2026 Summer Events Preview
Celebrate summer in Erie with live music, food, and athletic, educational, and cultural experiences
While Erie might be known nationally for our higher-than-average snowfalls, those of us who live here know all the freezing temps, shoveling, bundling, and defrosting is worth it for our singularly stunning summers. Summer is the time when our Gem City truly glimmers.
With events encapsulating everything from live music (which literally happens every single night of the week), American and cultural food celebrations, beer and wine events, educational opportunities for adults and kids alike, regular farmers markets and vendor fairs, heritage celebrations, and county fairs – there is never not something going on in Erie in the summertime and we've done our best to list as many events as possible below.
While this list is quite long, it can never be exhaustive. But never fear, the Reader always has your back! Make sure you regularly check our online public events calendar for a daily listing of all the events happening throughout Erie County. This calendar is curated and updated by an actual human being (me!) and I do my best to catch as many goings-on as I can. If I missed your event, you can always enter your own and never be left off the schedule.
Summertime is swiftly upon us – and I say with certainty that we're all more than ready to welcome it! Let's go!
Jump to a section:
Let the Music Play: Local and Regional Live Music Events
Let's Eat – Local Food and Drink Events
Let's Get Physical (and Intellectual)!: Events for the Body and Mind
Local Produce, Local Sustainability: Regular Farmers Markets
Shop Til You Drop: Recurring Summer Vendor Markets
Celebrate Culture: Annual Heritage Festivals
Let the Music Play: Local and Regional Live Music Events
Enjoy loads of live music throughout the summer in Erie, including (clockwise from top left): 8 Great Tuesdays, Celebrate Erie, Frontier Fridays, and Erie's Blues and Jazz Festival. (Photos: Jessica Hunter, Sylvia Phillips, Erin Phillips)
Edinboro Art and Music Festival
May 14 - 17 // Various locations in downtown Edinboro // Free // edinboroartandmusic.com
Get the summer started in Edinboro – always the first to kick off the live music season is the Edinboro Art and Music Festival. This miniature SXSW takes place in multiple venues throughout the borough with live music, art vendors, food, drinks, and more.
Monday Music in the Woods
Mondays, June 1 - July 27, 6 to 8 p.m. // Celebration Garden, 4105 Asbury Rd. // Free // asburywoods.org
Enjoying Asbury Woods is easy – the well-preserved, beautifully maintained woodland oasis in our backyards – and every Monday through July it is enhanced with the sounds of live, local music.
14th Fest with EMTA
June 11, 5:30 to 10 p.m. // 14th Street between French and Holland // Free // ride-the-e.com
The fifth annual 14th Fest celebrates the block comprising the EMTA operations facility and will feature live music, local food trucks, breweries, children's activities, and more. This also marks the EMTA's 60th Anniversary of public service. Get on board!
Chautauqua Institution Summer Music Series
Select dates throughout the summer with concerts beginning Sunday, June 14 // Chautauqua Amphitheater, 31 Roberts Ave., Chautauqua, N.Y. // chq.org
Kicking off their 2026 summer music season strong as they host An Evening with Wilco on June 14, the folks from the Chautauqua Institution have a stacked summer schedule including shows from Harry Connick Jr., Indigo Girls, Trombone Shorty, Melissa Etheridge, Samara Joy, and more.
UPMC Sunset Music Series
Wednesdays, June 17 - July 22, 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. // Free // Beach 11, Presque Isle State Park // discoverpi.com
What's better than live music on the beach? How's about live music on the beach with the world's third-best sunset as the backdrop? Support the Presque Isle Partnership while enjoying Erie's best natural resource.
Gazebo Concerts in the Park
June 18, July 16, and Aug. 13, 7 to 9 p.m. // Beute Park, Iroquois Ave. // Free // lawrenceparktwp.org
Enjoy a trio of evenings with local live music in the square at Lawrence Park. The schedule includes Midnight Frolic, Denny and Heather Nemenz, and The Bully Pulpits. Bring your blankets or lawn chairs!
WQLN Sounds Around Town
June 19 - July 17 at 7:30 p.m. // In the wooded copse beside WQLN studios, 8425 Peach St. // Free // wqln.org/sat
Sounds Around Town is a free community concert running for four weeks and featuring local musicians. The sets are professionally recorded by the crew and aired on WQLN at a later date. It's a beautiful evening in a wooded setting – make sure you bring a donation for our beloved public media!
Goodell Gardens and Homestead Music of Origins Series
Friday, June 26, Friday, July 17, and Friday, Aug. 21 from 6 to 8 p.m. // Goodell Gardens and Homestead, 221 Waterford St., Edinboro // Free // goodellgardens.org
This year, the music at Goodell will have a cultural twist with their new Music of Origins series. Combining live music with short documentary-style segments which will explore how geography, migration, and community have shaped Erie's musical identity – these themes will vary from maritime, folk, Appalachian, blues, and global sounds. Bring some sandwiches, a blanket, and the whole family for a picnic style atmosphere, including a children's activity tent.
The Hootenanny 2026
June 26 - 27 // Wattsburg Fairgrounds, 13998 Rt. 8 // $20 presale, $25 at the venue (for the whole weekend) // facebook.com/thehootenannyfestival
Metalheads love some summertime fun too, hence the annual Hootenanny! With a packed schedule, free camping, and vendors, this fest is super affordable and proceeds benefit the Veterans Miracle network.
Great Blue Heron
July 2 - 5 // The Heron Farm and Event Center, 2361 Waits Corners Rd., Sherman, N.Y. // greatblueheron.com
With music all day Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, featuring Donna the Buffalo on both weekend days and onsite camping, the Great Blue Heron has been the jam-lovers' summertime tradition for over 30 years.
Street Dances
July 3 and Aug. 4 from 7 to 9 p.m. // Iroquois Elementary Parking Lot, 4231 Morse St. // Free // lawrenceparktwp.org/parks-and-recreation
Friends and neighbors gather for the seventh annual fun, free night of dancing, featuring tunes from DJ Ray. August's event will also be a "color dance" in conjunction with the United Way's National Night Out.
8 Great Tuesdays
Tuesdays July 7 through Aug. 25, 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. // Highmark Amphitheater at Liberty Park, 828 W. Bayfront Pkwy. // Free // porterie.org/8greattuesdays
Tuesdays are great when you're in Erie on the bay! The annual, crowd-pleasing, free, summer music event (that just happens to have Erie's glistening bay as a backdrop) brings Pittsburgh's The Clarks, along with tribute acts and local favorites for eight straight great Tuesdays.
The 45th Annual Gathering at Chaffee's
July 24 - 25 // 8296 Mill St., Girard // thegatheringatchaffees.com
For 45 years, the Chaffee family property has transformed into a music festival grounds for a weekend during the annual Gathering at Chaffee's – for lovers of jam, trance, hip-hop, folk, and rock genres, and camping out – the Gathering is a can't-miss yearly event.
Erie's Blues and Jazz Festival
Aug. 1 - 2 // Frontier Park, Bayfront Parkway & W. 8th Streets // Free // eriebluesandjazz.com
Winner of Best of Erie's Best Music Festival in 2025, everyone loves blues and jazz! Frontier Park is taken over for two days with non-stop blues, funk, jazz, and rock, with food, drinks, kids activities, art, and community vendors – Blues and Jazz is always a great time.
Frontier Fridays
Fridays, Aug. 7 - Oct. 2 // Frontier Park, 1501 W. 6th St., Patricia McCain Outdoor Amphitheater // Free // leaferie.org/pages/events
Bring a chair or a blanket, some snacks, and a willingness to enjoy yourself as folks gather around the amphitheater at Frontier to hear some local tunes. Frontier Fridays wind down the summer season with a gradual ease.
Celebrate Erie
Aug. 14 - 16 // Downtown Erie // Free // celebrateerie.com
In times of yore (aka the 1900s) this annual downtown festival was known as We Love Erie Days, and while the title has changed, the sentiment remains. Celebrate Erie is the much-anticipated opportunity to truly celebrate all things Erie – with local bands playing on multiple stages spread throughout the State Street corridor, local food and beverages, crafts, kids activities, and vendors while the mainstage highlights a local act alongside a nationally touring one for three nights. Stay tuned for upcoming announcements from Mayor Devlin and company as they announce who we can expect to get us dancing in the streets!
Homegrown Harvest Festival
Sunday, Sept. 20 // Goodell Gardens & Homestead, 221 Waterford St., Edinboro // Free // goodellgardens.org
One of the most beautiful ways to close out the harvest season and usher in autumn is out at Goodell Gardens for their annual Homegrown Harvest Festival, now in its 20th year. This free, family-friendly celebration of all things local features farm vendors with homegrown produce, arts and crafts, musicians, performing artists and an opportunity for plenty of hands-on learning activities.
Our West Bayfront Porchfest
Saturday, Sept. 26 // Various locations throughout the West Bayfront neighborhood // Free // ourwestbayfront.org
Closing out the summer music events is always Our West Bayfront's annual Porch Fest, where local musical acts of all genres perform on the porches of residences and businesses throughout the West Bayfront neighborhood. A beautiful opportunity to walk around, enjoy the historic feel of the area, and casually enjoy some great tunes in a friendly and welcoming atmosphere.
Many watering holes throughout the city and county have regular outdoor summer music series, allowing you to enjoy and support some local musicians while you enjoy a cold drink, some snacks, and a laid back summer atmosphere. Be sure to check the Erie Reader Public Events Calendar regularly for more venues and dates. Some regulars are:
Altered State Distillery, Fridays and Saturdays, 7 to 10 p.m.
Arundel Cellars and Brewing Company, Friday nights in July and August from 6 to 9 p.m.
Cellar '54, select Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, 6 to 9 p.m.
Colony Pub and Grille, five days a week from 6 to 9 p.m.
Oasis Tiki Bar, Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays, 6 p.m.
Oliver's Beer Garden, Friday nights starting in May from 7 to 11 p.m.
Penn Shore Winery, Music in the Vineyard Saturdays from 4 to 8 p.m.
Poverty Knob Farmhouse Ales, Thursdays, 5 to 9 p.m. and Saturdays, 6 to 9 p.m.
Riverside Brewing, Fridays and Saturdays from 6 to 9 p.m.
Rum Runners, Fridays and Saturdays from 8 p.m. to midnight
Sloppy Duck Tiki Bar, Fridays and Saturdays from 8 p.m. to midnight, Sundays from 3 to 6 p.m.
Sunset Grill in Edinboro, Thursdays through Sundays at 6:30 p.m.
Let's Eat – Local Food and Drink Events
Erie's Wild Rib Cook Off and Music Festival
May 27 - 30, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. // Perry Square, 601 State St. // Free // erieribfest.com
Get your summer off to a messy start with some of the tastiest, sloppiest, award-winning barbecue from throughout the country. With live music and vendors throughout the weekend, Rib Fest (as it's affectionately known) is the official start of summer.
Beer on the Bay
Saturday, July 25, noon to 7 p.m. // Liberty Park and Highmark Amphitheater, 828 W. Bayfront Pkwy. // eriebrewingco.com
What's better than a beautiful day on the bay, sailboats floating, gulls soaring over sun-glistened waters? All of that with a bunch of local and regional beers to try!
America's Grape Country Craft Beverage Festival
Aug. 7 - 9 // Chautauqua County Fairgrounds, Dunkirk, N.Y. // agcfestival.com
Take a short drive east for a whole new world of fermented goodness. America's Grape Country celebrates what they do best with tastings, demonstrations, and entertainment at this three-day festival in Dunkirk.
2026 Chautauqua Institution Food Festival
Aug. 16-29 // Chautauqua Institution, 1 Ames Ave., Chautauqua // chq.org
For two weeks, the grounds of the Chautauqua Institution will present a celebration of food, culture, and community. Expect talks and demonstrations from nationally and regionally recognized chefs (including celeb Chef Darian Bryan of Next Level Chef), immersive tastings, learning opportunities, cooking competitions, and more.
North East Wine Fest
Sept. 25 - 27 // Gibson Park, Lake and Main Streets, North East // nechamber.org
One of the best ways to close out the summer season is by spending a day in North East celebrating, tasting, and sharing the fruits of our county's bounty – with live music, food, crafts, and more.
Let's Get Physical (and Intellectual)!: Events for the Body and Mind
Expand your horizons, both mentally and physically this summer by attending (clockwise from top left): The Great American Book Sale, the Pride Parade, America 250 City of Erie Fourth of July Celebrations, and the Gem City Renaissance Festival. (Photos: Erin Phillips, R Frank Media, Ryan Hoover, and Taylor Lody)
Fry's Landing Bird Banding with the Erie Bird Observatory
Fridays, Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., and Sundays from noon to 4 p.m. through May 31 // Fry's Landing at Presque Isle State Park // eriebirdobservatory.org
Get up close and personal with the migratory and native songbird residents of Presque Isle State Park as the employees and volunteers from Erie Bird Observatory band birds and offer education, activities, and an up-close look at our avian friends.
Nerd Out at the Library!
May 1 to 31 // Various times and library locations // events.erielibrary.org
Didn't you know? The nerds are the cool kids now! Everything from robots, cosplay, steampunk, tabletop games, science fiction, graphic novels, fantasy, comics, and more is on full display with programming extending throughout May.
HistErie Week at the Erie County Public Library: Founding Stories: An America 250 Celebration
May 16 - 23 // Various locations throughout Erie // Visit: events.erielibrary.org for a full schedule and to register
Celebrate local history and Erie's contribution to the 250 years of America as we know it with a week of curated programming for the library's annual HistErie Week. Take an architectural bike ride (with yours truly), take a guided tour of the Soldiers' and Sailors' Home, or learn about some Erie folklore and get to know the place we call home a little better.
Rod and Reel: Fishing & Tackle Loaner Program
The PA Fish and Boat commission want to get as many people as possible out and enjoying our best natural resources with fewer barriers – so they're loaning out gear for anyone who needs it. "The public can go to the various locations and borrow rods, reels, and a tackle box full of hooks and other terminal tackle. This equipment is borrowed in much the same way books are borrowed from a library." With locations at the Blasco Library, the Tom Ridge Environmental Center, and Walnut Creek Access. Check the website for individual site hours.
Lagoon by Pontoon
Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, May 22 through Sept. 6 // 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.
Free Sunrise Yoga
Wednesdays beginning May 27 at 6 a.m. // Dobbins Landing, 1 State St. // Free // eriedowntown.com
The beloved summer series of sunrise yoga is back. Let the promise of a glorious sunrise over the bay get you out of bed early for an ever-appropriate sun salutation on the platform of Dobbins Landing, led by ASCEND Erie instructor Chelsea.
Flagship City Kickball League
Registration open now, games begin Monday, June 1 through July // 6 to 9 p.m. // Perry Square West, 601 State St. // flagshipcitydistrict.com
Kickball need not have ended in your middle school gym. Now you can relive (or redeem) your glory days while enjoying the downtown area and getting active with friends.
Gas N Gears II
Every Monday night from May 18 through Sept 28 from 5 to 9 p.m. // Sloppy Duck parking area, 726 W. Bayfront Pkwy. // Free
Stroll through this pet- and kid-friendly car show, gawking at row after row of classic cars intermingled with souped-up newer models as you enjoy DJ'd tunes from Bill Page, food trucks, and the presentation of each week's featured Car of the Week Trophy.
Erie Ale Works 10th Annual 0.01K
Friday May, 22 at 5 p.m. // Erie Ale Works, 416 W. 12th St. // eriealeworks.com
If your idea of fitness is the "fitness taco in my mouth" variety, then the 0.01K at Erie Ale Works is exactly for you. Run, jog, dance, or silly-walk your way across the brewery's parking lot, whilst raising some cash for local companion animals in need.
Presque Isle Poker Paddle
Saturday, June 6 // Presque Isle State Park, 301 Peninsula Dr. // discoverpi.com
Take the poker game out of the casino and onto Presque Isle, as participants maneuver any sort of floating craft to different locations throughout the park, collecting their best possible poker hand along the way. Proceeds benefit the Presque Isle Partnership.
Growing Minds, Growing Gardens Series at Goodell Gardens & Homestead
Select Wednesdays and Sundays throughout the season // Goodell Gardens and Homestead, 221 Waterford St., Edinboro // goodellgardens.org
Intended for learners of all ages, these hands-on educational workshops will cover topics ranging from bird watching, tree identification, sustainable gardening techniques, and more.
West Bayfit
Wednesdays from June 10 - July 29, with Farmers Markets continuing through Aug. 19 // Bayview Park, 598 W. 2nd St. // Free // ourwestbayfront.org
Get out, get active, and get some fresh, healthy, locally grown produce. The folks at Our West Bayfront bring back their popular West Bayfit evenings at the incomparable Bayview Park with a focus on fun family fitness.
The Great American Book Sale
Sunday, June 14 to Thursday, June 18 from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., Friday, June 19 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. // Flo Fabrizio Ice Center at the Erie Zoo, 527 W. 38th St. // erielibraryfriends.org
If you've never been to the Great American Book Sale, it's time to catch up with the story! The entire floor of the Flo Fabrizio Ice Center is transformed into a giant book store with every genre available, including a special section for books of local interest.
Erie Pridefest: Pride on the Bay and Pride Parade
Parade: Sunday, June 14 from noon to 2 p.m. // Starting at 11th and State, culminating in Perry Square // Free
Pride on the Bay: Saturday, June 27 from noon to 5 p.m. // Liberty Park, 828 W. Bayfront Pkwy. // nwpapride.org
Keep the party going for two consecutive weekends of pride in Erie. With a parade culminating in Perry Square followed by the Pride on the Bay celebration in Liberty Park, Erie will be a colorful rainbow in June – while Erie's LGBTQIA+ community is seen, heard, and celebrated.
Erie's Juneteenth Celebration
Saturday, June 20, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. // Perry Square, 601 State St. // Free // With events going on the whole week // eriejuneteenth.com
Celebrate the official day of abolition in America with a colorful, musical, celebration of local Black culture and history. Including a march down State Street, a Black art exhibition, a block party concert, and more.
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 – with the now annual World Refugee Day which recognizes the panoply of heritages that make up our city's cultural landscape. With performances, dances, art, vendors, and food.
Erie Art Museum Gallery Night
June 26 and Sept. 18 // Multiple galleries throughout region // Free // erieartmuseum.org
The quarterly celebration of all things art comes to the Erie summertime scene twice as galleries throughout the city open their doors for receptions, live music, food and drink, and, of course, local art.
Erie Roller Derby Bouts
Saturdays, June 20 and July 11 // Bayfront Convention Center, 1 Sassafras Pier // erierollerderby.com
You'll have two chances to catch the Erie Roller Derby on their home turf this summer. The action-packed, super physical, always entertaining sport is fun for the whole family.
America 250 City of Erie Fourth of July Celebrations
The city has a number of cool, family friendly events happening during Independence Day weekend to celebrate the country's semiquincentennial. Mark your calendars for celebrating those parts of America we can always be proud of: our grit, creativity, bravery, and empathy.
Thursday, July 2 – The Brig Niagara returns from her restoration in Maine to a 250 Boat Parade
Friday, July 3 – Erie 250: Light and Liberty on the Lake, fireworks featuring live music
Saturday, July 4 – Our own Erie Philharmonic performs a live, free concert at Bayview Park
Discover Presque Isle
July 20 - 26 // Presque Isle State Park, 301 Peninsula Dr. // Free // discoverpi.com
Even if you've lived in Erie your whole life, I can guarantee there is still something to discover on the wonderland that is Presque Isle. The Presque Isle Partnership gives you the perfect excuse to get out, see or try something new, and truly appreciate our gem of a state park.
Lake Erie Cyclefest
July 23 - 26 // Various locations throughout Erie County // eriesportscommission.com
Three days in late July each year are dedicated to all things cycling in Erie. Whether you're a novice cyclist who enjoys a leisurely glide or a hardcore racer, Lake Erie Cyclefest has a ride for you.
Presque Isle Triathlon
Aug. 1 // 7:30 a.m. // Presque Isle State Park, 301 Peninsula Dr. // discoverpi.com
This annual athletic gauntlet at Presque Isle demonstrates the myriad of ways folks can recreate on Presque Isle, just in a much more intense way by cycling (13 miles), running (3.1 miles), and swimming (0.35 miles).
National Night Out
Tuesday, Aug. 4 // Various public parks throughout Erie // Free // unitedwayerie.org
The United Way takes the parties to the parks for National Night Out, coming to a public park near you! Spread throughout the city and county, enjoy a family friendly fun-filled evening getting to know your neighbors and enjoying some free food, giveaways, kids activities, and live music.
Lucille Ball Comedy Festival
Aug. 6 - 9 // National Comedy Center, 203 W. 2nd St., Jamestown, N.Y. // comedycenter.org
Couldn't we all use a laugh? How about three days of laughs? Lucille Ball's comedy legacy lives on at the annual comedy festival bearing her name. This year's headliners include Jerry Seinfeld, Bert Kreischer, and Seth Meyers.
Gem City Renaissance Festival
Sept. 6 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. // Frontier Park, 1501 W. 6th St. // gemcityrenaissancefestival.com
In days of olde, when knights were bold… or this September at Frontier Park! Enjoy a step back in time as folks gather from across the realm for demonstrations, period-themed music and shows, turkey legs, and more.
Arts and Drafts Festival
Thursday, Sept. 10 to Saturday, Sept. 12 // The Brewerie, 123 W. 14th St. // facebook.com/artsanddraftsfestival
Enjoy one of the most anticipated weekends of the summer at the annual Arts and Drafts festival at the historic Brewerie at Union Station. Local artists have their work on display (and usually for sale) all weekend with live local music throughout the event.
COMICON Erie
Sept. 18 - 20 // Bayfront Convention Center, 1 Sassafras Pier // eriepromotions.com
Nerd culture is in full effect for a weekend in late September in Erie at the annual Comicon and Lego BrickErie events. Enjoy cosplay, seminars, and panels from comic artists and authors, photo ops, trading, and more.
Lake Erie Lit Fest
Sept. 12, noon to 5 p.m. // Frontier Park, 1501 W. 6th St. // Free // wernerbooks.com
Celebrate the written word in all its forms at the annual Lake Erie Lit Fest. With readings, poetry, workshops, author signings, vendors, book giveaways, and more – it's the culmination of a summer of reading!
Presque Isle Poker PEDAL
Sunday, Oct. 4 at 9 a.m. // Beach 1, Presque Isle State Park // $40 // discoverpi.com
Like the idea of the Presque Isle Poker Paddle but consider yourself more of a land animal? Enter the Presque Isle Poker Pedal. Cycle your way to different iconic checkpoints throughout the park to collect your best possible poker hand, whilst raising much needed funding for the Presque Isle Partnership.
What is Trivia Night, Alex?
If you're more about exercising your mind rather than your body, Erie provides plenty of opportunities to get a team of friends and family together to challenge your trivial knowledge (again, this list is not exhaustive, be sure to regularly check our free online events calendar)!
Best of Erie Winner for Best Trivia: Plymouth Tavern's Tuesday Trivia, Tuesdays at 6:30 p.m.
Altered State Distillery Trivia with "That Jeopardy! Guy" Adam Holquist, select Thursdays from 7 to 9 p.m.
Voodoo Brewing Company DJ Bill Page's Trivia Nights, Thursdays weekly at 7 p.m.
Trivia Night at Luminary Distilling, Second and fourth Wednesday of each month, 7 p.m.
Lavery Brewing Company's Brain Brunch Pub Quiz with Adam Holquist, Last Sunday of each month from 2 to 4 p.m.
Edinboro Hotel Bar Buzz Worthy Pub Trivia, Wednesdays weekly from 7 to 9 p.m.
The Zone Dance Club Trivia with Josh, Patrick, and Brittany, Wednesdays weekly at 9 p.m.
King's Rook Club Crafted Trivia with Adam Holquist, every third Wednesday at 7 p.m.
Local Produce, Local Sustainability: Regular Farmers Markets
There's always something to do in Erie in the summertime like (clockwise from top left): enjoying the classic cars at any number of Gas N Gears II events, sharing in Erie's local harvest at one of our many farmers markets, discovering more about our park at Discover Presque Isle, and taking a spin during Lake Erie Cyclefest. (Photos: Erin Phillips, Erie Downtown Partnership, Discover PI, Dave Tamulonis)
Bayview Park Farmer's Market
Wednesdays, June 10 - Aug. 19 // 6 to 8 p.m. // Bayview Park, 598 W. 2nd St. // ourwestbayfront.org
LEAF Open Market
Biweekly on Saturdays, June 13 - Sept. 19 // 8th Street side of Frontier Park // leaferie.org/openmarket
North East Gibson Park Open Market
Saturdays from June 13 - Sept. 5 // 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. // Gibson Park, Lake and Main streets, North East // nechamber.org
Sisters of St. Joseph Little Italy Farmer's Market
Mondays, June through September, from 3 to 6 p.m. at 430 W. 19th St. // ssjnn.org
It is the only local market that offers a dollar-to-dollar match for SNAP benefits, WIC, and Senior FNMP (Farmers Market Nutrition Program) vouchers.
Pay What You Can Farm Stands
Weekly from July 6 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.
Mondays from 4 to 6 p.m. // Unity in Edinboro, 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 noon to 2 p.m. // Fourth Street Farm, 310 E. 4th St.
Fridays from 4 to 6 p.m. // Perry Square, 601 State St. and 4:30 to 6:30 p.m // Strong Vincent Middle School, 1330 W. 8th St.
Shop Til You Drop: Recurring Summer Vendor Markets
Boutique Nights
June 5, July 10, and Sept. 4, 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. // Throughout the downtown Flagship City District // Free // flagshipcitydistrict.com
When all of the downtown area businesses become one big outdoor bazaar, you've stumbled upon the now-annual Boutique Nights. Featuring pop-up shopping and vendors, live art, community activities, and music as a walkable experience – it's what downtown was made for.
Arts and Casks
June 7 and July 19 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. // Altered State Distillery, 1535 W. 8th St. // alteredstatedistillery.com
The folks at Altered State are known for their stellar, Best of Erie award winning spirits, fabulous food, and jam-tastic live music schedule. But every summer, they expand their minds and space for art and craft vendors for their Arts and Casks market. Stop by for a sip and some locally made art!
Grounded Print Shop Maker's Market
June 26 from 5 to 9 p.m., July 25 from noon to 5 p.m., Aug. 15 from noon to 5 p.m., and Sept. 18 from 5 to 9 p.m. // Grounded Print Shop, 1902 Cherry St. // Free // groundedprintshop.com
The folks at Grounded Print Shop are bringing back their Maker's Markets in 2026 with varying times to correspond with the Erie Art Museum's Gallery Night. Each event will feature live local music, art shows, food trucks, live artist demos, and vendors.
Copper Carriage Market
Fall market TBD // 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. // Copper Carriage and surrounding block, 406 State St. // coppercarriage.com
The ever lovable folks from the Copper Carriage have been building on their outdoor markets since they moved in and made downtown their home. Opening up their own bespoke antique shop (and surrounding areas) to vendors of all varieties (think vintage goods interspersed with handmade products).
Celebrate Culture: Annual Heritage Festivals
Our summers are full of celebrations of cultural heritage and county fairs alike including (clockwise from top left): The Amerimasala multicultural celebration, the 141st Erie County Fair, and Best of Erie-winner Zabawa Polish Festival. (Photo: Erie Downtown Partnership, Jessica Hunter)
Erie loves our annual Heritage Festivals. We have been and continue to be a city built on immigrants – our various heritage celebrations throughout the season pay tribute to the rich tapestry of culture that truly makes Erie unique.
16th Annual Troika (Russian) Festival
Friday, May 22 from 4 to 9 p.m., Saturday, May 23 from noon to 6 p.m., Sunday, May 24 from noon to 6 p.m. // Church of the Nativity Community Center, 109 German St. // churchofthenativity.net
38th Annual Panegyri Greek Festival
July 10 and 11 // 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. // Assumption Greek Orthodox Church, 4376 W. Lake Rd. // eriegreekorthodox.org
78th Annual North East Firemen's Cherry Festival
July 15 - 18 // necherryfestival.org
53nd Annual Waterford Heritage Days
July 17 - 19 // Gazebo Park, Waterford // facebook.com/waterforddays
The AmeriMasala (Multi-cultural)
Saturday, July 18 // noon // Perry Square, 601 State St. // facebook.com/The-AmeriMasala
61st Annual Dan Rice Days
July 30 - Aug. 1 // Downtown Girard, 34 Main St. W. // danricedays.com
St. Paul's Italian Festival
Aug. 7 - 9 // St. Paul Parish, 1617 Walnut St. // stpaulrcerie.org
Zabawa Polish Festival
Aug. 21 - 23 // Holy Trinity Catholic Church, 2220 Reed St. // holytrinityrc.org
30th Annual German Heritage Festival
Sept. 5 and 6 // 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. 2026 (exact dates and times TBA) // St. Patrick's Church, 130 E. 4th St. // erieirishfestival.com
Take part in the (often) centuries-old tradition of the county fair. In celebration of America 250, nothing quite says Americana like a county fair – expect farm and craft competitions, blue ribbons, pageants, funnel cakes and lemonade, thrill rides, games of skill, live music, livestock demonstrations, and dances.
98th Annual Cochranton Community Fair
Aug. 3 - 8 // cochrantonfair.org
95th Annual Warren County Fair
Aug. 4 - 9 // warrencountyfair.net
79th Annual Crawford County Fair
Aug. 22 - 29 // crawfordcountyfairpa.com
141st Annual Erie County Fair
Aug. 30 - Sept. 5 // wattsburgfair.com
89th Annual Waterford Community Fair
Aug. 31 - Sept. 5 // waterfordfair.org
104th Annual Spartansburg Community Fair
Sept. 7 - 12 // spartansburgcommunityfair.com
81st Annual Albion Area Fair
Sept. 15 - 19 // albionfair.com
If you see Erin Phillips out and about enjoying these summer events, be sure to say hello! She can be reached at erin@eriereader.com
