Arts & Entertainment in Erie

Erie’s arts and entertainment scene is a unique blend of metropolitan spirit and small town charm. With engaging settings, riveting concerts and theatrical performances, thought-provoking art galleries, national touring acts and artists, Erie provides high caliber entertainment in an affordable, convenient setting.

Museums and Theaters

Catch riveting concerts and theatrical performances, national touring acts and outstanding exhibits or fill your day with enlightening museum gallery tours. The Erie area is a proud home to many theaters and museums, each with their own distinct characteristics.

The stars shine bright over the Erie Playhouse, the 12th oldest community theater in the nation. The Playhouse’s season consists of high caliber dramas, comedies, musicals and youth theater. Located right in the heart of Erie, All An Act Theatre provides a variety of thought-provoking performances in an intimate space. Its mission is to present a venue that is accessible and affordable for all theater lovers. For those who enjoy dinner and a show then the Erie Station Dinner Theatre is the place to go! Set in a vintage train sleeping car, the Station’s season includes their annual medieval feast production along with rousing sing-a-longs and silly farces.

The Erie Art Museum houses a collection of over 8,000 objects, with strengths in American ceramics, Tibetan paintings, Indian bronzes, photography, and comic book art. In addition to its regular collection, the Erie Art Museum also features special artist exhibits, an annual Juried Spring Show, Gallery Nights, Saturday tours, special events and performances throughout the year. The Erie Maritime Museum, the home of Erie’s Flagship U.S. Brig Niagara and Lettie G. Howard Schooner, tells the story of Erie’s maritime history and heritage of the Greater Erie region and the War of 1812. The museum’s centerpiece exhibit is the U.S. Brig Niagara, a floating maritime museum and active sailing vessel docked behind the museum. Formerly known as the Erie County Historical Society, the Hagen History Center Campus showcases the history of Erie County over the past 200 years in addition to special exhibits, including Frank Lloyd Wright’s original San Francisco Office.

Public Art

Take a walk or a drive through Erie County, and you'll find colorful, towering masterpieces that reflect the diverse people and neighborhoods of the region. More than 80 murals are located throughout Erie County, with more than 30 additional murals planned for 2023 through an initiative by Erie Arts & Culture. Take a self-guided tour and get inspired by the creativity of local muralists and residents. The majority of murals are not artificially lit, therefore viewing them during daylight hours is recommended.

Download the Erie County Mural List Mural Arts Tour Map

Downtown Erie Sculpture Walk

The Downtown Erie Sculpture Walk features 15 sculptures in Downtown Erie and the Bayfront District, representing the work of 13 different artists from throughout the United States. The inaugural set of sculptures are on display through August 2023. For a list and map of current sculptures, click here.

Make it and Take it

Take a piece of your trip home with you when you create your own works of art at places like Board & Brush Erie and Allen Stoneware Gallery. From family gatherings to birthday parties, bachelorette celebrations or co-worker team building, no artist experience is needed to have a fun, hands-on learning experience!

Located at the Village West Shopping Plaza, Board & Brush is a space for groups to gather and create a variety of wood decor projects in an entertaining atmosphere where BYOB and snacks are encouraged! Visitors can choose from more than 400 different types of signs to personalize during an instructor-led workshop.

Enjoy a fun, relaxing afternoon creating a unique piece of stoneware pottery from scratch at Allen Stoneware Gallery, located at The Shops at The Colony. Led by local artist and master potter, Vicke Allen Shea, the two-hour classes are perfect for small groups of two to eight people. In addition to classes, Allen Stoneware Gallery also features a distinctive collection of handmade pottery, gifts, and artwork that is inspired by the natural beauty of Presque Isle State Park.