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Lights Over Lake Erie

Celebrate Independence Day with fireworks on Erie's historic bayfront! The City of Erie and Mercyhurst University is proud to continue this tradition with Lights over Lake Erie beginning at 10 p.m.

The fireworks will be launched from the Bicentennial Tower at Dobbins Landing, and viewable from points along the Bayfront.

Read on for parking recommendations, the best fireworks-watching spots, and frequently asked questions with the complete guide to Lights Over Lake Erie!

Parking Recommendations:

  • If you plan on viewing the fireworks from Dobbins Landing, we strongly recommend parking south of the Bayfront Parkway, and then making your way to your preferred viewing area on foot. Street and ramp parking is available downtown. Public use of UMPC Hamot parking ramps will not be permitted, due to hospital needs.
  • Do not plan on parking in the public parking areas in or around Dobbins Landing; large crowds are expected, and portions of the street and parking lots will be closed.
  • Limited parking will be available at the Bayfront Convention Center lot.
  • No parking on these streets from 4 p.m. to midnight on July 3:
    o East Front Street from Holland Street to Ash Street (north side only)
    o West Second Street from State Street to Cascade Street (north side)
    o West Front Street from Myrtle Street to Walnut Street (north side)
    o Short Street from Myrtle Street to Walnut Street (north side)
    o Wolverine Drive from the Bayfront Convention Center to Wolverine Park (north side)
    o Liberty Street from West Fourth Street to Front Street (both boulevard sides)
    o Sassafras Street from Front Street to West Fourth Street (east side)
    o Water Works Road (both sides)
    o Sassafras Street at Front Street (both sides)

Free Erie Parking Authority garages in downtown Erie from 4 p.m. to midnight on July 3:

  • West Seventh and Peach streets (117 W. Seventh St.; enter on Peach Street)
  • West Eighth and Peach streets (140 W. Ninth St.)
  • East Eighth and French streets (24 E. Eighth St.)

Free EMTA shuttle bus service from 8 p.m. to midnight on July 3:

  • East side of Perry Square along French Street
  • West side of Perry Square along Peach Street
  • Intermodal Transportation Center, 208 E. Bayfront Parkway
  • Lincoln Park-n-Ride, Lincoln Avenue and the Bayfront Parkway
  • Liberty Park-n-Ride, Liberty Park, 828 W. Bayfront Parkway

Prime Viewing Locations:

  • Dobbins Landing, including the area south of the Bicentennial Tower and the public
    access walkways on East and West Dobbins Landing.
  • Public areas along the bayfront, including the walkways on the Sassafras Pier (next to
    the Bayfront Convention Center) and the area at the foot of Holland Street.
  • The bluffs along East and West Front streets, including Bayview Park on West Second
    Street, between Cherry and Walnut streets.
  • Presque Isle State Park, particularly the portion of the park from the East and West piers
    east to Perry Monument

More information can be found here.

Lights Over Lake Erie

Partner Spotlight

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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.

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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.

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AHN Saint Vincent- Award-Winning Medical Care

AHN Saint Vincent has been here from the beginning, providing award-winning inpatient and outpatient medical care. Need express care? We’ve conveniently placed AHN facilities on the west and east side of Erie, just walk-in! AHN Saint Vincent is not only recognized locally (Erie’s Choice- Best Hospital) but nation-wide, so you can expect high-quality care, greater safety, and better results.

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Oliver’s Bayfront Mini Golf

This 18-hole course is the newest addition to Oliver’s Beer Garden, offering stunning views of Erie’s Bayfront and the Bicentennial Tower. Play your round and then enjoy delicious food & drink from the snack bar or Oliver’s Food Truck!

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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.

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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!”

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Summer Days at Port Farms

Join us for Summer Days at Port Farms from August 5th through September 10th! Enjoy 5-acres of u-pick flowers, themed festivals every weekend, special events, dances, live music, farm treats, specialty drinks, 20+ farm attractions and more! There is something for everyone.

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UPMC Hamot - See What Makes Us Different

UPMC Hamot is a 458-bed hospital in Erie, Pennsylvania, offering a full complement of inpatient and outpatient services. The hospital serves as a regional referral hub and is the only accredited trauma center in the region.

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814 Photo

Showcasing the incredible year round beauty of the City of Erie and its surrounding areas, commonly referred to as its area code "the 814". Explore some of Erie County's most breathtaking landscape photography.

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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.

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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.

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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 Bay-Side Restaurant & Tavern

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.

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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.

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