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Festivals and Events

Festivals and Events in Erie

Mark your calendars and don’t miss any of Erie County’s most popular festivals, fairs, and events. Erie is known for its vibrant ethnic festivals, live music on the water, fairs with classic food and midway rides, and celebrations of all sizes that showcase the best of Erie, PA. 

Complete Calendar of Events 

Signature Events in Erie County

Erie County is known for its year-round festivals and events (many of them free!), and new events are always being added to the calendar. These mainstays are among the many events that return annually, and keep visitors coming back to Erie year after year. 

Erie Restaurant Week

Traditionally held the last week of January, VisitErie welcomes visitors to sample and savor the flavors of Erie County restaurants during Erie Restaurant Week. Over the course of the event, you'll find prix fixe menus and accessible price points for breakfast, lunch, and dinner at some of your favorite Erie County establishments. Stay tuned for dates for Erie Restaurant Week 2024!

Ethnic Festivals

Erie offers a diverse melting pot of ethnic festivals each spring and summer. Make time to stop at the Troika Russian Festival (May), Panegyri Greek Festival (July), AmeriMasala (July), St. Paul’s Italian Festival (August), Zabawa Polish Festival (August), German Heritage Festival (September), and St. Patrick’s Irish Festival (September). Each one showcases traditional items from their origin countries, live entertainment and of course delicious food! Pictured: AmeriMasala in July

Discover Presque Isle

Held annually during the last week of July, Discover Presque Isle celebrates Erie’s most treasured asset with dozens of family-friendly recreational and educational activities geared to draw attention to Presque Isle State Park’s diverse ecosystems and the importance of protecting its natural environment. A festival favorite is the popular sand sculpture competition on Beach 11 or the annual bonfire on Beach 1.

CelebrateErie

CelebrateErie is a three-day extravaganza taking place annually mid-August in Downtown Erie. It is designed to bring everyone together for a showcase of all things Erie. The event features nationally headlining artists on its mainstage as well as districts highlighting the best of Erie's food, arts, culture and business. CelebrateErie’s top attraction is the Chalkwalk, where more than 40 vibrant chalk murals done by local and regional artists span the length of a city block. 

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The AmeriMasala, hosted annually in downtown Erie.
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The X Ambassadors perform at CelebrateErie 2022.
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Downtown d'Lights is hosted annually to kick of the holiday season in the City of Erie.

WineFest

WineFest, like fine wine, improves each year with age! During the last full weekend of September, visitors can expect a wide selection of wine tastings, local arts vendors, grape stomping and live music in charming North East, Pennsylvania. Winery tours are also held during the event at various wineries throughout the region. 

Downtown Events

Regular, free events are hosted in downtown Erie year-round, celebrating the diverse culture and businesses that make Erie so unique. Some of the most popular events hosted by the Erie Downtown Partnership include the annual Erie Winter Carnival (February), summer concert series (Thursdays, July and August), Sunday farmers markets (June to September), Erie Downtown Fall Fest (October), Small Business Saturday (November) and Downtown d'Lights (December). 

Tall Ships Erie

This four-day maritime celebration offers visitors the rare chance to climb aboard and explore a fleet of tall ships, set sail in a historic vessel, or enjoy many other festival highlights. Tall Ships is typically hosted in Erie every three years and will sail into port again in 2025. 

Partner Spotlight

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.

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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.

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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.

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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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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 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!

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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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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.

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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!

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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.

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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.

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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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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.

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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.

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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!

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