Skip to Main Content

VisitErie Blog

Fireworks credit D Tamulonis v2

Happy Birthday America! Great Ways to Celebrate Independence Day in Erie PA

Thursday Jun 1st, 2023

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

Lights over Lake Erie 

Celebrate Independence Day with a fireworks extravaganza with Erie’s beautiful Bayfront as the perfect backdrop!  On Monday, July 3, beginning at 10 p.m. Erie's largest Independence Day fireworks display, Lights Over Lake Erie, will launch from the Bicentennial Tower and will be viewable from points along the Bayfront including Bayview Park, Presque Isle State Park, and public areas along the waterfront. For details including parking and shuttle service, click here.

(pictured, below. Photo by R. Frank Photography)

Bayfront 2 credit R Frank WEB

Erie SeaWolves - Independence Day Weekend

Combine one of America’s favorite summer pastimes with the Fourth of July weekend and that equals three nights of family fun and fireworks with the Erie SeaWolves at UPMC Park!  

  • Saturday, July 1: Patriotic jersey giveaway night. Show off the red, white, and blue with a special SeaWolves replica patriotic jersey featuring the team’s Uncle Sam Wolf.
  • Sunday, July 2: Fireworks Night. 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. 
  • Monday, July 3: Fireworks Night.

Chris Higbee in Concert and Fireworks - The Fun Park at Erie Sports Center

Enjoy a lively concert from country singing sensation Chris Higbee live on the Horseheads Brewing Stage followed by a fireworks display on Saturday, July 1 from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. Admission to the concert is free. Picnic table seating is available; however, guests are welcome to bring their own chairs. The Fun Park will be open featuring batting cages, mini golf, and go-karts.

Lake Erie Sunset and Fireworks Sail

Enjoy the Erie SeaWolves fireworks display from a truly unique perspective aboard the historic Schooner Lettie G. Howard on Sunday, July 2 from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. During the two-hour sail, you can help the crew set some of the larger sails and then sit back to relax with a leisurely sail on Presque Isle Bay while witnessing one of Erie’s amazing sunsets and then fireworks from UPMC Park.   

56th Annual Millcreek Township Fourth of July Parade

Pick the perfect spot to watch Erie County’s largest 4th of July parade! The sirens will blare and the parade will step off Tuesday, July 4 at 9:45 a.m. from West 12th and Marshall Streets and proceed west on 12th Street to the American Legion. This year’s Grand Marshalls are Erie hometown heroes.   

Albion, PA Independence Day Festival: 

The two-day event is held Saturday and Sunday, July 1-2 at Albion Borough Park, Lisek Circle, and features live music, food, a craft show, and family activities. Fireworks begin at dusk on July 2.

Lawrence Park Fireworks Display

The eastern Erie County community celebrates on Tuesday, July 4 with a 10 a.m. bike parade from Lake Cliff Park to Napier Park followed by a 2 p.m. Main Street parade. Fireworks begin at 10 p.m. 

North East Fireworks Display

The picturesque town of North East, PA celebrates the holiday with family activities, live music by Beatles tribute band Abbey Road, food trucks, and fireworks at dusk. The fun starts at 4 p.m. at Gravel Pit Park.

 

Partner Spotlight

upmc

UPMC Hamot - See What Makes Us Different

UPMC Hamot is a 423-bed hospital in Erie, PA, offering a full complement of inpatient and outpatient services, and serves as a regional referral hub and Level II Trauma Center.

Learn More

CartHorse Spotlight 400 x 300

Cart/Horse

Cart/Horse Distilling is a first-generation woman-owned distillery, pioneering the craft in Edinboro, Pennsylvania. Handcrafted care never goes out of style. We put that artistic attention into every bottle of our small batch spirits. Cart/Horse proudly produces rum, whiskey, vodka, gin, and several award-winning specialty liquors. Our robust cocktail menu uses the finest and freshest ingredients for each custom-built drink.

Learn More

millcreek mall

Millcreek Mall

The Millcreek Mall features more than 160 stores, restaurants, and fun for the whole family on Upper Peach Street, Erie’s most popular shopping district! Shopping in Erie means no sales tax on clothing or shoes. Choose from a variety of hotels located on the Mall property and just minutes away at the intersection of Peach Street and Interstate 90.

Learn More

Untitled design 1

When you have an opportunity to fly, give Erie a try - support your hometown airport!

Direct daily flights to Charlotte. Erie International Airport is serviced by American Airlines with daily flights to Charlotte with connections to many other destinations.

Learn More

spotlgiht the cove

The Cove Bay-Side Restaurant & Tavern

Join us today! The Cove Bay-Side Restaurant & Tavern is sure to give you an unforgettable and care-free dining experience. Enjoy a nautical atmosphere with a beautiful view of Presque Isle Bay.

Learn More

dobbins landing

Dobbins Landing

Located on the southeast shore of Lake Erie, the Port of Erie has been promoting industrial, commercial, and recreational opportunities on the waters of Lake Erie since 1959.

Learn More

u pick 6 spotlight

U Pick 6 Craft Beer Pubs & Restaurants

Erie’s own local craft beer pubs are a must-visit! With 4 great locations, just pick one that’s convenient for you! A casual, family friendly dining experience with something for everyone! To view our menu, check out what’s on tap, or get to directions to our pubs, learn more now!”

Learn More

Corporate Events Port Farms

Port Farms Corporate Events

Treat your employees to a unique, country experience that is sure to inspire with all of the magic the farm has to offer! Located just outside of Erie, Port Farms offers a charming countryside venue for your next company retreat! Our unique space is located on 200 rural acres and includes everything you will need to host a successful work session, work event, or company picnic. Learn more about how we can help you plan the perfect event!

Learn More

erie events spotlight

Erie Events

Erie Events manages a four facility entertainment complex that includes the Warner Theatre, Erie Insurance Arena, Bayfront Convention Center and UPMC Park. These four venues host a variety of events that include world-class entertainment, family friendly shows and sporting events.

Learn More

mazza spotlight

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.

Learn More

the cork

The Cork 1794

The Cork 1794 is the perfect spot for a date night or special occasion! Indoor and outside seating available with amazing food.

Learn More

bayfront grille

Outdoor Dining at the Bayfront Grille

The Bayfront Grille Restaurant at the Sheraton Erie Bayfront Hotel is excited to announce that our Bayside Patio is open for Lunch and Dinner. Please check Open Table for reservations or contact the restaurant directly at 814-454-2005.

Learn More