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America250PA Events in Erie, Pennsylvania

Wednesday Mar 18th, 2026

In 2026, events will be hosted across the Commonwealth commemorating America's 250th anniversary. Make your way to Erie to dive into history, and mark the occasion, at one of these special events. 

This blog will be updated as new events and commemorations are planned. 

Last updated: March 18, 2026

 

Salute to America's 250th Birthday in Lake Erie Wine Country

April 17-19, 2026

Join Lake Erie Wine Country for traditional American food, wine, and memories you'll cherish with a trip to Lake Erie Wine Country April 17-19. Wine tasting guests will receive a keepsake wine glass as a memento of their visit.

HistERIE Week at the Erie Library

May 16-23, 2026

The Erie County Public Library will host an epic, week-long exploration of Erie's own "Founding Stories" that recognize our region's ties and contributions to the United States of America during HistERIE Week. 

Memorial Day Ceremony 2026

May 25, 2026

Stop by Erie County Veterans Memorial Park, located at West 26th and State Streets, across from Erie Veterans Stadium for a Memorial Day Ceremony from 2:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. on Monday, May 25, featuring North Coast Brass Company.

America250PA Concert Series

June 6, 2026

To celebrate America's 250th birthday, America250PA will host six free concerts featuring national headlining artists all across the Commonwealth, including a stop in Erie! The event will be hosted at Erie Insurance Arena. Performers and ticket information will be announced at a later date.

When the Woods were Alive

June 20, 2026

Seneca artist and educator Leon Sam Briggs, whose Seneca name is Hoya'degay hus, presents the history of the Seneca before and after colonization, beginning with the origins of the Seneca nation and the Haudenosaunee (people of the long house) and including oft untold stories and information on Seneca culture, food, sovereignty, crafts, and sports.

Make and Take Fiber Arts Workshop

June 27, 2026

In this workshop, participants have the chance to make sock bunnies, embroidered initials, and small potpourri sachets (small, sealed pouches) and celebrate an artform spanning all eras of United States history.

America 250 Celebration at the Mellon Heritage Veteran's Outreach and Wellness Center

July 2-3, 2026

Join the Mellon Heritage Veteran’s Outreach and Wellness Campus in North East, PA for a celebration of the 250th anniversary of America’s Independence.

Witness to History: The Eagle Hotel

May 2, June 6, July 4, August 1, September 5

The Eagle Hotel is celebrating its bicentennial in 2026. Learn about the history, the people, and the events that occurred there with talks given throughout the day. 

18th Century Life and Traditions

July 11, 2026

What was life like in 1776 during the days of revolution? Join French and Indian War and Civil War re-enactors John and Cynda Sites for an exploration of 18th century clothing, etiquette, toys, games, and more.

America Bicentennial Reenactments at the Ft. LeBoeuf Historical Museum

July 18, 2026

Enjoy free reenactments from America's history of the 18th and 19th centuries. Demonstrations will cover domestic, community, and military events. 

Flying Legends of Victory Warbird Tour

June 30 - July 5, 2026

The Airbase Arizona Commemorative Air Force will bring its annual Flying Legends of Victory Tour to Erie, featuring two WWII era bombers. The B-17 Flying Fortress Sentimental Journey and the B-25 Mitchell Maid in the Shade will be available for tours and flights at Fundamentals Flight Training at the Erie International Airport. 

Made in the USA at the expERIEnce Children's Museum

July 1, 2026

Visitors will enjoy a wide array of traditional craftsmanship through hands-on stations where little artists will create an item of their own to take home. The skilled artisans on hand will showcase the timeless techniques and crafts that shaped the development of Pennsylvania, and the US, from colonial times through the industrial revolution. 

The Return of the U.S. Brig Niagara

July 2, 2026

After more than a year away, Erie's flagship returns to her home port just in time for America 250! The U.S. Brig Niagara will sail back into Presque Isle Bay with fanfare, as well as remain open for deck tours, all weekend. More details to come.

 

Events will be added to this list as details are confirmed. 

Hosting an event that you want VisitErie to know about? Submit it to our calendar here

Partner Spotlight

Mazza spotlight 2

Mazza Vineyards and the South Shore Wine Company

The Mazza family welcomes you to explore 3 unique locations in Lake Erie Wine Country. Sip and savor award-winning wines at Mazza Vineyards and the historic South Shore Wine Company, both located in North East, PA, and be sure to visit their combination winery, distillery and brewery, Mazza Chautauqua Cellars/Five & 20 Spirits and Brewing, in nearby Westfield, NY.

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The Cove spotlight 1 resize

The Cove Bay-Side Restaurant & Tavern

Welcome to The Cove Bay-Side Restaurant and Tavern. We invite you to enjoy a unique dining experience on Erie’s Bayfront with our nautically inspired decor, a carefully crafted menu, and an unbelievable view of Presque Isle Bay. With both indoor and outdoor seating right next to the bay, we want to be your destination of choice when you “just want to get away from it all” but without having to go far.

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U Pick 6

John Russell Hospitality App

Discover Erie’s favorite dining destinations with the John Russell Hospitality app—bringing all six of our locations together in one place. Make reservations, order online, earn rewards, and stay up to date on events across every venue. Whether you're planning a waterfront dinner or a casual night out, everything you need is right at your fingertips.

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Poverty Knob made spotlight

Poverty Knob Farmhouse Ales

Stop by Port Farms to check out our on-site brewery, Poverty Knob! We offer hand-crafted beers and delicious sharable food year-round. The brewery is family and dog friendly with both indoor and outdoor spaces. We offer games, music and entertainment for all ages!

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Erie events spotlight 3

Live Music on the Bay, All Summer Long

Whether you're planning a weekend escape or a full vacation, unforgettable live entertainment is waiting for you in Erie. Set along the scenic shores of Lake Erie, the Rebich Investments Amphitheater comes alive every summer with the “8 Great Tuesdays” free community concert series- taking place every Tuesday in July and August. Recently, voted Erie’s Choice for Best Local Event. Relax by the water, enjoy the view, and experience incredible live music under the open sky. Erie Events, the driving force behind downtown Erie’s vibrant entertainment scene, brings excitement year-round across five unique venues in Erie, PA. Come for the music, stay for the experience. Erie is where every show comes with a waterfront view.

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Tia Book Cellar

Tia Book Cellar is an independent bookstore offering new books, unique gifts, puzzles, and games for all interests and ages. Located across from Gibson Park in North East, their brand embodies the local business model and the local grape heritage. Tia believes that “there is always…local, an alternative, and a story.” They look forward to helping you discover your next read or gift.

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Five Iron spotlight 1

Five Iron Golf in Downtown!

Five Iron Golf is Erie’s premier indoor golf and entertainment destination, blending top-tier technology with a vibrant, social atmosphere. Featuring state-of-the-art TrackMan simulators, a full bar and kitchen, and Duckpin Bowling, it’s the perfect spot to play, practice, or just hang out. Whether you’re a scratch golfer or swinging for fun, Five Iron Golf brings people together through golf, food, and great times.

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MIAC spotlight 3

The Mercyhurst Institute for Arts & Culture

Presenting SiriusXM host, pianist, conductor, writer, and performer Seth Rudetsky in “Divas by the Decade” on Friday, May 8, at 7:30 p.m. in Walker Recital Hall. Blending humor and insider insight, Rudetsky celebrates Broadway’s legendary leading ladies with stories, rare audio, and video from shows like “Hamilton,” “Gypsy,” and “West Side Story.”

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Zoo spotlight

Connect with Nature, Discover the Adventure

Explore the Erie Zoo, where every path leads to something new and exciting. From curious orangutans and playful otters to vibrant gardens and seasonal events, adventure awaits at every turn. Our habitats will bring you closer than you imagine to animals from around the world, creating wondrous and truly unforgettable moments. Your visit isn't about seeing wildlife —it's about connecting with nature, discovering the unexpected, and making memories you'll treasure for years to come.

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NWPA spotlight

Stop by Blissful Meads in Meadville!

Blissful Meads is an award-winning winery and restaurant in Meadville, PA, specializing in the production of excellent meads, wines, and ciders in small batches. We sell by the bottle, flight, or glass. We also offer imaginative cocktails & mocktails, local beer & spirits, and unique food. We're located at 847 Market Street in downtown Meadville. We offer catering options and you can rent our tasting room for events.

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UPMC Hamot spotlight

UPMC Hamot – Local Access to Specialized Care

UPMC Hamot is a 445-bed hospital in Erie, Pennsylvania. It is a regional hub for specialized health care, including advanced surgical services, private intensive care suites, and the area’s only accredited trauma center.

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Sheraton spotlight

Two45 Waterfront Grille

Located at the Sheraton Erie Bayfront Hotel, Two45 pays homage to the precisde moment in history that Oliver Hazard Perry bravely led the US Navy on the path to victory during the Battle of Lake Erie. As a tribute to our fair city, the restaurant offers upscale, traditional American cuisines with a focus on seafood and coastal fare. Chef's specialities include macadmania-crusted grouper filet and bone in tomahawk pork chop. Private dining room available.

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Visit Edinboro, PA!

Edinboro Community and Economic Development is a regional Edinboro area non-profit committed to fostering positive community-wide growth. Through economic and civic initiatives, the ECED seeks to empower the Edinboro community to effectuate targeted change to meet current needs and build regional resilience. Edinboro is a unique area where rural and urban values intersect, and the best "small town America" qualities shine.

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port authority spotlight

Bicentennial Tower Open For Hours!

Take a quick ride up to the observation deck to enjoy the stunning 360° veiws of Presque Isle Bay, Lake Erie, downtown Erie, and even Long Point, Ontario on clear days – all from 138 feet up at Erie’s iconic Bayfront Tower.

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Exclusive Tourism Rewards

If you live more than 50 miles from Millcreek Mall, stop by the Customer Service Center to register. You’ll receive a Guest Rewards Tourism Program Luggage Tag. Scanning the QR Code on it will reveal special offers from participating mall merchants. If you spend $200 or more that day, take your receipts back to the Customer Service Center and you’ll get a FREE $20 Mall Gift Card. You get rewarded just for shopping!

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Olivers spotlight

Open During Bayfront Construction: Oliver’s Rooftop

Join us at Oliver’s Rooftop, located on the eighth floor of the Hampton Inn & Suites on Erie’s scenic Bayfront. Open daily, with Sunday brunch from 10 AM–2 PM, featuring chef-inspired specialties. Enjoy inventive cuisine paired with stunning views, unforgettable sunsets, and unique nature watching. Expansive floor-to-ceiling windows provide incredible vantage points overlooking Presque Isle Bay. Award-winning and recently recognized as Erie’s Choice Community Choice Awards Best Fine Dining Restaurant (2025). Reservations are recommended.

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donatos spotlight

Donatos makes feeding groups deliciously easy!

From tailgating and birthday parties to travel sports and family reunions, Donatos is here to feed your whole crew! Right now, get four large 1-topping pizzas and three 2-liter bottles of Pepsi products for just $74.99! Use code 262 when ordering online or mention at our Harborcreek on Buffalo Road!

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Dicks spotlight

DICK’S Sporting Goods – Erie, PA

The Field at DICK’S Sporting Goods is where passions come to life. Designed to inspire movement and connection, The Field offers opportunities to try new experiences, demo the latest gear from top brands, and bring people together. Host your next event with us. Also, offering a wide range of community programming, including fitness and yoga classes, youth sports camps and clinics, and more. Community partnerships are at the core of everything they do, and they take pride in supporting teams, athletes, and organizations in meaningful ways.

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Soak in the fun!

Experience 84 degrees all year at one of the top water parks in the country.

Hub for Live Entertainment.

Operating five unique venues right in the heart of downtown Erie’s entertainment and cultural district, there’s something for everyone.

Just for fun!

Experience family summer fun on more than 100 great rides, slides and attractions at Waldameer!

Ante-up, Erie.

Find true action with slots, table games, sports book, and horse racing.

Award-Winning Compassionate Care

Voted Erie’s Choice Best Hospital for eight years in a row

Award-Winning Compassionate Care

Voted Erie’s Choice Best Hospital for eight years in a row

Hub for Live Entertainment.

Operating five unique venues right in the heart of downtown Erie’s entertainment and cultural district, there’s something for everyone.

Ante-up, Erie.

Find true action with slots, table games, sports book, and horse racing.

Soak in the fun!

Experience 84 degrees all year at one of the top water parks in the country.

Just for fun!

Experience family summer fun on more than 100 great rides, slides and attractions at Waldameer!