Happy Birthday America! Great Ways to Celebrate Independence Day in Erie PA
Thursday Jun 30th, 2022
The Independence Day weekend is packed with family reunions, friendly gatherings, picnics, parades, fireworks and other festivities commemorating America’s independence. The Erie region has several Fourth of July weekend events to help you celebrate our most patriotic of holidays. Main photo credit: Dave Tamulonis
Celebrate Independence Day with a fireworks extravaganza with Erie’s beautiful Bayfront as the perfect backdrop! On Sunday July 3, beginning at 10 p.m. a spectacular “Lights over Lake Erie” fireworks display will launch from the Bicentennial Tower/Dobbins Landing. The best viewing spots will be along Erie’s Bayfront, Presque Isle State Park and Bayview Park. For all viewing locations, directions, parking information and shuttle service, click here.
Photo credit: Rob Frank
Erie SeaWolves AA Baseball
Combine one of America’s favorite summer pastimes with the Fourth of July weekend and you get three nights of family fun and post-game fireworks with the Erie SeaWolves at UPMC Park! Ticket and promotional information can be found here. Photo credit @teudhope via Instagram
- Friday July 1: Star Wars Night. Fans are encouraged to dress as their favorite Jedi, droid, Wookie or Padawan and fight with the Dark Side or the Rebel Alliance.
- Saturday July 2: Fireworks on the Field. Any fan that purchases a light up or glow product from the SeaWolves team store can watch fireworks on the field in front of the SeaWolves dugout. (Valid for Friday, Saturday or Sunday)
- Sunday July 3: The Erie Philharmonic will perform patriotic-themed music during the post-game fireworks. Sunday is also Family Fun Day featuring special offers and activities.
Lake Erie Fireworks Sail
For a truly unique fireworks viewing experience enjoy “Lights over Lake Erie” from the decks of the Lettie G. Howard historic schooner! Reserve your spot for Sunday July 3 with a two-hour sail scheduled from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Presque Isle Bay (includes sail and anchoring to view the fireworks). The exact sailing route and plan is at the Captain’s discretion and is dependent on wind and weather conditions. The Lettie G. Howard is one of the last surviving wooden Fredonia style fishing schooners and is operated as a programmatic collaboration between the South Street Seaport Museum and the Flagship Niagara League.
Millcreek Township Fourth of July Parade
Set up the lawn chair, wear your finest red, white and blue and try to grab all that candy! The 55th annual Millcreek Township Parade steps off Monday July 4 at 9:45 a.m. from West 12th and Marshall Streets and processes west on 12th Street to the American Legion. This year’s parade Grand Marshalls are the Hometown Heroes and First Responders.
Photo provided by: The Millcreek Fourth of July Parade
Boro with the Works
Get ready for a family-friendly celebration on the campus of Edinboro University! Boro with the Works will take place Sunday July 3 from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. near the Mallory Lake Activities include a Kids Zone, local food trucks, music by DJ Millennium Sound and a patriotic performance by the Concert Band of Northwest PA. The fireworks display begins at 10 p.m. In the event of rain, fireworks will be held Tuesday July 5.
Photo credit: J. Spangenberg and K Opple
Riverside Brewing Company French Creek BrewFest
Head out to Riverside Brewing for their brew festival on Saturday July 2. Featuring two sampling sessions, live music, and fantastic food! Your festival ticket includes admission for one, a souvenir logo glass and a pretzel necklace kit. Get tickets and additional festival information here.
Spend the Fourth of July weekend at the Erie Sports Center Fun Park! Come out and enjoy free live local music on Saturday and Sunday, a Night Circus Sunday evening and fireworks Monday night (weather permitting). The Fun Park will also be open for everyone to enjoy go-karts, mini golf, batting cages and more before the shows. The Lumi Cafe will be selling burgers, hot dogs, ice cream and snacks and the park's Tiki Bar will be serving up a variety of adult beverages and adult slushies.
Other Erie County Firework Events
Lawrence Park: Starting at 10 a.m. on July 4, the community Independence Day celebration in Lawrence Park will include a bike parade from Lake Cliff Park to Napier Park followed by a 2 p.m. parade on Main Street. Fireworks begin at 10 p.m. bit.ly/lawrenceparkjuly4
North East: Starting at 4 p.m. on July 4 in Heard Memorial Park, attendees can enjoy food trucks, live music with Beatles tribute band Abbey Road at the pavilion and plenty of family fun! Fireworks will begin at dusk from Granite Ridge (former Mercyhurst North East campus). bit.ly/ne4thjuly
