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.
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.
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.
Erie's craft beverage scene is one of its most popular assets, especially the many wines that come from Lake Erie Wine Country, the largest grape-growing region east of the Rocky Mountains. Sip and savor all of the flavors at Erie's beer and wine themed events, such as Wine on the Lake (February), Erie Beer Fest (April), Beer on the Bay (July), and Harvest Weekends (November).
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 authentic food!
Celebrate pride in Erie each June at the region's largest pride festival. Erie Pride includes drag queen performances, entertainment, vendors, food and more.
Celebrate freedom and silence the violence during Erie's Juneteenth celebration, hosted by the Booker T. Washington Center, Erie's Black Wall Street and Erie's Juneteenth Celebration Organization.
Pack a chair and get ready to relax on Beach 11 on summer Wednesdays in June and July. Concerts take place from 5:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. and feature two live bands, food trucks, and extended swimming hours.
Erie's largest fireworks display happens over the bay on July 3 each year.
One of Erie's most beloved summer traditions is held Tuesdays in July and August at Liberty Park! Soak in spectacular views of Presque Isle Bay to the sound of live music along with local food trucks and beverages.
In addition to Erie's minor league sports teams playing all year long (Erie Otters, Erie SeaWolves, Erie Commodores), visitors can watch and participate in sporting events all year, including Lake Erie Cyclefest, Presque Isle Triathlon, and Barber Beast on the Bay.
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.
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).
Hosted each August in her hometown of nearby Jamestown, New York, the Lucille Ball Comedy Festival features over 50 live events, including notable and up-and-coming comedians at the National Comedy Center.
One of Erie's most popular free festivals will return in 2024! Erie's Blues and Jazz Fest is a multi-day festival in July is a celebration of art and music in Frontier Park, showcasing musicians whose work arises from blues, jazz and the African diaspora.
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.
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.
Erie County's oldest and largest fair features entertainers, amusement rides, truck and tractor pulls, horse pulls, and lots of fun in August.
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 Erie comes to life for the holidays on the first Friday in December. Watch the annual tree lighting in Perry Square, hear from Mr. and Mrs. Claus, enjoy sleigh rides and hot cocoa, and so much more.
A Creative Building in Erie's Little Italy. If you are looking for an authentic place eat and hang out in, you've found the right place! Presley and Pear Arts and Crafts recently opened and is a unique and inspiring place to take the kids during the day & for adults to attend Creative Workshops in the evenings!
Poverty Knob offers hand-crafted beer, cocktails, mocktails and delicious sharable food year-round. The brewery is family and dog friendly with both indoor and outdoor spaces. We offer games, music and entertainment for all ages.
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.
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.
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.
Aaron Tveit makes his much-anticipated return to Mercyhurst University's Mary D’Angelo Performing Arts Center on Thursday, May 1. He earned a Tony Award his performance in “Moulin Rouge! The Musical” and has appeared in a wide range of stage, television, and film projects, including “Next to Normal,” “Schmigadoon!”, “Les Misérables,” and “Grease: Live.”
Home to over 300 animals from around the world - the zoo offers an immersive experience with a variety of engaging exhibits, from playful otters to majestic big cats. Enjoy up-close animal encounters, special events, and interactive keeper talks that inspire conservation and a deeper connection to nature. Whether you're visiting with family or friends, the Erie Zoo is the perfect destination for fun, education, and unforgettable memories. Join us in supporting wildlife and conservation efforts!
Looking for something fun to do? Spend a day in the Treasure Island Arcade, where no water park admission is required! The Treasure Island Arcade is home to over 100+ games! From sports games and racing games to retro games and all-new VR motion games, there is something fun for everyone to enjoy!
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.
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!
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.
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!”
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.
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.
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.
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.
Welcome to The Cove Bay-Side Restaurant and Tavern. We invite you to enjoy a unique dining experience on Erie’s Bayfront with our nautically inspired decor, a carefully crafted menu, and an unbelievable view of Presque Isle Bay. With both indoor and outdoor seating right next to the bay, we want to be your destination of choice when you “just want to get away from it all” but without having to go far.
Find true action with slots, table games, sports book, and horse racing.
Experience 84 degrees all year at one of the top water parks in the country.
Fill your tank, pick up fresh food from local brands, and a six-pack to go in 40 regional locations.
Experience family summer fun on more than 100 great rides, slides and attractions at Waldameer!
Voted Erie’s Choice Best Hospital for eight years in a row
VisitErie – 208 East Bayfront Parkway – Erie PA 16507 – (814) 454-1000 – info@visiterie.com
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