Time to CelebrateErie!
The annual event is back with music, food, and fun
BEGINNING FRIDAY, AUG. 14
August brings summer into full swing in Erie and nothing highlights the season more than the granddaddy of all of our outdoor festivals – CelebrateErie. This year brings back some familiar favorite activities, local vendors and bands, combined with some updates. Some significant changes are a redesigned event footprint, increased security, an enhanced community resources zone, a dedicated beer garden featuring a special "Celebrate Beerie Lager" from Lavery Brewing Company, and a youth district sponsored by the expERIEnce Children's Museum, featuring the Family Stage with various artistic and athletic demonstrations and family-friendly musical acts.
CelebrateErie is hosted by the CAFE Board (which stands for Cultures, Arts, Festivals, and Events of Erie), a nonprofit formed by the city tasked with organizing this event and others. "This will be my third Celebrate on the CAFE Board," says Sarah Morrison, director of marketing and public relations for EMTA, CAFE Board member, and 2025 40 Under 40 alum. "I can say with certainty that this new cohort of directors, with guidance from the Devlin administration, has taken the feedback from past CelebrateErie events and is taking a fresh approach to some of the event's elements, without taking away from the main attractions," Morrison adds.
The main stage will now be located at Ninth Street near the Warner Theatre, allowing local lower State Street businesses to stay open and welcome customers during the event weekend. There will, as always, be multiple stages throughout downtown featuring plenty of local bands and other entertainment, including favorites like the Reader's own Tommy Link and Anthony Carson, alongside others like Elle Taylor, Brooke Surgener, This American Song, Jonny Evans, Logan B. and Dirty Leaf, and many more. This year's headlining acts include Arrested Development, Plain White T's, and Al Jardine and the Pet Sounds Band closing out the weekend with an early-start 6 p.m. show on Sunday evening. The main stage will have increased security, especially around the area in front of the stage. "We feel this lineup hits a wide spread of interests and is as diverse as the folks that will be attending the event," notes Morrison.
Aug. 14 through 16 // Downtown Erie // Music begins at noon each day // For a full map and schedule of events, visit celebrateerie.com
