Lights Over Lake Erie

When

07/03/2025

Where

Dobbins Landing (Erie Bayfront)
Foot of State Street
Erie, PA 16507

Event Website

https://cityof.erie.pa.us/lightsoverlakeerie/

Lights Over Lake Erie

Celebrate Independence Day with fireworks on Erie's bayfront! The fireworks will be launched from the Bicentennial Tower at Dobbins Landing at 10 p.m., 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!

Prime Viewing Locations:

LOWER STATE STREET, including the area south of the Bicentennial Tower and the public access walkways on East and West Dobbins Landing. A large area in front of The Cove, protected by water walls, will be designated as a primary viewing area.
PUBLIC AREAS ALONG THE WATERFRONT including the walkways on the Sassafras Pier (next to the 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).
PRESQUE ISLE STATE PARK particularly the portion of the park from the West and East piers east to Perry Monument.

Boats:

Per the Coast Guard, Pyrotecnico recommends keeping a minimum of a 400’ safety zone, depending on wind. The Coast Guard will be enforcing this.
The Lettie G Howard will sail from Holland Street.
Victorian Princess will board and unload at their normal location at the corner of East Bay and State across from Smugglers.
Scallywags is at their normal location on West Bay across from The Cove and the parking ramp
The Water Taxi is in East Canal Basin near Oliver's.

Parking Recommendations: due to the anticipated congestion, we are recommending that residents/visitors park downtown and either walk or take the shuttle to the Bayfront. Police Officers will be assisting pedestrians with crossing the Bayfront Parkway at State Street and Holland.

If you plan on viewing the fireworks from Dobbins Landing, it is strongly recommended to park 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.

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