Spring in Erie, PA

Shake off those winter blues and say hello to spring! It's a time when nature awakens, flowers bloom, the weather gets warmer, and the days are longer, making it the perfect time to enjoy outdoor activities and events. From welcoming back animal friends to casting a line in the sparkling waters of Presque Isle Bay, treat yourself to a healthy dose of springtime sunshine on Erie’s sparkling shores!

Family Activities

Erie’s small size can be beneficial for you and your family, providing a convenient, safe, and affordable experience with a range of family-friendly and budget-friendly activities. If you are accompanied by young children, you can easily navigate the area and manage your time efficiently, allowing you to explore without concern for lengthy travel times. Most of Erie’s attractions, shops, restaurants, and lodging are conveniently located within a short drive of each other.

With an intimate-sized footprint, the Erie Zoo and Botanical Gardens is designed to give you a more personalized experience without feeling overwhelmed or rushed. With more than 400 animals and 600 species of plants from all over the world, there's something new for you to discover at every turn. The Erie SeaWolves are back in action this spring at UPMC Park in Downtown Erie and you won't want to miss a single game. As the AA Minor League Baseball affiliate team of the Detroit Tigers, the SeaWolves bring the excitement of professional baseball to you up close. Forget about watching the game from the nose-bleed section: at UPMC Park, every seat is the best seat in the house!

Round up the family for an unforgettable horseback riding experience at Double D.A.B. Riding Stables. Whether you're an experienced rider or a beginner, Double D.A.B. offers a variety of riding lessons to suit every skill level. The stables also feature a petting farm, pony rides, picnic areas, and special programs.

Outdoor Recreation

Throughout the year, Presque Isle State Park provides miles of scenic trails, beaches, and awe-inspiring views for you to enjoy. During the spring season, expect to be greeted with newly budding trees, shrubs, and plants and as you explore the park, keep an eye out for a few of its animal inhabitants emerging from their winter hiding places to forage for food. Presque Isle State Park has a variety of activities for you to get outside and stretch your legs including hiking, biking, birdwatching, and fishing. You can even bring your furry friend along with you! If you’re an eager angler, cast your line for some springtime fishing in Presque Isle Bay. Whether you fish from shore or boat, you’re almost guaranteed to catch something, as yellow perch, panfish, and crappies are in abundance. Spring makes its presence known at the Lake Erie Arboretum at Frontier Park with a vibrant display of blooming cherry blossom trees. Walk or bike your way through the park to see this beautiful scene of pink and white flowers. Hike through more than 500 acres of undeveloped, old-growth forest at Erie Bluffs State Park. In addition to its fields of spring wildflowers and breathtaking cliffside views of Lake Erie, you can also take one of several trails that lead down to the Lake Erie shoreline.

Dining

With crisp, fresh air, the warmth of the sun, and a delicious meal, spring dining at a restaurant can be a revitalizing and enjoyable experience whether you are with friends or family.

Nothing signifies spring’s arrival in Erie more than the annual April 1 opening of Sara’s Restaurant where the funky decor and whimsical photo cut-outs are almost as popular as the food.  Load up on foot-long hot dogs, burgers, curly fries, and milkshakes, before or after a visit to Presque Isle State Park. For a unique dining experience, the Trackside Patio at The Brewerie at Union Station, adjacent to the train tracks, combines delicious food and house-made craft beer in a heated outdoor dining space complete with picnic-style seating, colorful flowers, and bocce courts Bursting with seasonal ingredients such as asparagus, chives, and truffles, The Cork 1794 offers an ever-changing carefully crafted menu of food and drinks. Their flair for creativity and outstanding customer service recently won them a 2023 Open Table Diners’ Choice award.

Festivals and Events

The melting snow signifies the start to Erie's busy festival and events season! Start with the St. Patrick's Day Parade in Downtown Erie on March 11, celebrating Irish culture and heritage. The Erie Art Museum's 100^th Annual Nicole & Harry Martin Spring Show runs from March 17 to August 11, featuring multi-media artwork. Craft beverage enthusiasts will find something to suit any palate at Erie's upcoming events: Wine on the Lake on April 1 at the Bayfront Convention Center is perfect for wine lovers, while the Erie Beer Fest at The Brewerie at Union Station on April 15 is ideal for beer fans. Finally, the Edinboro Art and Music Festival from May 19-21 features three days of grassroots arts, live music, and workshops celebrating the unique spirit of Appalachian culture.

Check out the full list of events and start planning your springtime fun.