Arts & Drafts' Cultural Coalescence Returns to the Brewerie at Union Station

Contributed Photo

Thursday, March 3

It's time for the 17th rendition of what's become a very cool biannual Erie tradition: the Arts & Drafts Fest at the Brewerie.

Featuring the fine works of more than 50 (that's right – 50!) artists from around the region, performances by more than a baker's dozen of well-known local bands and musicians, and, of course, a wide menu of tasty beverages available for responsible enjoyment, the Brewerie will be one happening place between Thursday, March 3 and Saturday, March 5.

Along with a whole lot of cool, locally-made art, and tasty, locally-made drafts, headlining musical performances by The Mighty Sea on Thursday, Tyler Smilo on Friday, and Sean Patrick and the Newgrass Revolution on Saturday are just an off-the-top sampling of what the event has to offer.

"Arts & Drafts is the epitome of the Erie art and music scene," festival music coordinator Justin Tapper has told the Reader. "We don't take commission from the artists and try to give it all back to them. It's what Erie's scene is all about – getting together to support one another to help people grow and get their names out there."

Whether you're in it for the arts or the drafts, that's something to raise a glass to.

The spring Arts & Drafts exhibits are open from noon to midnight each day, with live music starting at 7 p.m. Entrance is free Thursday and up until 9 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and after that it's just a $3 donation for all kinds of treats for the senses.

For a full lineup of the artists and musicians participating and being featured, visit brewerie.com. – Ryan Smith

Noon to midnight // 123 W. 14th St. // brewerie.com