Celebrate the Symphony of the Summer with Erie Philharmonic Outdoor Concerts
Free pops, family-friendly, and brass selections performed throughout Erie County
BEGINNING SATURDAY, JUL. 4
In communities across the United States and Western Pennsylvania, music and fireworks are being planned for America's 250th birthday and the Erie Philharmonic is kicking off the summer with a celebration of patriotic spirit and classical music with 10 free concerts across Erie and Crawford County.
"Summer means it's time for the Erie Phil to hit the road," Erie Philharmonic Executive Director Bobby Pape explained. "From Bayview Park to Conneaut Lake, these concerts showcase not just incredible music – they highlight the unique character of the towns, parks, and gathering places that make northwest Pennsylvania a great place to live, work, visit and play."
Family activities, local vendors, and community partners will be present at many of the concerts. Rain locations will be announced as needed. With three unique musical experiences across 10 locations, the 2026 Summer Concert Series is a perfect classical summertime exploration into the music of Americana and beyond.
Daniel Meyer's Patriotic Pops
Beginning at the Bayview Park on July 4, and extending into Gibson Park, Downtown Corry Park, Pennwest Edinboro, and Meadville's Diamond Park, Daniel Meyer leads the Philharmonic in a patriotic selection of pieces to celebrate America's 250th. The music of legendary American composers Aaron Copland, John Williams, and John Philip Sousa is featured alongside Broadway standards.
In celebration of Erie's history of musical excellence, The Patriotic Pops concert at Bayview Park will also feature an opening performance by singer-songwriter Josh Travis, whose debut album, Few of Days and Full of Trouble, premiered in 2023. Three Way Street will also be a featured opening act at Corry's Downtown Park and PennWest Edinboro. The band's repertoire includes a variety of jazz, funk, soul, and pop, and features jazz standards from Miles Davis and Duke Ellington to the music of The Jackson 5 and The Beatles.
Erie Philharmonic Family Concerts
Led by concertmaster Emeritus Ken Johnston, the Erie Philharmonic Octet brings an animal-themed musical adventure to Gibson Park and McLane Church starting on July 22, featuring Sergei Prokofiev's Peter and the Wolf among other wildlife-focused compositions. Interactive and craft activities are a centerpiece of these two concerts, with The Erie Zoo, expERIEnce Children's Museum, and McLane Church providing unique educational experiences for children and families. McLane will also have a community cookout at 5 p.m. preceding the concert.
Prokofiev's classical masterwork has often been taught in children's music programs as an introduction to classical music. Commissioned by Natalya Sats, director of the Moscow Musical Theater for Children, Peter and the Wolf served as a children's story told through orchestral music, with each instrument becoming the voice of a character. As an advocate for music education, Prokofiev had a strong interest in writing the piece both as a composer and a father, and completed the piano manuscript in under a week. Premiering May 2, 1936 at the Moscow Conservatory, the piece would become standard repertoire with orchestras around the United States two years later with the Boston Symphony Orchestra under Prokofiev's direction.
Erie Philharmonic Brass Ensemble
Principal tubist Ken Heinlein returns with the Erie Philharmonic Brass Ensemble starting on July 27 at Fairview's Pleasant Ridge Park, followed by Gibson Park and Conneaut Lake's Ice House Park. Audiences can expect Pops selections, symphonic classics, and patriotic favorites arranged for the rich symphonic sounds of the brass section.
Various times, dates, and locations throughout Erie, beginning at Bayview Park on Saturday, July 4 at 1 p.m. // Free // For more info: eriephil.org
