipse 2024: Experience a once-in-a-lifetime event in Erie, Pennsylvania! On April 8, 2024, Erie is in the path of totality for a total solar eclipse. For nearly four minutes, the afternoon sky will go dark as the moon passes between the sun and the Earth. Erie is the only major city in Pennsylvania in the path of totality. Several eclipse-related events are being planned including at Lake Erie Speedway and Lake Erie Wine Country. As the eclipse draws closer, more events are being added. Keep checking www.ErieEclipse2024.com for the latest updates.

The expERIEnce Children’s Museum is wrapping up an $18 million renovation and expansion project that has been in the works since 2015. Phase 1, a 19,000-square-foot building addition, opened in June 2023 with new exhibits, an expanded gift shop, and an interactive musical lobby wall. Phase 2, set to be completed in spring 2024, marks the culmination of the project. During this phase, the original museum will be transformed with a redesigned floor plan, new classrooms, additional exhibits, and a sensory-friendly room. A certified nature exploration classroom will also make its debut in the green space between the museum and the Erie Art Museum. Some of the exhibits in the new building addition include “Lake Life” and “My Town”. Lake Life is an homage to the joy of being on Lake Erie with a ship climber exhibit, inspired by Erie’s flagship, U.S. Brig Niagara, and an impressive water table, the second largest in the United States, featuring Erie icons such as the Bicentennial Tower and Land Lighthouse. In “My Erie”, guests can explore a kid-sized town packed with a variety of hands-on experiences such as milking a cow and picking produce on the farm, grooming a pet, and checking the oil in a car.

Climbing at ASCEND Erie provided by Ascend Erie Fall 2022 3

Erie’s Downtown District is brimming with exciting new development! ASCEND Erie officially opened in November 2023, bringing 25,000 square feet of rock climbing adventures to the corner of West 5th and State Streets. ASCEND offers 50-foot lead climbing, top-roping, and auto-belay walls, ample bouldering terrain, yoga classes, fitness and training areas, youth programming, slacklines, retail and concessions, group spaces, and community events. The Flagship City Food Hall welcomed a new vendor in November. Cheeserie features a decadent variety of homemade mac and cheese and uber-melty hand-pressed panini sandwiches. In March/April 2024, the same building that houses ASCEND will complete its final stage that includes 32 apartments, a 318-space parking ramp, and local vendors such as Dave’s Diner, and a brew/wine bottle shop, among others. In December, The Brig Cigar Bar made its debut on the third floor of the historic Cashier's House near 5th and State. The adjacent building is set to host a German-style beer hall sports bar in February, followed by the unveiling of an indoor mini-golf course in April/May.

The Erie Zoo is debuting a new North American river otter habitat during the Zoo’s 2024 season. Built in the 1980s, the original otter’s enclosure has always been a visitor favorite, watching these joyful animals swim, play, and relax. The new exhibit is larger than its predecessor and will feature designs inspired by Wintergreen Gorge, a holding facility, and an elevated boardwalk for maximized viewing opportunities. Additionally, the Zoo plans improvements to the red panda exhibit, the children’s zoo bridge, and the main Zoo entrance which will feature a new entry gate and the refurbishing of the original mosaic tiling on the entrance pillars.

Owned and operated by Port Farms in Waterford, PA, Poverty Knob Farmhouse Ales microbrewery opened in November 2023 inside an old potato storage barn on the property. Port Farms got its start in 1897 as a potato farm and has grown into a tourist attraction offering seasonal festivities. The new brewery houses a 10-barrel brewhouse with five 10-barrel fermenters and three 20-barrel fermenters and a taphouse where guests can enjoy beer crafted with locally grown and sourced ingredients. Poverty Knob also serves food such as shareable plates of house-made ranch potato chips, the Cattleyard ribeye melt sandwich, and a Pig and Fig flatbread.

There’s a new restaurant making its debut in February on Erie’s west side. Roma’s Italian Kitchen, will open in the former IHop building near West 12th and Peninsula Drive. The restaurant, operated by local family corporation Scott Enterprises, aspires to satisfy burgeoning appetites for Italian fare, celebrating authentic, hand-crafted dishes inspired from across the Italian peninsula.

Speaking of Italian, those who visit the Donatos Pizza in Harborcreek, PA are greeted by a giant pizza cutter. The fun and quirky art piece made its debut in November 2023 and is among one of the largest pizza cutters in the world. The 5-foot cutter was created by local fabricator Gene Davis Sales and Service and the 8-foot handle was hand crafted by local woodworkers at Shutte Woodworking. The piece sits on an equally large pizza mural created by Erie artist and elementary school art teacher Mollie Dennis.

The Erie Sports Commission, a division of VisitErie, is looking forward to several new sports tourism developments and events coming in 2024 including the 84th Annual Pennsylvania State USBC Open Championships. Erie will host the event which is spread across ten weekends from April 5 to June 8, 2024. This will be the fourth time the event will be hosted in Erie and the first since 2019. Eastland Bowl will play host to the five-person team event, with the minor doubles and singles events taking place at Eastway Lanes. 

The Cork 1794 was named “One of the World's Best Restaurants for Wine in 2023”, by Wine Spectator's 2023 Restaurant Awards, which celebrates the world's best restaurants for wine. Awards are assigned on three levels: the Award of Excellence, the Best of Award of Excellence, and the Grand Award. The Cork won the Award of Excellence which recognizes restaurants whose wine lists feature a well-chosen assortment of quality producers along with a thematic match to the menu in price and style. Click to view The Cork’s extensive menu of wine and locally-sourced cuisine.

Partner Spotlight

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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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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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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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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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Tia Book Cellar

Tia Book Cellar is an independent bookstore offering new and bargain books, unique gifts, puzzles, and games for all interests and ages. Located across from Gibson Park in North East, their brand embodies the local business model and the local grape heritage. Tia's believes that "there is always … local, an alternative, and a story." They look forward to helping you discover your next read or gift here.

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Visit Edinboro, PA!

Edinboro Community and Economic Development is a regional Edinboro area non-profit committed to fostering positive community-wide growth. Through economic and civic initiatives, the ECED seeks to empower the Edinboro community to effectuate targeted change to meet current needs and build regional resilience. Edinboro is a unique area where rural and urban values intersect, and the best "small town America" qualities shine.

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MIAC Live: Pink Martini

Erie’s favorite globe-trotting “little orchestra,” Pink Martini, brings its 30th anniversary tour to Mercyhurst University’s Mary D’Angelo Performing Arts Center on Wednesday, Oct. 16, at 7:30 p.m. Led by pianist Thomas Lauderdale and featuring the captivating vocals of China Forbes, Pink Martini boasts a multilingual repertoire and a sound that mixes classical, tango, samba, pop, swing, and jazz.

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Exclusive Tourism Rewards

If you live more than 50 miles from Millcreek Mall, stop by the Customer Service Center to register. You’ll receive a Guest Rewards Tourism Program Luggage Tag. Scanning the QR Code on it will reveal special offers from participating mall merchants. If you spend $200 or more that day, take your receipts back to the Customer Service Center and you’ll get a FREE $20 Mall Gift Card. You get rewarded just for shopping!

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The Cove Bay-Side Restaurant & Tavern

Set sail for an inspiring dining experience! Enjoy a unique casual dining experience on Erie's Bayfront. The Cove's nautically inspired decor and an unbelievable view of Presque Isle Bay will have you feeling the venturous spirit of those who live their lives on the sea.

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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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Fall Harvest at Port Farms

Happy Fall Y’all! Come enjoy the farm during Fall Harvest season September 14 – October 31. 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, an 8-acre corn maze, slide mountain, ball zone, game garden, pedal carts, corn box, Kid’s Village, animal exhibits, mindbender mazes, trike track, tire fort and so much more! Plan a birthday party with a campfire spot! PLUS, enjoy themed events and character visits!

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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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COME SEE WHAT ASCEND ERIE IS ALL ABOUT!

ASCEND is a community hub in downtown Erie that features climbing, fitness, yoga, youth programming, and so much more. We opened up last year and would love to meet you! Visit on your own, with friends and family, or book a team-building event with your coworkers.

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Now Open in Downtown Erie

Five Iron Golf is blurring the lines between indoor golf and entertainment. State-of-the-art simulators and world-class instruction meet premium events and amenities plus delectable food and cocktail menus.

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Award-Winning Compassionate Care

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

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.

One stop convenience.

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

Ante-up, Erie.

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

Soak in the fun!

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

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!

Award-Winning Compassionate Care

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

One stop convenience.

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