What is there to do in Erie? Let us say that one of the nicest surprises about Erie is just how much there is to do. In the summer, there are free concerts including 8 Great Tuesdays featuring music from Big Band to Country to Jazz to Blues, etc. at the outdoor amphitheater on the Bayfront (just down the street). On Wednesday, there are free concerts at the Art Museum as well as free admission. Friday, Saturday and Sunday there are many festivals to choose from – Celebrate Erie, Arts Festival, Jazz and Blues Festival, Presque Isle Days, Tall Ships Festival, Beer on the Bay, Wine Festival, Rib Festival, Cherry Festival, Greek Festival, Roar on the Shore. The list goes on and on. There is a comprehensive listing of activities at http://www.visiterie.com/events/
You may have to come back sooner than you think! Check below for even more details.
Presque Isle State Park
It’s time to head out to the beaches. Presque Isle State Park is a pristine 7 mile peninsula with over 14 beaches, 2 lighthouses, fishing ponds, biking, running and hiking trails, Coast Guard station, Boat Tours, Perry Monument, cross country skiing, hunting, ice skating, picnic areas, grills and lots of activities all year long. The beauty of this state park is unsurpassed and truly the best place to watch the Erie sunsets which have been rated the 2nd best in the world.
8 Great Tuesdays and Downtown Friday Nights – Walking Distance
All summer long, Tuesday’s are the night to head on over to Liberty Park on the Bayfront for 8 Great Tuesdays. Free concerts at the Pepsi Amphitheater keep the summer hot. Every Friday night during the summer,
Erie celebrates with free concerts in Perry Square, a free trolley to take you up and down State Street and lots of fabulous drink and dinner specials at local establishments. Every week is different. From Gourmet fine dining with someone special to casual cafes for quick bites among friends. Downtown Fridays is the best way to celebrate this summer.
Festivals
Northwest Pennsylvania is well known for their festivals throughout the seasons. From the National Rib Fest (Walking Distance), to the Cherry Festival, Strawberry Festival, Haborcreek Days, Waterford Days, Dan Rice Days in Girard, Greek Festival, Italian Festival, Irish Festival (Walking Distance), Arts Festival, Jazz Festival, Maple Syrup Festival, Erie Country Fair, Zoo Boo, Cascade of Lights, Wine Country Harvest Festival, Great Lakes Film Festival, Roar on the Shore ((Walking Distance), Celebrate Erie ((Walking Distance)…there are just too many to list. See a complete list of events happening around the area here.
Museums – Walking Distance
All the art, history and culture of Erie are represented throughout several museums. Enjoy the Erie Art Museum, Erie County Historical Society, Cashier’s House, Firefighters Museum, Hagen History Center (formerly the Watson-Curtze Mansion), and the Maritime Museum, home to the Flagship Niagara, commanded by Commodore Perry during the war of 1812. Tours of the ship are available when the vessel is in port and observations of the lake can be taken from the top of Bicentennial Tower.
Theater – Walking Distance
Erie takes its place as one of the top ten theater communities for mid-sized cities in the United States. And no wonder with headliners at the completely restored Warner Theater, featuring the Erie Philharmonic, or the Erie Civic Center. Local productions at the Erie Playhouse, All An Act Theatre, Mercyhurst, Gannon. Jr’s Last Laugh Comedy Club is also a great way to spend an evening.
Erie Otters Hockey – Walking Distance
Don’t miss a chance to see the Erie Otters take on the OHL. Tickets are available in advance or at the door on game night.
Sea Wolves Baseball – Walking Distance
Take me out to the ballgame! Don’t make an error by missing Erie’s minor league baseball team, the Sea Wolves, in their beautiful new park. Concessions, discounts and specials are always available
Tom Ridge Nature Center
See how Presque Isle became our beach, see the Big Green Screen films, and visit the gift shop and snack area at the Tom Ridge Environmental Center.
Asbury Woods
Looking for a simpler and quieter way to spend your day? Head out to Asbury Woods with their unique Nature Center, Gift Shop and Nature Trails to help you unwind. Don’t miss the Maple Syrup Festival each fall.
Seaway Trail
A great bike trail to take you around the bayfront and historic Erie.
The Vineyards
Arrowhead, Heritage, Mazza, Penn Shore, Presque Isle and Yori are just a few of the Wineries you can enjoy while visiting Northwest Pennsylvania.
Lake Erie Ale Trail
A new destination in Erie has now grown to NINE local breweries! Erie Ale Works, Blue Canoe Brewery, Lavery Brewing Company, Erie Brewing Company, The Brewerie at Union Station, Five & 20 Spirits & Brewing, Sprague Farm & Brew Works, Millcreek Brewing Company, Arundel Cellars & Brewing Company, Timbercreek Tap & Table, Voodoo Brewing Company.
Escape Room
If you’re looking for something new and different, why not check out one of Erie’s newest attractions, Escape Game Erie.
Fishing
This is no small tail. Anglers from all over the world come to Erie’s creeks during Steelhead Trout season. The Steelhead are plentiful and the stories about the one that got away even better. Nearly undiscovered, Presque Isle Bay has some of the best Bass fishing in all of Pennsylvania. The Smallmouth Bass fishing in Lake Erie is considered “world class” due to the unusually large size of the fish that can be caught here.
Bird Watching
Soar high watching the many species that migrate through Presque Isle and those that make their nest for the season.
Golf
Choose from a number of great golf courses in the area. Reservations may be required, we are happy to make arrangements for you.
Jet Skiing and Boat Rentals
Thrill seekers can enjoy coasting over the bayfront and beaches. Reservations are needed, which we are happy to arrange for you.
Waldameer Amusement Park and Water World
Are you ready to have fun? Waldameer is one of the country’s oldest amusement parks, dating back to the 1800s. Enjoy wooden roller-coasters and flume rides, great food, and an exciting midway – Be brave and experience the new spinning roller coaster!! Water World is filled with water slides, lazy rivers and cabanas – make your reservations for the Cabanas early, and stay the whole day! Presque Isle is a great place to watch the sunset, so if you’re really looking for a treat, (or a very romantic moment) make it a point to be on the large Ferris wheel at Waldameer just during sunset. They run it extra long and the view is spectacular. You can buy all day wrist bands for the parks or individual ride tickets.
Splash Lagoon
The East coast’s largest indoor water park, Splash Lagoon offers summer fun all year long. A warm temperature in the 80 keeps the chill out and the fun in. Water slides, lazy rivers, pools, family and adult only hot tubs and a big bucket of water that soaks the park every 10-15 minutes. Concessions are available. Near the Millcreek Mall
Millcreek Mall
Shop ‘til you drop at 160-store mall and outlying stores. When you’re hungry, there is Japanese, Italian, American, and a British pub among the15 restaurants nearby. Tinseltown, a Cinemark theater, is also close-by.
Trampoline
If you just want to get your jump on, how about trying a new type of park? Visit Vertical Jump Erie.
Higher Education
We are within walking distance of Gannon University, a short drive to Mercyhurst, Penn State Behrend, LECOM, and Edinboro