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Feature StoriesMusic

2024 Summer Events Preview

Plenty to keep you busy during Erie's most playful season

by Erin Phillips
View ProfileInstagramRSS Feed
May 1, 2024 at 10:30 AM
Dean Zeller
Mark your calendars and get ready to have a busy summer filled with live music, physical challenges, food and drink festivals, farmers markets, vendor markets, heritage festivals, and county fairs.

What's better than summertime in Erie? What was only a few months (or maybe days) ago a gray, chilly landscape suddenly bursts into bloom — Erieites throw open their windows and are ready to get outside and soak up the slew of sun-drenched community events jammed into the three most beautiful months of the year.

And this year is no different. With the return of many anticipated music and community events (like Celebrate Erie, 8 Great Tuesdays, and the triumphant resurrection of the Blues & Jazz Festival), there are plenty of other opportunities to take advantage of all that Erie has to offer — we're talking farmers markets, vendor fairs, celebrations of local history, athletic competitions, heritage fests, food and drink gatherings, art events, and decades-long (sometimes centuries-long) standing county fairs. You could find something on this list to keep you busy nearly every single day this summer, and why not? With most of these events coming to you free of charge (noted when so), nothing's stopping you from taking full advantage.

So grab a lawn chair or blanket and let's get ready for an epic summer, Erie!

Listed chronologically within categories

Jump to a category:

Local and Local-ish Live Music Events

Food and Drink Events

Community Events for Your Body and Mind

Farmers Markets

Vendor Markets

Heritage Festivals

County Fairs

 

 

Summertime in Erie offers a plethora of local and regional opportunities to take in live music including (clockwise from top left): Goodell Gardens and Homestead's Summer Music Series, UPMC Sunset Music Series, Chautauqua Institution Summer Music Series, and Erie's Blues and Jazz Festival. (Photos: Erin Phillips / Jessica Hunter)

Local and Local-ish Live Music Events

Edinboro Art and Music Festival

May 17 - 19 // Various locations in downtown Edinboro // Free // edinboroartandmusic.com

Getting the summer party started, the Edinboro Art and Music Festival has been ringing in the season for live, outdoor music for the past 20 years and counting. With a full slate of diverse performances scheduled at various venues throughout downtown Edinboro, there's a jam for everyone.

 

Monday Music in the Woods

Mondays, June 3 - July 29, 6 to 8 p.m. // Celebration Garden, 4105 Asbury Rd. // Free // asburywoods.org

The idyllic forest setting of Asbury Woods offers up a great variety of local musical talent on Monday evenings throughout the summer — featuring original songwriters interspersed with favorite cover bands.

 

Goodell Gardens and Homestead Summer Music Series

Select Fridays, June 7 - Aug. 30, 7 to 9 p.m. // Goodell Gardens and Homestead, 220 Waterford St., Edinboro // Free // goodellgardens.org

Enjoy chill, singer-songwriter vibes on the gorgeous grounds of Goodell Gardens and Homestead. With local food trucks providing libations, all you need is a blanket or lawn chair!

 

Erie Downtown Summer Concert Series

Thursdays, June 20 - Aug. 29, 7 to 10 p.m. // Perry Square, 601 State St. // Free // eriedowntown.com

The Erie Downtown Partnership, in collaboration with the Flagship City District, is bringing back their weekly Summer Concert Series happening Thursday nights throughout the summer and featuring two local bands on every bill. You never need a good excuse to head downtown, but these fun, free, local concerts are a good one.

 

Gazebo Concerts in the Park

June 20, July 18, and Aug. 15, 7 to 9 p.m. // Beute Park, Iroquois Ave. // Free // lawrenceparktwp.org

Enjoy the quaint, Main Street feeling of an old fashioned gazebo park as you take in the sounds of local, family-friendly, singalong music.

 

UPMC Sunset Music Series

Wednesday evenings, June 19 - July 24, 5:30 p.m. to sunset // Free // Beach 11, Presque Isle State Park // discoverpi.com

What's better than a summer sunset at Presque Isle? A summer sunset with live, local music, food trucks, hula hoops, and ice cream!

 

14th Annual Riverside Music Festival

June 20 - 22 // Various venues throughout Cambridge Springs // Free // facebook.com/riversidemusicfestival

After the tragic fire at the Riverside Hotel and a global pandemic, the 14th Annual Riverside Music Festival is back and better than ever. This totally free, family-friendly event (did someone say bounce houses?) features musical entertainment spread throughout various venues in Cambridge Springs.

 

Chautauqua Institution Summer Music Series

Select dates throughout the summer with concerts beginning Saturday, June 22 // Chautauqua Amphitheater, 31 Roberts Ave., Chautauqua, N.Y. // chq.org

Our neighbor to the east, the illustrious Chautauqua Institution, celebrates 150 years of offering world-class programming all year round. Alongside their historic, educational, theatrical, and operatic programming, 2024's slate of celebratory summer concerts is genuinely impressive — featuring (among many others) Wilco, Martina McBride, the Beach Boys, Boyz II Men, and 10,000 Maniacs.

Michael E. Hill, president of the Chautauqua Institution relates, "This series of events and opportunities is our invitation to Chautauquans around the world to come back to Chautauqua — or visit us for the first time — in 2024. It's an opportunity to be part of a legacy that Teddy Roosevelt described as 'typical of America at its best' — a standard to which we aspire every day."

 

Great Blue Heron

July 5 -7 // The Heron Farm and Event Center, 2361 Waits Corners Rd., Sherman, N.Y. // greatblueheron.com

"Dancing for more than three decades," the Great Blue Heron is more than a music festival, it's an institution. Go for one day or stay for all three with on-site camping available — featuring 33 artists on three stages.

 

WQLN Sounds Around Town

Fridays in July, 7:30 p.m. // Outdoors, adjacent to the WQLN Studios, 8425 Peach St. // Free // wqln.org

Bring your lawn chair or blanket into the woodland stage at WQLN for a free, all-local concert each week in July. The performance will be recorded and broadcast on WQLN stations after the show.

 

In Your Hometown: Erie Philharmonic Outdoor Concert Series

Beginning July 10 through Aug. 9 // Various public parks throughout Erie and Crawford Counties // Free // eriephil.org

The Erie Philharmonic returns to a park near you for their popular In Your Hometown summer concert series. At parks smattered throughout Erie including Gibson Park in North East, Pleasant Ridge Park in Girard, and Goodell Gardens in Edinboro (including many others), you're never too far from an evening of culture, orchestra, and the spirit of community inspired by the world-class musicians of the Erie Philharmonic that we're fortunate call Erie home. Keep an eye on the Phil's website and socials for updates, times, locations, and announcements.

 

8 Great Tuesdays

Tuesdays in July and August, 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. // Highmark Amphitheater at Liberty Park, 828 W. Bayfront Pkwy // Free // porterie.org/8greattuesdays

It wouldn't be summer without the sounds of 8 Great Tuesdays wafting throughout the city on the bay breeze. Just like the title says, eight concerts will take the Liberty Park stage on consecutive Tuesdays throughout the summer.

 

The 44th Annual Gathering at Chaffee's

July 26 - 27 // 8296 Mill St., Girard // thegatheringatchaffees.com

Tap into your inner hippie and sweat it out at the Gathering. For 44 years running, this local music festival has created a vibe: with camping, local food, and a packed slate of jam and jam-adjacent tunes, it's a real experience.

 

Erie's Blues and Jazz Festival

Aug. 3 - 4, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. // Frontier Park, Bayfront Parkway & W. 8th Streets // Free // eriebluesandjazz.com

Now dubbed "The People's Festival," the staple of Erie's summer, the anticipated Blues and Jazz Festival makes its triumphant return to Frontier Park this summer. We're all happy to pretend last year's hiatus never happened as we groove in Erie's beautiful arboretum at Frontier Park to an exciting lineup of blues, jazz, rock, and funk.

Event organizer and artistic director Matt Walker is excited about the reboot. "We are most looking forward to reconnecting with friends and family when Frontier Park looks like Central Park for a weekend." He shares that the mainstage shows on Saturday will feature "a Louisiana-style swamp stomp featuring Terrance Simien and the Zydeco Experience followed by Ivan Neville's Dumpstaphunk," while Sunday's slate of performances "will showcase an entire day honoring women in blues and jazz that will include performances from Jennifer Stills (Stephen Stills daughter) leading an ensemble of local talent paying tribute to Crosby, Stills, Nash, and Young."

 

Celebrate Erie

Aug. 16 - 18 // Downtown Erie // Free // celebrateerie.com

If there is a self-defining event for Erie, it is Celebrate Erie. What used to be known as "We Love Erie Days," the festival has grown in scope but not in sentiment: we love Erie! With family friendly music and dance performances, food, art activities, the increasingly impressive chalk walk, and local vendors and organizations all interspersed throughout different districts around downtown, Celebrate Erie is three days of fun culminating each night in a mainstage performance that draws thousands of folks to experience our Erie community.

 

Homegrown Harvest Festival

Saturday, Sept. 15 // Goodell Gardens & Homestead, 221 Waterford St., Edinboro // FREE // goodellgardens.org

Close out the summer and welcome the harvest season at Goodell Gardens and Homestead. With a full slate of live music, auctions, kids activities, food trucks, art, and local farm products — it's a market, it's a concert, it's a great day to spend at Goodell.

 

Our West Bayfront Porchfest

Saturday, Sept. 28 // Various locations throughout the West Bayfront neighborhood // Free // ourwestbayfront.org

Closing out the season is one of the most unique events of the summer in Erie, and if you haven't come down to the West Bayfront to experience it, make a point to this September. With various local musical acts spanning genres performing on the literal porches of homes and businesses throughout the West Bayfront, it is a walkable, diverse, thoroughly enjoyable day in a beautiful, historic neighborhood.

 

Erie's beer, wine, and food scene grows bigger and better every year – and we've got lots of great events to celebrate it including (clockwise from top left): Beer on the Bay, North East Wine Fest, Arts and Drafts at the Brewerie, and Erie's Wild Rib Cook Off and Music Festival. (Photos: Beer on the Bay, Erin Phillips, Contributed)

Food and Drink Events

 

Erie's Wild Rib Cook Off and Music Festival

May 29 - June 1, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. // Perry Square, 601 State St. // Free // erieribfest.com

Sample the slowly smoked, saucy sustenance of dozens of nationally touring, award-winning pit masters while taking in the sounds of local musical entertainment.

 

Erie Food Tours

Saturdays, June 8 - Aug. 31 // Various Locations // eriefoodtours.com

If you like food and you like Erie, you should go on an Erie Food Tour. With three different options from which to choose, you can sample your way through Downtown Erie or historic North East.

 

Beer on the Bay

Saturday, July 27, noon to 7 p.m. // Liberty Park and Highmark Amphitheater, 828 W. Bayfront Pkwy. // eriebrewingco.com

Sample beers from hundreds of local and regional craft brewers al fresco with live music, vendors, and local food trucks, all with a sparkling view of the bay.

 

Arts and Drafts at the Brewerie

Sept. 5 - 7 //The Brewerie at Union Station, 123 W. 14th St. // Free // brewerie.com

Enjoy a locally brewed beer at the historic Union Station while perusing dozens of local artists' work available for purchase. With a full slate of local music inside and trackside, you can make a whole weekend out of it while giving your support directly to local artists.

 

North East Wine Fest

Sept. 22 - 24 // Gibson Park, Lake and Main Streets, North East // nechamber.org

Lake Erie Wine Country hosts their annual wine tasting event that has grown to become a harvest festival. Featuring wine tastings from regional wineries, live music, food, artisan vendors, a 5K, a car show, and cycling tours — this fest is a full blown celebration of the North East community.

 

Get your body moving, stimulate your mind, or laugh your butt off at these summer events meant to get you out of your comfort zone (clockwise from top left): Lucille Ball Comedy Festival, Barber Beast on the Bay, Wellness Wednesdays: Yoga at Dobbins Landing, and West Bayfit. (Photos: Jessica Hunter / Dave Tamulonis)

Community Events for Your Body and Mind

 

Nerd Out at the Library

May 3 - 11 // Blasco Memorial Library (and some branch participants, check full schedule online), 160 E. Front St. // Free // eriecounty-pa.libguides.com

Tap into your inner nerd at the Erie County Public Library's inaugural Nerd Out week. Diving into nerd culture, no geeky stone is left unturned for the library's full slate of events, activities, crafts, classes, art workshops, gatherings, and more. Whether it's Dungeons & Dragons, Star Wars, Pokemon, Sci-Fi, cosplay, magic, comics, or RPGs, there's a related event. Did you hear? Nerds are the new cool kids.

 

Wellness Wednesdays: Yoga at Dobbins Landing

Beginning Wednesday, June 5 // 6:15 a.m. // Dobbins Landing, 1 State St. // Free // eriedowntown.com

Rolling out of bed early never had a better purpose: enjoy the sunrise over the bay at Dobbins Landing while getting centered with a free yoga class on Wednesday mornings throughout the summer. Perform literal sun salutations amidst a grounded, peaceful scene: before the rest of the world wakes up, you'll be starting your morning off in a mindful way.

 

Presque Isle Poker Paddle

Saturday, June 8 // Presque Isle State Park, 301 Peninsula Dr. // discoverpi.com

Paddle your way through a full hand of poker! Hop onto any paddling vessel and navigate your way through the lagoons at Presque Isle to collect cards, making the best poker hand you can, all while benefiting our gem of a state park. Participants with the best and worst hand win cash prizes!

 

Asbury Nature in Your Neighborhood

Thursdays from June 13 - Aug. 15 // Various public parks throughout Erie // Free // asburywoods.org

Asbury Woods is bringing the magic of their arboreal wonderland to you through their outreach program Nature in Your Neighborhood. Every Thursday throughout the summer, staff and volunteers from the woods will bring educational nature materials and hands-on science-based activities to different public parks throughout Erie (including Bayview, Perry Square, McKinley, Wayne, and McClelland)

 

West Bayfit

Wednesdays from June 12 - July 24, with Farmers Markets continuing through Aug. 14 // Bayview Park, 598 W. 2nd St. // Free // ourwestbayfront.org

A combination of fun, fitness, farmers markets, and family, West Bayfit presented by Our West Bayfront and their community partners gets neighbors out, active, and enjoying one of the most beautiful public parks in Erie.

 

Erie Art Museum Gallery Night

June 14 and Sept. 27 // Multiple galleries throughout region // Free // erieartmuseum.org

Happening four times each year and twice during the summer, Erie Art Museum's Gallery Night offers local art enthusiasts the perfect opportunity to visit a number of local galleries in the same night — with special shows, food and drink, and lots of live music throughout the community.

 

Erie's Juneteenth Celebration

Saturday, June 15 // 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. // Perry Square, 601 State St. // Free // facebook.com - Erie's Juneteenth Celebration

A day-long celebration of Juneteenth, a federal holiday celebrating the end of slavery, will take place the Saturday prior to the holiday in Perry Square. Expect a lively celebration including vendors, food, activities, entertainment, and prizes.

 

Movie Mondays in the Square

June 17 - Aug. 26 (weather permitting) // Begins at dusk // Perry Square, 601 State St. // Free // eriedowntown.com

Bring a lawn chair or blanket and some snacks and join the Erie Downtown Partnership and the Flagship City District for a free movie screening in Perry Square on Monday nights. With family-friendly, crowd-pleasing selections, it's a fun night for everyone.

 

Erie Ale Works 0.01K

June 21 // 5 p.m. // Erie Ale Works, 416 W. 12th St. // $10 // eriealeworks.com

Those bumper stickers out there in the world that boast 13.1 or 26.2 are all good and well for those among us who love to push their body to the limit, but if your style is more "pushing your body to the brewery," the Erie Ale Works 0.01K is for you. A spoof on a charity 5K, Erie Ale Works encourages you to walk/run/saunter/silly-walk your way across 0.01 miles (about 38 feet) of their parking lot to raise money for the Erie Humane Society.

 

Erie Pridefest: Pride on the Bay

Saturday, June 29 // Liberty Park, 828 W. Bayfront Pkwy. // Free // nwpapride.org

A change in venue and name comes to this year's Pride celebration: Pride on the Bay at Liberty Park will allow ample, safe space for participants. With vendors, entertainment, and more, the regular Pride Parade will take place the following day, Sunday, June 30 on State Street from 11th to Perry Square.

 

Discover Presque Isle

July 22 - 28 // Presque Isle State Park, 301 Peninsula Dr. // Free // discoverpi.com

Not that we need a weeklong excuse to discover our defining state park, but it sure doesn't hurt! Discover Presque Isle offers participants so many opportunities to see a side of the peninsula they may not have experienced before. With activities available like guided birdwatching, yoga, archery, bike tours, art, music, and vendors — going to the beach just got a lot more interesting.

 

Lake Erie Cyclefest

July 25 - 28 // Various locations throughout Erie County // eriesportscommission.com

Whether you cycle for fun or athletically, Lake Erie Cyclefest has got a ride for you. Enjoy the family-friendly Downtown Slow Roll (a free, easy ride culminating in Perry Square with live music and food trucks) or the Presque Isle Sunrise Ride (a leisurely 13-mile loop). If you're feeling more adventurous, check out the Tour de West County or the Grape Escape Rides (that rolls you up to 50 miles throughout the county).

 

Lucille Ball Comedy Festival

Aug. 2 - 6 // National Comedy Center, 203 W. 2nd St., Jamestown, N.Y. // comedycenter.org

A short drive east to the National Comedy Center in Jamestown (the birthplace of the queen herself, Lucille Ball) offers a full week of comedy performances that has given many rising stars their start while also showcasing superstars for the past 30 years like Lily Tomlin, Jerry Seinfeld, and Joan Rivers. Enjoy live comedy while also touring the comedy-history exhibits or making a stop next door to the Lucille Ball Desi Arnaz Museum.

 

Presque Isle Triathlon

Aug. 3, 7:30 a.m. // Presque Isle State Park, 301 Peninsula Dr. // discoverpi.com

A 13-mile bike around Presque Isle, a 3.1-mile run, and a 0.35-mile swim puts your body to the test as participants take full advantage of all of Presque Isle State Park. Challenge yourself and raise some money for the Presque Isle Partnership while you're at it.

 

National Night Out

Tuesday, Aug. 6 // Various public parks throughout Erie // Free // unitedwayerie.org

For 20 years, the United Way of Erie, in partnership with different neighborhood groups throughout the region, has sponsored National Night Out. This free community event takes place at various public parks simultaneously to encourage neighbors to get out, enjoy their park, meet each other, have fun, and learn. With live music, crafts and activities, educational opportunities, and free food — it's a perfect night out in the city!

 

Barber Beast on the Bay

Sept. 7 // Presque Isle State Park, 301 Peninsula Dr. // barberbeast.org

Make your way through the intense, American Ninja Warrior-style, physically challenging course of the 10-time Best of Erie winner for Best Athletic Competition: Barber Beast on the Bay, all for the benefit of Erie's Barber National Institute. This 10-mile, 30-obstacle course is a favorite among the Erie athletic, while the 1-mile adapted course ensures everyone is able to participate. See what the fuss is about and BEAT THAT BEAST!

 

COMICON Erie

Sept. 20 - 22 // Bayfront Convention Center, 1 Sassafras Pier // eriepromotions.com

Come for the comics, stay for the Lego. In addition to bumping elbows with world-famous comic artists, taking in all the cosplay, perusing comics and related paraphernalia, and enjoying celebrity speakers and demonstrations, participants can also get hands-on with BrickErie, by building, discussing, and marveling at all things Lego.

 

Shopping local has never been so sweet. With plenty of farmers, vendor, and art markets happening all summer long – we make it easy for you. (Clockwise from top left): Flagship City Boutique Nights, Copper Carriage Seasonal Markets, LEAF Open Markets, and Bayview Park Farmers Market. (Photos: Ryan Hoover, Dave Tamulonis, LEAF, Erin Phillips)

Farmers Markets

 

Bayview Park Farmers Market

Wednesdays, June 12 - Aug. 14 // 6 to 8 p.m. // Bayview Park, 598 W. 2nd St. // ourwestbayfront.org

 

LEAF Open Market

Biweekly on Saturdays from June 15 - Sept. 21 // 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. // 8th Street side of Frontier Park // leaferie.org/openmarket

 

North East Gibson Park Open Market

Saturdays from June 15 - Aug. 31 (excluding July 18) // 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. // Gibson Park, Lake and Main Streets, North East // nechamber.org

 

Sisters of St. Joseph Little Italy Farmers Market

Mondays, June through September // 3 to 6 p.m. // 331 W. 18th St. // ssjnn.org

 

Parade Street Fresh Food Farm Stand (Pay What You Can)

Tuesdays, July through October // Noon to 3 p.m. // E. 15th and Parade Streets

 

Edinboro Community Farm Stand (Pay What You Can)

Mondays through October // Noon to 3 p.m. // Unity in Edinboro, 130 Meadville St.

 

Regular Summer Vendor Markets

 

1020 Collective Second Saturday Markets

Continuing Saturday, May 18 // 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. // 1020 Holland St. // Free // 1020collective.com

Like the description says, this market, housed in the space of 1020 Collective, happens on the second Saturday of each month and features local food, art, and goods for sale in a fully functioning gallery and event space in the heart of Erie.

 

Grounded Print Shop Vendor Market

June 22, July 20, and Aug. 17 // 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. // Grounded Print and Paper Shop, 1902 Cherry St. // groundedprintshop.com

The ample space on the grounds of Grounded will feature local objects and products that showcase the true spirit of Erie's creative community: locally made artwork, paper, jewelry, ceramics, textiles, and vintage goods. Local music and food vendors will make it a party!

 

Copper Carriage Open Markets

Spring, summer, fall, and winter // 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. // Copper Carriage and surrounding block, 406 State St. // coppercarriage.com

Join the folks at Copper Carriage at one of their open markets happening throughout the season. A closed off street adjacent to their new location is filled up with local vendors of all sorts of goods: handmade items, antiques and collectibles, art, jewelry, food, plants, and more. With the Shops at 5th and State getting in on the action, prepare to spend a whole day enjoying Downtown Erie.

 

Boutique Nights

Three events throughout the summer // The Shops at 5th and State, 501 State St. // flagshipcitydistrict.com

Last year's inaugural Boutique Nights offered a great opportunity for folks to get out and explore the businesses of downtown with an open air feel. The Shops at 5th and State open their doors, have sidewalk sales, with additional vendors, artists, demonstrations, and live music spread throughout the Flagship City District, offering the perfect opportunity to shop small.

 

With so many free community events from which to choose, you can stay busy, entertained, challenged, and with a full belly all summer long. (Clockwise from top left): ErieBank 8 Great Tuesdays, Celebrate Erie, Our West Bayfront Porchfest, and Lake Erie Cyclefest.

(Photos: Jessica Hunter / Erin Phillips)

Heritage Festivals

Erie became and continues to become what it is today because of our rich immigration history. Our local heritage festivals, smattered throughout the summer, pay tribute to this history. Come for the culture, stay for the food — each festival is unique in its own way and worth checking out.

 

14th Annual Troika Festival (Russian Orthodox Church)

May 24 - 26 // Friday, 4 to 9 p.m., Saturday and Sunday, noon - 6 p.m. // Church of the Nativity Community Center, 109 German St. // churchofthenativity.net

 

76th Annual North East Firemen's Cherry Festival (North East's Agricultural Heritage)

July 5 - 8 // Wednesday through Friday, 5:30 to 11 p.m., Saturday, 7:30 a.m. to 11 p.m. // 40 N. Lake St., North East // necherryfestival.org

 

36th Annual Panegyri Greek Festival

July 12 - 13 // 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. // Assumption Greek Orthodox Church, 4376 W. Lake Rd. // eriegreekorthodox.org

 

51st Annual Waterford Heritage Days

July 19 - 21 // Gazebo Park, Waterford // facebook.com/waterforddays

 

The AmeriMasala (Multi-cultural Arts Event)

Saturday, July 20 // 11 a.m. with parade at noon // Perry Square, 601 State St. // facebook.com/The-AmeriMasala

 

59th Annual Dan Rice Days (Girard History and Heritage)

Aug. 1 - 3 // Thursday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., Friday, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., Saturday, 7 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. // Downtown Girard, 34 Main St. W // danricedays.com

 

St. Paul's Italian Festival

Aug. 9 - 12 // St. Paul Parish, 1617 Walnut St. // stpaulrcerie.org

 

Zabawa Polish Festival

Aug. 23 - 25 // Holy Trinity Catholic Church, 2220 Reed St. // holytrinityrc.org

 

28th Annual German Heritage Festival

Aug. 31 - Sept. 1 // Saturday, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., Sunday, 11 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. // St. Nick's Grove, 5131 Old French Rd. // dank-erie.org

 

Erie Irish Festival

Sept. 13 - 15 // St. Patrick's Church, 130 E. 4th St. // erieirishfestival.com

 

County Fairs

Many of these fairs have existed for decades, centuries in some cases, and are unique to their own regions but all share a similar vibe. We're talking farm and craft competitions, blue ribbons galore, pageants, funnel cakes and lemonade, thrill rides, games of skill, live music, livestock demonstrations, dances. Basically Americana out the wazoo.

 

96th Annual Cochranton Community Fair

Aug. 5 - 10 // cochrantonfair.org

 

93rd Annual Warren County Fair

Aug. 5 - 10 // warrencountyfair.net

 

77th Annual Crawford County Fair

Aug. 18 - 24 // crawfordcountyfairpa.com

 

139th Annual Erie County Fair

Aug. 25 - 31 // wattsburgfair.com

 

102nd Annual Spartansburg Community Fair

Sept. 2 - 7 // spartansburgcommunityfair.com

 

87th Annual Waterford Community Fair

Sept. 2 - 7 // waterfordfair.org

 

79th Annual Albion Area Fair

Sept. 10 - 14 // albionfair.com

 

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May 2026: Summer Preview
Erie Reader: Vol. 16, No. 5
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