Summer Scoop—West County

Festivals, food, music and more... here’s what area communities have lined up for the season.

The community calendar is filling up fast. Whether you’re planning ahead or just looking for something to do on a sunny afternoon or warm evening, consider this your guide to making the most of the season. From food trucks and festivals to concerts and movies under the stars, these events highlight the best of what summer has to offer close to home.

We kindly ask that before attending an event, please check the website provided. We do our utmost to make certain the information we provide in this section is accurate; however, events are subject to change.

Fairs, Festivals and Fundraisers

Agri-Fair Day

When: September 5

Where: Mellon Heritage Outreach Center, 16 West Division Street, North East

For more info: facebook.com/groups/NECFAIR

This community fair is a long-standing (almost 100-year) tradition. The many programs and activities have been condensed into a one-day event. Contests will include pumpkin decorating, scarecrow making, quilting, baking, coloring and floral arranging. There will also be crafts for the kids, vendors, food, and an observation beehive.

AmeriMasala Festival

When: July 18

Where: Perry Square, 571 State Street, Downtown Erie

For more info: Find on Facebook – The AmeriMasala

This will be Erie’s first multidisciplinary celebration of global ethnic arts, food and performances. Towering body puppets, stilt walkers, a New Orleans–style marching band and a West African dance and drum ensemble will make this an exciting and unique event.

Born to Golf Tournament

When: July 13

Where: Lakeshore Country Club, 5950 Lake Shore Drive, Erie

For more info: wccerie.org/news-events

Women’s Care Center is hosting its annual golf tournament. The day will consist of a picnic lunch before a shotgun start at noon. On-course games and putting contests will add to the fun along with auctions, placement prizes and giveaways later at the clubhouse during the buffet dinner.

CelebrateErie

When: August 14–16

Where: Perry Square, North Park Row, Downtown Erie

For more info: celebrateerie.com

CelebrateErie is a three-day festival designed to bring the community together for a regional showcase of local art, food, culture, music and the people that make Erie worth celebrating.

CorryFest

When: June 11–15

Where: Corry City Park and Downtown Corry

For more info: corrychamber.com/corryfest

The Corry Area Chamber of Commerce is partnering with the YMCA of Corry for CorryFest 2026. This annual hometown celebration will include music, games, crafters, displays, demonstrations, a parade and fireworks. Join in the fun!

Erie Beer on the Bay

When: July 25

Where: Rebich Investments Amphitheater at Liberty Park, 828 West Bayfront Parkway, Erie

For more info: eriebrewingco.com/beer-on-the-bay-26.html

Don’t miss this premier craft beer event! Beer on the Bay will have plenty of brews, live entertainment, and local vendors. Some of the proceeds benefit The ANNA Shelter.

Erie Blues & Jazz Festival

When: August 1 & 2

Where: Frontier Park, 1501 West Sixth Street, Erie

For more info: eriebluesandjazz.com

This weekend of free world-class performances began over 30 years ago. Hundreds of national and regional artists will perform on two stages during the event.

Erie County Fair

When: August 30 through September 5

Where: 13993 PA-8, Wattsburg

For more info: wattsburgfair.com

The county fair celebrates its 141st year this summer! Top entertainers, amusement rides, truck and tractor pulls, horse pulls and lots more make this fair fun for the whole family.

Gem City Renaissance Festival

When: September 6

Where: Frontier Park, 1501 West Sixth Street, Erie

For more info: gemcityrenaissancefestival.com

Entertainment, artisan vendors, food trucks, and historical demonstrations will be sure to delight the entire realm at this year’s renaissance festival.

German Heritage Fest

When: September 5 & 6

Where: St. Nick’s Grove, 5131 Old French Road, Millcreek Township

For more info: dank-erie.org

Celebrate German culture with great food and drink, music, dancing, merchandise and more. The festival is organized by DANK Chapter 71 of Erie and Lake Erie Fanfare.

Glow Wild

When: April 30 through July 5 (Thursday–Sunday)

Where: Erie Zoo, 423 West 38th Street, Glenwood Park

For more info: eriezoo.org

The Erie Zoo will come alive in the evening with light and wonder, featuring handcrafted lanterns inspired by zoo animals. Don’t miss this magical and unique event.

Great Lakes Taste of the Summer Wine and Spirits Festival

When: July 23–25

Where: Lake Erie Speedway, 10700 Delmas Drive, North East

For more info: lakeeriespeedway.com

This event features samples from around 20 vendors, live music, food trucks and craft vendors. Get tickets while they last.

Lake City Fire Company Carnival

When: June 18–20

Where: Downtown Lake City

For more info: facebook.com/LCFC56

This annual fair will have live music, crafts, rides, a parade, bingo, and lots of carnival food.

The Mane Event: A Night in Monte Carlo

When: June 27

Where: Erie Zoo, 423 West 38th Street, Glenwood Park

For more info: eriezoo.org/events

The Erie Zoo will transform into a glittering destination of sophistication and excitement. There will be grazing stations, libations, and live entertainment capturing the spirit of Monte Carlo’s nightlife. An exclusive silent auction and friendly casino-inspired games will add to the fun.

North East Firemen’s Cherry Festival

When: July 15–18

Where: Heard Memorial Park, 44 North Lake Street, North East

For more info: necherryfestival.org

Rides, slides, sausage subs, fries and pies await you at this annual festival! Don’t miss the Cherry Fest Parade along Main Street on Saturday.

Panegyri Festival

When: July 10 & 11

Where: Assumption Greek Orthodox Church, 4376 West Lake Road, Erie

For more info: eriegreekorthodox.org/about/festival

Enjoy the full Greek experience! This festival will offer delicious cuisine, pastries, drinks, music and folk dancing. Vendors will be selling souvenirs, jewelry, handmade icons and religious items.

St. Paul’s Italian Festival

When: August 7–9

Where: St. Paul’s Roman Catholic Church, 1617 Walnut Street, Erie

For more info: facebook.com/saintpaulsitalianfestival

Pasta fagioli and spaghetti dinners, music, dancing, and a procession through Little Italy will make this festival special.

SummerFest

When: July 11

Where: Erie Land Lighthouse, 2 Lighthouse Street, Erie

For more info: presqueislelighthouse.org

SummerFest will offer vendors, food trucks, crafters, live music, tower climbs, a 50/50 raffle and a chance auction. Proceeds will benefit Erie Lighthouse education, programming and outreach.

Taste of Summer Festival

When: June 20 & 21

Where: Gibson Park, Main Street and Route 80, North East

For more info: nechamber.org

Celebrate the official start of the season at the Taste of Summer Festival! Enjoy live music, food trucks, vendors, wine and beer, and more.

Waterford Heritage Days

When: July 17–19

Where: Waterford Gazebo, North Park Row, Waterford

For more info: facebook.com/waterforddays

This event will have something for everyone! Craft vendors, food, music, demonstrations, reenactors, character visits and a car show will all be part of the fun.

Wieners & Wine

When: August 15

Where: Jade Winery, 11267 Donation Road, Waterford

For more info: waterfordjadewine.wixsite.com/jadewinery

Wiener dog contestants alone are a whole lot of fun, but when you add some wine, food trucks and live music, you’ve got yourself a party! The event benefits Happy Bark dog rescue.

Wild Rib Cook Off & Music Festival

When: May 27–30

Where: Perry Square Park, Downtown Erie

For more info: erieribfest.com

Main stage entertainment, delicious barbeque, children’s activities, vendor booths and giveaways will make this festival fun for all.

Wine and Dine in the Woods

When: July 10

Where: Andrew J. Conner Nature Center at Asbury Woods, 4105 Asbury Road, Erie

For more info: asburywoods.org

This promises to be a night filled with delightful wines, craft beers, delicious food, live music and great company—all for a good cause. Funds raised will help conserve and preserve Asbury Woods.

Zabawa Polish Festival

When: August 21–23

Where: Holy Trinity Roman Catholic Church, 2220 Reed Street, Erie

For more info: holytrinityrc.org

Live music, dancing, polka masses, and authentic Polish foods are all part of this heritage festival.

Live Performances

8 Great Tuesdays

When: Tuesdays, July 7 through August 25

Where: Rebich Investments Amphitheater, 828 West Bayfront Parkway, Erie

For more info: erieevents.com

Enjoy live music on the waterfront at this community concert series! Food and beverages, including local craft beer and wine, will be available for purchase.

‘The Chicago Speakeasy’

When: Check the website for dates in July and August.

Where: The Station Dinner Theatre, 4940 Peach Street, Millcreek Township

For more info: canterburyfeast.com

“The Chicago Speakeasy” is an all-new, high-energy roaring twenties musical comedy where the “dolls” and “mugs” serve and entertain. This interactive show is full of dancing, laughter and food.

Friday Music Series at Arundel Cellars & Brewing Co.

When: Fridays and Sundays in May and June (Check the website for specifics.)

Where: 11727 East Main Road, North East

For more info: arundelcellars.com

Enjoy delicious local wines, brews and food while listening to live music.

Gazebo Concerts

When: June 18, July 16 and August 13

Where: The Gazebo in Beute Park, Iroquois Avenue, Lawrence Park

For more info: lawrenceparktwp.org

Take your blanket or lawn chair and enjoy some great music with friends, family and neighbors.

‘Hairspray’

When: Various dates July 24 through August 9

Where: Erie Playhouse, 13 West 10th Street, Downtown Erie

For more info: erieplayhouse.org

“Hairspray” is the feel-good musical story of Tracy Turnblad, a girl with big hair and big dreams! She wants to dance on TV with her teen idol crush, Link Larkin.

Monday Music in the Woods

When: Mondays, June 1 through July 27

Where: Asbury Woods, 4105 Asbury Road, Erie

For more info: asburywoods.org

Take a lawn chair or blanket and enjoy live music at Asbury Woods! Wine and food will be available to purchase. One dollar of each glass of wine sold will be donated to Asbury Woods.

Rock & Rescue Charity Concert

When: July 18

Where: Rebich Investments Amphitheater, 828 Bayfront Parkway, Erie

For more info: eriehumanesociety.org

Parmalee, a multiplatinum country band, will bring a high-energy show to the Bayfront to support homeless pets at the Erie Humane Society.

Sunset Music Series

When: Wednesday evenings, June 17 through July 22

Where: Presque Isle State Park, 301 Peninsula Drive, Erie

For more info: discoverpi.com

Each week, attendees can look forward to two live bands, local food trucks, ice cream, Hula-Hoop playshop and extended swimming hours.

The World’s Greatest Tribute to The Traveling Wilburys

When: August 27

Where: Warner Theatre, 811 State Street, Downtown Erie

For more info: eriewarnertheatre.com

Don’t miss this spectacular salute to The Traveling Wilburys! It will be an evening filled with lights, sound, and audience participation.

Family Fun

Dan Rice Days

When: July 30 through August 1

Where: 34 Main Street, Girard

For more info: danricedays.com

The purpose of this celebration is to commemorate the life and times of this multitalented circus performer and owner, who eventually made Girard the winter home of his circus and his family home as well. The event will include food, arts, and crafts.

Discover Presque Isle

When: July 20–26

Where: Presque Isle State Park, 301 Peninsula Drive, Erie

For more info: discoverpi.com

Discover Presque Isle hits the park again for another fun-filled week for the 32nd year! As always, the goal is to encourage the community to discover the park in new ways and to raise awareness of its rich offerings.

Kenneth Snider Memorial Car Cruise

When: July 12

Where: Luther Memorial Church, 225 West 10th Street, Erie

For more info: carcruisefinder.com/car-show/kenneth-snider-memorial-car-cruise

The 10th Annual Kenneth Snider Memorial Car Cruise will include a car blessing, kids’ choice awards, goody bags for the first 100 participants, music, raffles and a bake sale.

North East 725 Day

When: July 25

Where: Gibson Park, Main Street and Route 89, North East

For more info: nechamber.org

For years, all landline phones in North East began with 725. This day honors the nostalgic past while also celebrating everything that makes North East special today. Live music, food trucks, yard games, vendors, and classic cars will offer something for everyone.

Snack Safari

When: July 11

Where: Erie Zoo, 423 West 38th Street, Glenwood Park

For more info: eriezoo.org/events

Snack Safari (formerly Sweet Safari) is the tastiest event of the year. Visitors receive a snack passport that enables them to enjoy both sweet and savory treats at various vendor tables while strolling through the zoo, enjoying the animals and demos by the zookeepers and education team.

Wesleyville Community Day

When: June 20

Where: Memorial Park,

1700 Wesley Avenue, Wesleyville

For more info: wesleyville.gov

Celebrate Wesleyville with friends and neighbors at Community Day! The fun event will conclude with fantastic fireworks.

Summer Inspiration

Bay Frog Open

When: July 19 & 20

Where: Kahkwa Country Club, 3300 Kahkwa Club Road, Erie

For more info: bayfrogopen.com

This golf weekend will bring together the community, Navy SEALs, special operations veterans, and other VIPs for two days of patriotism, golf, food and camaraderie. Proceeds benefit Uncommon Grit SEAL Foundation.

Bubble Run

When: August 1

Where: Lake Erie Speedway, 10700 Delmas Drive, North East

For more info: lakeeriespeedway.com

Participants will experience four bogs of colored, eco-friendly, non-toxic suds as they complete this 5K!

Girard Art Walk 2026

When: June 5

Where: 34 Main Street, Girard

For more info: girardartwalk.com

This free event features local artists from Erie County paired with about 20 local Girard businesses to display their creative work.

The Great American Book Sale

When: June 14–18

Where: Flo Fabrizio Ice Center, 527 West 38th Street, Glenwood Park

For more info: erielibraryfriends.org

There will be bargains galore at The Great American Book Sale. More than 75,000 gently used books and media items will be available for purchase. All proceeds will benefit the Erie County Public Library.

Lake Erie Cyclefest

When: July 23–26

Where: Various locations in Erie County

For more info: lakeeriecyclefest.org

Cyclists of all ages and abilities are welcome to participate in self-supported rides on routes that feature the region’s varied terrain—along sandy beaches, beautiful forests, vibrant towns, and expansive grape-growing areas. Individual rides include the Downtown Slow Roll, See Spot Ride, Tour de West County, 6 Mile Creek Classic, Presque Isle Sunrise Ride, and Grape Escape, each with various distance options. Proceeds benefit local charities. Register now.

Presque Isle Poker Paddle

When: June 6

Where: Lagoon Boat Launch, Presque Isle State Park, 301 Peninsula Drive, Erie

For more info: discoverpi.com/events

Kayaks, canoes and paddle boards … all paddlers are invited to join Presque Isle Partnership for a day of fun on the waterways. This 5.5-mile poker paddle takes participants on a scenic journey through the lagoons.

Presque Isle Triathlon

When: August 1

Where: Presque Isle State Park, 301 Peninsula Drive, Erie

For more info: discoverpi.com

The Presque Isle Triathlon is a nonprofit and a total volunteer effort. All segments (swim, bike and run) will start, transition and finish at Beach 10. All proceeds will benefit Presque Isle State Park and other volunteering nonprofits whose time and presence contribute to the success of the event.

Run for Women 5K Run/Walk

When: August 30

Where: Penn State Behrend’s Advanced Manufacturing and Innovation Center, 5350 Technology Drive, Erie

For more info: behrend.psu.edu

Penn State Behrend’s Women’s Engagement Council hosts this run/walk where athletes of all levels are welcome. The 3.1-mile course starts at the AMIC, loops through Knowledge Park on closed roads, and returns to finish in front of the center.

Women’s Care Center’s 5K Run/Walk for Life

When: May 30

Where: Pleasant Ridge Park, 8271 Barker Road, Girard

For more info: wccerie.org

Lace up your running shoes, bring your family along, and join in this morning of community and fun.

We love to inform our readers about fun events happening in our local communities. Send an email to d.mountain@icmags.com if you have details about a future event in the area.