The Erie region celebrates and supports the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer/Questioning, and Intersexed and Ally/Asexual (LGBTQ+) community.
Whether you identify as LGBTQ+ or are an ally, ALL are welcome!
Erie strives to be a welcoming, equitable, inclusive community where we celebrate our rich diversity of cultures. Everyone has their own individual set of talents, skills, and perspectives. We believe that the color of your skin, the language you speak, the part of the world you come from, the faith you practice, your customs, your sexual orientation, and your gender preference, all make you the unique person you are and that each and every person brings value to our community.
Plan a trip to Erie Pennsylvania and experience a relaxing, stress-free getaway filled with love and acceptance.
Photo credit: David Tamulonis
Perfect Score on MEI - City of Erie
The City of Erie has scored a perfect 100 out of 100 on the Human Rights Campaign's Municipal Equality Index (MEI) three years in a row. The MEI examines how inclusive municipal laws, policies, and services are of LGBTQ people who live, work, and visit there. The MEI considers several important factors including non-discrimination laws, LGBTQ+ employee resource groups, inclusivity of city services, law enforcement practices, and municipal leadership’s stance on equality.
Erie is one of only five cities in Pennsylvania to receive a perfect score. To learn more about the work and advocacy being done in the City of Erie on behalf of the LGBTQ+ community, click here.
Legal Protections - Erie County
Erie County offers protections through its Human Relations Commission protecting LGBTQ+ individuals from discrimination at businesses countywide. The Erie County Human Relations Commission Ordinance affords individuals reasonable access to any public property, recognizing civil rights based on race, color, familial status, religious creed, ancestry, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, and disability of the person.
To learn more and read the ordinance, click here.
Sanctuary City - City of Erie
In 2023, Erie, PA declared itself a sanctuary city of members of the LGBTQ+ community. Read more here.
Annual and Regular Pride Events
Celebrate pride in Erie County at these events! For a more comprehensive calendar of LGBTQ+ events and gatherings, click here.
Pride on the Bay - Celebrate Pride at northwestern Pennsylvania's largest pride parade each June! NWPA Pride Alliance hosts this and several other annual events, including Pride Parade in Downtown Erie, Erie Pride Picnic at Presque Isle State Park, and Erie Pride Day at Waldameer Park & Water World.
Queer Open Mic - Every third Thursday of the month from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. at Compton's Table, a sustainable organization where queer youth and young adults find community, are seen, valued, and affirmed. Hosted by Gwen Elaine. All queer performers are welcome!
Bears Do Dinner - Each month this group picks a new location around the area to enjoy a social dinner. The places and dates/times are based on a group majority and establishment hours of operation. Interested in learning more? Request to join the Facebook group and post a message for information and answers to questions.
LGBTQ+ Board Game Night: 1st and 3rd Friday of each month from 5-7:30 p.m. at Journey to a Trauma-Informed Life. Gather with others to engage in some fun board games. Snacks are provided. This is a FREE event. Donations are welcome
Erie's Queer Happy Hour: Every Wednesday of the month, 6 p.m. - 9 p.m. at Oasis Pub.
Erie's Queer Happy Hour: Every Wednesday of the month, Oasis Pub. 6 - 9 p.m.
Supporting your LGBTQ+ family and friends is so much more than rainbow flags. It is about recognizing and remembering the struggles that the LGBTQ+ community has faced to achieve equal justice and opportunities. There are a number of local and regional organizations that advocate for and provide services to members of this community.
In honor of its Centennial year, the Erie Zoo invites guests to be part of a century-long legacy of discovery, conservation, and connection. Throughout this year’s celebration, visitors can enjoy special events, interactive keeper talks, and up-close animal encounters that inspire curiosity and a deeper appreciation for the natural world. Whether it’s a family outing or a day of adventure with friends, the Erie Zoo continues to be a cherished destination for fun, education, and unforgettable memories.
A Creative Building in Erie's Little Italy. If you are looking for an authentic place eat and hang out in, you've found the right place! Presley and Pear Arts and Crafts recently opened and is a unique and inspiring place to take the kids during the day & for adults to attend Creative Workshops in the evenings!
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.
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.
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!”
Poverty Knob offers hand-crafted beer, cocktails, mocktails 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.
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.
Erie Events plays a pivotal role in hosting a diverse array of events, including concerts, Broadway productions, family shows, and sporting events. Visit the five venues: Erie Insurance Arena, Waner Theatre, Bayfront Convention Center, UPMC Park and the Rebich Investments Amphitheater at Liberty Park.
ASCEND is a community hub in downtown Erie that features climbing, fitness, yoga, youth programming, and so much more. We opened up last year and would love to meet you! Visit on your own, with friends and family, or book a team-building event with your coworkers.
Tia Book Cellar is an independent bookstore offering new and bargain 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's believes that "there is always … local, an alternative, and a story." They look forward to helping you discover your next read or gift here.
Five Iron Golf is blurring the lines between indoor golf and entertainment. State-of-the-art simulators and world-class instruction meet premium events and amenities plus delectable food and cocktail menus.
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.
Get ready for another season of world-class performances as the Mercyhurst Institute for Arts & Culture returns with an electrifying 2025–2026 lineup spanning genres, generations, and global influences.
Join us on Erie’s beautiful bayfront for a new experience from the creators of Oliver’s Rooftop restaurant. Oliver’s Beer Garden is an outdoor facility with great views of the Erie Bayfront and the nearby Bicentennial Tower. Enjoy craft brews, signature cocktails, and refreshing drinks served alongside delicious food from our very own food truck.
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!
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.
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 adn coastal fare. Chef's specialities include macadmania-crusted grouper filet, premium beef cuts, and bone in tomahawk pork chop. Private dining room available.
Voted Erie’s Choice Best Hospital for eight years in a row
Find true action with slots, table games, sports book, and horse racing.
Experience 84 degrees all year at one of the top water parks in the country.
Fill your tank, pick up fresh food from local brands, and a six-pack to go in 40 regional locations.
Experience family summer fun on more than 100 great rides, slides and attractions at Waldameer!
VisitErie – 208 East Bayfront Parkway – Erie PA 16507 – (814) 454-1000 – info@visiterie.com
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