The energy of the Erie region’s arts and entertainment flows through downtown to the surrounding communities and it is electrifying. From immersive experiences, live concerts, and mesmerizing stage productions to profound artwork that stirs your thoughts and talent that is truly awe-inspiring, Erie offers top-tier cultural attractions for everyone in an affordable, convenient, and charismatic environment.
Erie’s museums present a rich tapestry of cultural exploration, each with its own distinctive appeal. From diverse art forms and special exhibitions to maritime tales and inspiring historical journeys, it's an immersive blend of discovery. The Erie Art Museum is home to a remarkable collection of more than 8,000 artifacts. This curated treasure trove features strengths in American ceramics, Tibetan paintings, amazing photography, and an assortment of rotating artist exhibitions that showcase local, regional, national, and international talent. Voyage into Erie’s maritime past at the Erie Maritime Museum, anchored by the U.S. Brig Niagara and the Schooner Lettie G. Howard. Both historic vessels serve as floating educational museums, offering public sails from May through October. The museum itself regales visitors with fascinating stories of Erie’s role in the War of 1812 and the Battle of Lake Erie. Transforming history into a tangible experience, the Hagen History Center campus, once known as the Erie County Historical Society, takes guests on a captivating journey spanning two centuries of Erie’s past including “The Story of Us” exhibit, the grand Watson-Curtze Mansion, and Frank Lloyd Wright’s original San Francisco Office.
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.
Erie’s historic Warner Theater is an art deco and french renaissance-styled theater listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The theater was commissioned in 1929 by the world-famous Warner Brothers and completed a $17 million renovation and restoration in 2022. In addition to hosting national touring acts, Broadway shows and regional performances, the Warner is also home to the Erie Philharmonic.
The Cultural Loop, a partnership between the Erie Metropolitan Transit Authority (EMTA) and the Erie Philharmonic, is a free trolley service providing Saturday evening service to popular events and activities throughout Downtown. For service times and stops, click here.
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
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.
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.
814-392-3500
3330 West 26th Street
Village West Plaza
Erie, PA 16506
814-392-4785
Home field is Erie Sports Center
8159 Oliver Road
Erie, PA 16509
814-864-2022
4940 Peach Street
Erie, PA 16501
814-453-3743
420 French Street
Erie, PA 16507
814-461-0911
1402 State Street
Erie, PA 16501
716-484-2222
203 W. Second Street
Jamestown, NY 14701
814-920-9666
130 E Front Street
Erie , PA 16507
814-616-7222
1505 State Street
Erie, PA 16501
814-664-3053
32 North Center Street
Corry, PA 16407
866-ERIE-FUN (374-3386)
8199 Perry Highway/Exit 27, I-90
Erie, PA 16509
814-835-1384
301 Peninsula Drive
Erie, PA 16505
814-836-1827
3835 West 12th Street
Erie, PA 16505
866-3SPLASH (77-5274)
8091 Peach Street
Erie, PA 16509
814-734-5098
12246 Route 99
Edinboro, PA 16412
Near the Intersection of 26th and Peach Street
Erie, PA 16502
877-817-1009
220 Peninsula Drive
Erie, PA 16505
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