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Feature Stories

2025 Summer Events Preview

Erie's best season offers music, food, drink, educational, and cultural celebrations

by Erin Phillips
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May 8, 2025 at 8:45 AM
Erin Phillips
Summertime in Erie is our most anticipated season and we sure do know how to pack our few months of glorious warmth with as much fun as possible. Check out this list, which is as comprehensive as possible, of many of the scheduled events happening this summer in Erie, like Celebrate Erie (pictured is last year's main stage performance by Jimmy Eat World).

Close your eyes and take a deep breath. Do you feel that? That's summer and it's peeking its head around the corner. Summertime in Erie is like our second season – a remedy after those long, grey months of winter. And once those welcomed spring ephemerals fade, we're all ready to usher in the warmth, the undeniable beauty, the sparkling water, the backyard campfires, the stargazing, the Vitamin D hit we've all been missing. Summertime is what makes getting through the winter worth it, and everyone is beyond ready to get out and do some fun stuff in Erie.

And boy, do we have some stuff for you to do.

Compiling this list of events is an annual pleasure and always has me looking forward to the lushness of the season – the farmers markets bursting with bounty, the live music drifting through the city air on any given night, local food and beers offered from under a canopy, and the sunsets enjoyed upon warm sand. Below, you will find an eclectic list of events happening in Erie all summer long. We've got the big guns – Celebrate Erie, 8 Great Tuesdays, Tall Ships and the like. But we've also got some smaller, more low key vibes like regular craft vendor markets, niche educational events, and plenty of opportunities to get you out and moving in our beautiful natural environment.

So here's to summer, Erie. May we all savor these few fleeting months!

Jump to a section:

Local and Regional Live Music Events

Local Food and Drink Events

Community Events to Exercise Your Brain and Body

Farmers Markets

Recurring Summer Vendor Markets

Annual Heritage Festivals

County Fairs

 

Find Your Vibe: Local and Regional Live Music Events

Erie Downtown Summer Concert Series happening this year on Thursdays from July 3 - Aug. 28 (Photo: Erie Downtown Partnership)

 

Edinboro Art and Music Festival

May 16 - 18 // Various locations in downtown Edinboro // Free // edinboroartandmusic.com

Always up first on the summertime docket, the Edinboro Art and Music Festival has been ringing in the season of live, outdoor music for the past 20 years and counting. Spend a day or weekend in downtown Edinboro visiting multiple venues hosting a wide array of performances.

 

Monday Music in the Woods

Mondays, June 2 - July 28, 6 to 8 p.m. // Celebration Garden, 4105 Asbury Rd. // Free // asburywoods.org

Stop by the familiar but always awe-inspiring Asbury Woods on Monday evenings through July and catch your favorite local act – featuring original songwriters alongside fan-favorite cover bands.

 

Goodell Gardens and Homestead Summer Music Series

Select Fridays, June 6 - Aug. 29, 7 to 9 p.m. // Goodell Gardens and Homestead, 220 Waterford St., Edinboro // Free // goodellgardens.com

Spend an evening among the fireflies on the lawn of the historic Goodell Gardens and Homestead for their Summer Music Series, featuring laidback tunes in the countryside. Bring your own blanket or lawn chair and enjoy a beautiful summer night of free performances.

 

14th Fest with EMTA

June 12, 6 to 10 p.m. // 14th Street between French and Holland // Free // ride-the-e.com

A block party in the truest sense of the word, the EMTA shuts down 14th Street for their fourth annual 14th Fest featuring local music, food, and brews, with some great neighborhood vibes.

 

Gazebo Concerts in the Park

June 19, July 17, and Aug. 21, 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

Wednesdays, June 18 - July 23, 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. // Free // Beach 11, Presque Isle State Park // discoverpi.com

A favorite among Erieites and visitors alike, there is no better venue than Erie's most stunning natural resource. Enjoy a night on the beach with live, local music Wednesdays through July.

 

Chautauqua Institution Summer Music Series

Select dates throughout the summer with concerts beginning Saturday, June 21 // Chautauqua Amphitheater, 31 Roberts Ave., Chautauqua, N.Y. // chq.org

The Chautauqua Institution continues its 150 year legacy of bringing impressive talent to our region and their Summer Series this year is stacked with nationally touring music and comedy acts like Counting Crows, Guster, the Mountain Goats, The Avett Brothers, Los Lobos, Lewis Black, and Roy Wood Jr. Take advantage of this great cultural resource just 45 minutes away.

 

The Hootenanny 2025

June 27 - June 29 // Wattsburg Fairgrounds, 13998 Rt. 8 // $20 presale, $25 at the venue (for the whole weekend) // facebook.com/thehootenannyfestival

A DIY music festival that has been running for years, the Hootenanny is back in 2025 and bigger than ever. A multi-genre local show featuring bands that lean on the heavier side like Odd Atrocity, Mala Sangre, and Grim Grin, promoters encourage you to camp out, hang out, and enjoy a weekend of local music raising funding for the ANNA Shelter.

 

Erie Downtown Summer Concert Series

July 3 - Aug. 28, 6 to 9 p.m. // Perry Square, 601 State St. // Free // eriedowntown.com

The Erie Downtown Partnership is bringing back their popular free weekly Summer Concert Series happening Thursday nights throughout the summer and featuring local bands like Ray & the County Kind, Savage Daughter, Polka in the Park, and more.

 

Great Blue Heron

July 4 - 6 // The Heron Farm and Event Center, 2361 Waits Corners Rd., Sherman, N.Y. // greatblueheron.com

Great Blue Heron is back again in 2025, celebrating over 30 years of music in Sherman, N.Y. Beginning in the '90s by featuring Americana and old-timey mountain music, their lineup has grown to include the genres of funk, jam, soul, roots-rock, reggae, Celtic, afrobeat, zydeco and more. Go for one day or stay for the weekend with on-site camping available – featuring 35 artists on three stages.

 

Our West Bayfront Porchfest happening this year on Saturday, Sept. 27 (Photo: Erin Phillips)

 

WQLN Sounds Around Town

Fridays, July 11 - Aug. 1, 7:30 p.m. // Outdoors, adjacent to the WQLN Studios, 8425 Peach St. (indoors in inclement weather) // Free // wqln.org

Tucked away in a clandestine copse adjacent to the WQLN studios, Sounds Around Town is a unique, free concert experience. Bring your lawn chairs, blankets, and snacks, and enjoy! The performances are all recorded by the WQLN crew and later broadcast on their station.

 

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

Winner of 2024's Best of Erie's Best Music Series category, 8 Great Tuesdays is back and ready to rock Liberty Park. With local headliners like the Erie All Stars, Smilo & the Ghost, and New Wave Nation alongside touring acts like Taj Farrant, The Lao Tizer Band, and Cory Marks – nothing says summer like 8 Great!

 

The 45th Annual Gathering at Chaffee's

July 25 - 26 // 8296 Mill St., Girard // thegatheringatchaffees.com

The fact that folks have been gathering at Chaffee's for 45 years is a testament to the vibes that this yearly festival brings. With jam bands alongside jazz acts, folk songwriters, rock, hip-hop, and trance, camping, food, and always a little bit of mud – if you haven't yet, be sure to make their 45th year your first!

 

Erie's Blues and Jazz Festival happening this year on Aug. 2 - 3 (Photo: Erin Phillips)

 

Erie's Blues and Jazz Festival

Aug. 2 - 3 // Frontier Park, Bayfront Parkway & W. 8th Streets // Free // eriebluesandjazz.com

Hitting their stride again after a brief hiatus two years ago, the Erie Blues and Jazz Festival is continuing their 30+ year-long mission to promote blues and jazz music and to bring locals and visitors together to enjoy an art-filled, peaceful weekend spent amidst free creative entertainment with family and friends.

 

Celebrate Erie

Aug. 15 - 17 // Downtown Erie // Free // celebrateerie.com

Consistent Best of Erie winner for Best Festival, it always feels good to Celebrate Erie. With family friendly music (featuring a multitude of local acts alongside nationally touring mainstage performances) dance, food, art activities, the always-anticipated chalk walk, local vendors, and organizations all interspersed within different districts throughout downtown – Celebrate Erie gives everyone a chance to show love for our beautiful city. Stay tuned for this year's lineup.

 

Homegrown Harvest Festival

Sunday, Sept. 21 // Goodell Gardens & Homestead, 221 Waterford St., Edinboro // Free // goodellgardens.org

Welcoming the harvest season at Goodell Gardens and Homestead is always a great way to say farewell to summer. With live music, auctions, kids activities, food trucks, art, and local farm products – it's at once a market and concert, and a lovely way to spend a day.

 

Our West Bayfront Porchfest

Saturday, Sept. 27 // Various locations throughout the West Bayfront neighborhood // Free // ourwestbayfront.org

If you haven't yet experienced Our West Bayfront's annual Porch Fest, make sure you put it on your calendar this year. This neighborhood music festival is one of the most unique events in Erie, featuring various local musical acts of all shapes, sizes, and genres performing on the literal porches of homes and businesses throughout the West Bayfront. With trolley service and food and beverage vendors available, it is also a walkable or bikeable event, and an enjoyable way to spend the day in a beautiful, historic Erie neighborhood.

 

Raise a Glass for Local Food and Drink Events

North East Wine Festival happening this year on Sept. 26 - 28 (Photo: Contributed)

 

Beer Coaster 2025

Saturday, May 17, 4 to 7 p.m. // Waldameer Park and Water World, 220 Peninsula Dr. // lakeeriealetrail.com

Celebrate American Craft Beer Week by sampling local brews while riding Waldameer's roller coasters. What a way to kick off the summer season!

 

Erie Ale Works 0.01K

May 23 // 5 p.m. // Erie Ale Works, 416 W. 12th St. // $10 // eriealeworks.com

If your athletic style is more "pushing your body to the brewery," rather than the limit, then the Erie Ale Works 0.01K is for you. A spoof on a charity 5K, Erie Ale Works encourages you to make your way across 0.01 miles (about 38 feet) of their parking lot, in any fashion you see fit, all to help raise money for the Erie Humane Society.

 

Erie's Wild Rib Cook Off and Music Festival

May 28 - 31, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. // Perry Square, 601 State St. // Free // erieribfest.com

Get your rib on at Erie's annual kick off to the summer food scene – Erie's Wild Rib Cook Off. Enjoy local music and brews alongside award winning ribs and sauces.

 

Arts and Casks

June 8, July 13, Aug. 10, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. // Altered State Distillery, 1535 W. 8th St. // alteredstatedistillery.com

If you like your vendor fairs with a side of whiskey, Altered State has the event for you! The Best of Erie 2024 winner for best distillery is known for their creative, delicious cocktails and live music – now they're adding vendors to the schedule. Think brunch, bottle sales, cocktails, and tastings all day, with some live music and tons of arts and crafts.

 

Beer on the Bay

Saturday, July 26, noon to 7 p.m. // Liberty Park and Highmark Amphitheater, 828 W. Bayfront Pkwy. // eriebrewingco.com

A beautiful day on the bay made better by a bunch of local beers! Sample the suds of a wide variety of local and regional brewers while enjoying the sunshine sparkling on the water.

 

America's Grape Country Craft Beverage Festival

Aug. 1 - 3 // Chautauqua County Fairgrounds, Dunkirk, N.Y. // agcfestival.com

Take a drive to our neighbors to the east and enjoy wine country in New York state. The annual gathering features local wine makers along with craft breweries and distilleries, food trucks and vendors, food and drink demonstrations, local crafters and artisans, and on-site camping. Immerse yourself with local grape (agri)culture for the weekend.

 

North East Wine Fest

Sept. 26 - 28 // Gibson Park, Lake and Main Streets, North East // nechamber.org

What better place to taste over 100 varieties of wine than in North East, Erie County's grape-growing, wine-making capital? Enjoy tasting the many varieties of reds, whites, roses, champagnes, ice wines, and more while you peruse the various vendors and enjoy the early autumn atmosphere.

 

Community Events to Exercise Your Brain and Body

Pride on the Bay and the Pride Parade happening this year on June 28 and 29 (Photo: NWPA Pride Alliance/R. Frank Media)

 

Lagoon by Pontoon

Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, May 23 - Sept. 7 // Pontoon Boat Station, Presque Isle State Park // Free // events.dcnr.pa.gov

Take a free, educational pontoon boat ride through Misery Bay and the lagoons of Presque Isle with the staff of the PA-DCNR this summer. See and learn about the plants and animals that live in our local wetland habitats, and discover more about the local history and natural resources of Presque Isle.

 

Sunrise Yoga at Dobbins Landing

Wednesdays beginning June 4 at 6 a.m. // Dobbins Landing, 1 State St. // Free // eriedowntown.com

Join instructor Chelsea McQuaid at the literal crack of dawn for an eye-opening, fresh start to your Wednesdays, all summer long. There's no way to have a bad day when you start it with a sun salutation as it rises.

 

Presque Isle Poker Paddle

Saturday, June 7 // Presque Isle State Park, 301 Peninsula Dr. // discoverpi.com

Love poker? Love kayaking, canoeing, or dinghy-ing? Paddle your way through a full hand of poker within the lagoons at Presque Isle to collect cards, making the best poker hand you can, all while benefiting our gem of a state park. Prizes are available for the best and worst hands!

 

HistErie Week at the Erie County Public Library

June 9 -15 // Various locations throughout Erie // eriecounty-pa.libguides.com/histerie/events

Take a walking tour through a historic neighborhood, a class on how to properly clean gravestones, a talk about maritime history in Erie, a bicycle ride architectural tour, and more with the return of HistErie week hosted by the Erie County Public Library. Celebrate a week of local history-related events and learn something about the town we call home.

 

Sunrise Yoga at Dobbins Landing happening on Wednesdays beginning June 4 (Photo: Erie Downtown Partnership)

 

Kids Yoga Series at Goodell Gardens and Homestead

Wednesdays, June 11-28 or July 9-23 // Goodell Gardens and Homestead, 221 Waterford St., Edinboro // tickets.eriereader.com

Help those kiddos (ages three to 10) get in touch with their inner zen with a new series of yoga classes catered to them. Kids will learn calming breathing techniques, meditation, basic yoga poses, and deep relaxation through age-appropriate games, stories, songs, props, and crafts.

 

West Bayfit

Wednesdays from June 11 - July 30, with Farmers Markets continuing through Aug. 20 // Bayview Park, 598 W. 2nd St. // Free // ourwestbayfront.org

Spend a summer evening in Erie's hidden gem of a public park at Bayview for the weekly West Bayfit events hosted by Our West Bayfront. With farmers market produce, kids physical challenges, crafts, and more – come for the fitness and fun, stay for the splash pad.

 

Erie's Juneteenth Celebration

Saturday, June 14, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. // Perry Square, 601 State St. // Free // eriejuneteenth.com

A local celebration of Juneteenth, celebrating America's second Independence Day featuring speakers, vendors, artisans, music, food, and celebration. Additionally, a Juneteenth community meal will be served on Thursday, June 19 from 6 to 9 p.m., also in Perry Square.

 

Movie Mondays in the Square

Select Mondays, June 16 - Aug. 25 (weather permitting) // Begins at dusk // Perry Square, 601 State St. // Free // eriedowntown.com

Create lasting memories with these free, family-friendly movies in Perry Square happening on select Mondays through the summer. Highlights this year include The Goonies, Moana, and Wicked.

 

World Refugee Day

Thursday, June 26, 6 to 9 p.m. // Perry Square, 601 State St. // Free

Erie honors our rich refugee population, folks who have found safety in Erie and have made it their home – World Refugee Day recognizes the multitude of heritages that make up our city's cultural landscape. With performances, dances, art, vendors, and food.

 

Erie Art Museum Gallery Night

June 27 and Sept. 19 // 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 fans and patrons 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 – think of it like a pub crawl but with art!

 

Erie Pridefest: Pride on the Bay

Saturday, June 28 // Noon to 6 p.m. // Liberty Park, 828 W. Bayfront Pkwy. // Free // nwpapride.org

This year's celebration will mark the second annual Pride on the Bay at Liberty Park which will allow ample safe space for participants. With vendors, entertainment, and more, the regular Pride Parade will take place the following day, Sunday, June 29 at 1 p.m. on State Street from 11th to Perry Square.

 

Tall Ships Festival 2025 happening Aug. 21 - 24 (Photo: Wikimedia Commons)

 

Erie Roller Derby Doubleheaders

Saturdays, June 28, Aug. 30, and Sept. 20 // Bayfront Convention Center, 1 Sassafras Pier // $10 // tickets.eriereader.com

Come watch the competitive, athletic, super-tough, Erie Roller Derby players in one of three doubleheaders they're hosting this summer. Two bruising bouts in one go promises to be an action-packed, kick-ass day on the bay.

 

Lights Over Lake Erie

Thursday, July 3 // Dobbins Landing, 1 State St. // cityof.erie.pa.us/lightsoverlakeerie

The city's annual Fourth of July celebration features a fireworks display over the bay. Find your vantage point anywhere along the East or West sides of the bluff on Erie's waterfront or on Presque Isle, for a free, unobstructed view of the works.

 

Discover Presque Isle

July 21 - 27 // Presque Isle State Park, 301 Peninsula Dr. // Free // discoverpi.com

Even if you've lived here your whole life, I'd wager a guess that you'll learn something new at Discover Presque Isle. An annual weeklong celebration of our defining natural resource, you'll find food, crafts, vendors, kids activities, lessons, guided tours, birdwatching, live music, and more.

 

Lake Erie Cyclefest

July 24 - 27 // Various locations throughout Erie County // eriesportscommission.com

The annual Cyclefest, brought to Erie through the Erie Sports Commission, is a celebration of all things cycling. If you're more of a casual, around-town cyclist, join in the family-friendly Downtown Slow Roll or the Presque Isle Sunrise Ride. If you're ready to tap into your inner Lance Armstrong, check out the Tour de West County or the Grape Escape Rides (that rolls you up to 50 miles throughout the county).

 

Presque Isle Triathlon

Aug. 2 // 7:30 a.m. // Presque Isle State Park, 301 Peninsula Dr. // discoverpi.com

An annual fundraiser for the Presque Isle Partnership, this tri features a 13-mile bike race around Presque Isle, a 3.1-mile run, and a 0.35-mile swim. See all that our state park has to offer, while physically challenging yourself, and raising some much needed funds.

 

National Night Out

Tuesday, Aug. 5 // Various public parks throughout Erie // Free // unitedwayerie.org

National Night Out is sponsored… ahem… nationally by the United Way as an opportunity to get folks out and enjoying their neighborhoods. These free events range from block parties, parades, cookouts, or total takeovers of local parks with live music, food, fun, activities, bounce houses, safety demonstrations, and more.

 

Lake Erie Lit Fest happening on Sept. 13 (Photo: Erin Phillips)

Lucille Ball Comedy Festival

Aug. 7 - 10 // 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 Lucy we love) offers a full week of comedy performances which has given many rising stars their start through the years. The week also includes talks, discussions, panels, and kids activities. Headlining this year's festival are jaw-dropping stars Jon Stewart and Bill Murray. No joke! You won't want to miss it!

 

Tall Ships Festival 2025

Aug. 21 - 24 // Bayfront Convention Center, 1 Sassafras Pier // tallshipserie.org

The tall ships return to Erie's harbor this summer for a spectacular parade of historic vessels from around the world, including Erie's own Lettie G. Howard, as they convene for a few days in our bay. Experience deck tours, day sails, food and drink vendors, kids activities, live music, and lectures and discussions.

 

The FINAL Barber Beast on the Bay

Sept. 6 // Presque Isle State Park, 301 Peninsula Dr. // barberbeast.org

The Barber Beast on the Bay has won Best of Erie's Favorite Athletic Competition for 11 years running and this year will mark their FINAL event. Don't miss out on your chance to beat the beast in this American Ninja Warrior-style competition before it goes away, and raise some much needed funding for the Barber National Institute while you're at it.

 

COMICON Erie

Sept. 12 - 14 // Bayfront Convention Center, 1 Sassafras Pier // eriepromotions.com

Comics, Lego, cosplay, RPGs, world-famous comic artists, celebrity speakers, and demonstrations: you've basically died and gone to nerd heaven! In addition to the comic books, and in partnership with BrickErie, attendees can get hands-on by building, discussing, and marveling at all things Lego.

 

Lake Erie Lit Fest

Sept. 13 // Frontier Park, 1501 W. 6th St. // Free // erieartcompany.org

The folks from Werner Books and Coffee (Best of Erie 2024's winners for Best Bookstore, Business, and New Business) have teamed up with the Erie Art Company to bring Lake Erie Lit Fest to Frontier Park. A day full of celebrating the written word, expect local book signings and vendors, readings, kids literacy activities, giveaways, and more!

 

Fresh Community Sustainability: Farmers Markets

Pay What You Can Farm Stands happening weekly from July 7 through early October (Photo: Erie Downtown Partnership)

 

North East Gibson Park Open Market

Saturdays from June 7 - Sept. 6 (excluding July 12) // 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. // Gibson Park, Lake and Main Streets, North East // nechamber.org

 

Bayview Park Farmer's Market

Wednesdays, June 11 - Aug. 20 // 6 to 8 p.m. // Bayview Park, 598 W. 2nd St. // ourwestbayfront.org

 

LEAF Open Market

Biweekly on Saturdays, June 14 - Sept. 20 // 8th Street side of Frontier Park // leaferie.org/openmarket

 

Sisters of St. Joseph Little Italy Farmer's Market

Mondays, June 23 through Sept. 22 // 3 to 6 p.m. // 331 W. 18th St. // ssjnn.org

 

Pay What You Can Farm Stands

Weekly from July 7 through early October // builderie.org/hope/pwyc

The idea behind these farmers market stands is to provide fresh produce to those most in need. The farmers involved ask that patrons take only what is needed and any funds raised through the sale of their wares helps to ensure produce is available throughout the season.

The locations and times of these markets vary:

Mondays from 4 to 6 p.m. // 130 Meadville St., Edinboro

Tuesdays from noon to 2 p.m. // 15th and Parade streets

Wednesdays from 4 to 6 p.m. // ECAT, 650 East Ave. and Strong Vincent, 1330 W. 8th St.

Thursdays from 4 to 6 p.m. // 2304 Parade St.

Fridays from noon to 2 p.m. // 310 E. 4th St.

Fridays from 4 to 6 p.m. // Perry Square, 601 State St.

 

Get Your Vend On: Recurring Summer Vendor Markets

 Boutique Nights

Fridays, June 13, July 11, and Aug. 8 // 5 to 8 p.m. // The Shops at 5th and State, 501 State St. // flagshipcitydistrict.com

Boutique Nights offer a great opportunity to get out and shop local. The small businesses on and adjacent to the Shops at 5th and State open their doors hosting special sales events, live art demonstrations, food and drinks, and live music on a clandestine patio tucked between buildings. It's like avant garde shopping – get into it.

 

Market on the Top Floor

June 21 -22 // PACA, 1505 State St. // Free // paca1505.org

Part of PACA's ongoing "Rise with PACA" fundraising campaign, the performing artist collective is hosting its inaugural Market on the Top Floor which is a summertime vendors market featuring handmade goods, boutiques, crafters and artisans, baked goods and more, all to support the ongoing work of PACA.

 

Grounded Print Shop Vendor Market

June 21, July 19, and Aug. 30 // 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. // Grounded Print and Paper Shop, 1902 Cherry St. // groundedprintshop.com

The creative vibe at Grounded Print Shop and their ample space makes the perfect setting for Erie's most eclectic vendor market. Stop by to shop, to see the art and space, sign up for a yoga class, and grab some one-of-a-kind, locally-made goods.

 

Copper Carriage Markets

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

Each season, the folks at Copper Carriage (voted Best of Erie's favorite antique shop in 2024) spread out a bit and host an open air flea market featuring crafters and antiquers alike selling their wares along their corner of State Street. You'll never know what treasures you'll find!

 

Erie's Rich Tapestry: Annual Heritage Festivals

 St. Paul's Italian Festival happening on Aug. 8 - 10 (Photo: St. Paul's Italian Festival)

 

15th Annual Troika Festival (Russian Orthodox Church)

May 23 - 25 // Friday, 4 to 9 p.m., Saturday and Sunday, noon - 6 p.m. // Church of the Nativity Community Center, 109 German St. // churchofthenativity.net

 

77th Annual North East Firemen's Cherry Festival (North East's Agricultural Heritage)

July 9 - 12 // 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

 

37th Annual Panegyri Greek Festival

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

 

52nd Annual Waterford Heritage Days

July 18 - 20 // Gazebo Park, Waterford // facebook.com/waterforddays

 

The AmeriMasala (Multi-cultural Arts Event)

Saturday, July 19 // 11 a.m. // Perry Square, 601 State St. // facebook.com/The-AmeriMasala

 

60th Annual Dan Rice Days (Girard History and Heritage)

July 31 - Aug. 2 // Downtown Girard, 34 Main St. W // danricedays.com

 

St. Paul's Italian Festival

Aug. 8 - 10 // St. Paul Parish, 1617 Walnut St. // stpaulrcerie.org

 

Zabawa Polish Festival

Aug. 22 - 24 // Holy Trinity Catholic Church, 2220 Reed St. // holytrinityrc.org

 

29th Annual German Heritage Festival

Aug. 30 - 31 // 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. 2025 (exact dates and times TBA) // St. Patrick's Church, 130 E. 4th St. // erieirishfestival.com

 

County Fairs

97th Annual Cochranton Community Fair

Aug. 4 - 9 // cochrantonfair.org

 

94th Annual Warren County Fair

Aug. 4 - 9 // warrencountyfair.net

 

78th Annual Crawford County Fair

Aug. 16 - 23 // crawfordcountyfairpa.com

 

140th Annual Erie County Fair

Aug. 24 - 30 // wattsburgfair.com

 

103rd Annual Spartansburg Community Fair

Aug. 30 - Sept. 4 // spartansburgcommunityfair.com

 

88th Annual Waterford Community Fair

Sept. 1 - 6 // waterfordfair.org

 

80th Annual Albion Area Fair

Sept. 9 - 13 // albionfair.com

 

Erin Phillips can be found patronizing any number of these events all summer long and is particularly anticipating HistErie Week, PWYC Farmers Markets, Celebrate Erie, and Cyclefest. She can be reached at erin@eriereader.com

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City-wide literacy initiatives building a community of readers

2026 Summer Events Preview

by Erin Phillips5/7/2026, 9:00 AM
Celebrate summer in Erie with live music, food, and athletic, educational, and cultural experiences

Revisiting GAF's Bayfront Site 15 Years Later

by Alana Sabol4/21/2026, 8:00 AM
Plans for the site have been in the works as long as the Erie Reader

What the FLOCK, Millcreek?

by Alana Sabol4/20/2026, 8:00 AM
License plate readers appear in township, raise questions and anxieties

The Search For Sand

by Dan Schank4/15/2026, 8:00 AM
Finding federal dollars to nourish our beaches at Presque Isle

You Can Check Out Any Time You Like, but You Can Never Leave…

by Ben Speggen4/14/2026, 8:00 AM
Catching up with 'Ghosts of Erie Reader Past' as the alternative, independent publication turns 15
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