Your Ultimate Guide to Celebrate Erie 2024

Celebrate Erie is almost here! From August 16-18, downtown Erie will be buzzing with culture, delicious food, unique shopping, and incredible music. There's no better time to explore all that Erie has to offer. I wanted to spotlight the amazing businesses getting ready for this exciting weekend and provide a guide to help you navigate Downtown Erie's top attractions. I’ll break it down into three categories: food, shopping, and music. Let’s get to it!

Incredible Eats

Two friends enjoying bowls of noodles from Noodlelove.

Open seating at the Food Hall gives everyone in the family a chance to try something different.

Erie's culinary scene is as diverse as it is delicious. Celebrate Erie is the perfect opportunity to explore local flavors and satisfy your taste buds with truly unique experiences. Here are some must-visit spots:

A delicious rice bowl from Dina’s Dominican.

Dina's food at Flagship City Food Hall is made fresh every morning, ensuring a delicious and hot meal with every visit.

Flagship City Food Hall: Home to seven unique kitchens, this is your go-to destination for a wide variety of cuisines that showcase Erie's culinary creativity.

  • IPPA Pizza: Famous for crafting delicious pizzas with fresh ingredients and hand-stretched dough.

  • Jo's Brooklyn Bagel, Too: Start your morning with a fresh bagel and a hot cup of coffee.

  • Dina's Dominican: Offering authentic Dominican flavors, this is a must-try for fans of Caribbean cuisine.

Bagel sandwich from Jo’s Brooklyn Bagel, Too.

Breakfast bagels are a fan-favorite at Jo’s Brooklyn Bagel.

A collection of fan-favorite pizzas from ippa.

Ippa has a wide range of pizzas with plenty of toppings.

  • Triple D's: Known for their wings, Philly cheesesteaks, and burgers, this is your go-to comfort food spot.

  • CheesErie: Offering mac and cheese, paninis, and subs with bold and tasty toppings.

  • Taco Cantina: Enjoy a fiesta of flavors with vibrant and fresh Mexican-inspired dishes.

  • Noodlelove: Create your very own flavorful noodle creation!

Three beef tacos from Taco Cantina.

Try the beef tacos with chips and queso!

Savory pulled pork mac & cheese from CheesErie

Savory pulled pork mac & cheese is a huge hit!

Classic bacon cheeseburger from Triple D's

This is the classic bacon cheeseburger from Triple D’s.

Bowl of noodles from Noodlelove.

Watch Noodlelove make your bowl from scratch!

Some of the Food Hall kitchens will even be located in Perry Square, so you can quickly enjoy a meal while you're out checking out the festivities!

Delicious grilled chicken sandwich from Bricks.

Bricks has a tremendous lunch and dinner menu.

More Delicious Options Nearby

  • Bricks American Steakhouse: Located inside the historic Cashier's House at 417 State, Bricks offers a taste of classic American fare.

  • Rita's Italian Ice: Cool off with a refreshing treat on a hot day.

  • Andora's Bubble Tea: Just next to the Food Hall, Andora’s is the perfect spot to grab a sweet and refreshing bubble tea.

  • Bakery on 5th: Enjoy coffee and pastries from this charming Turkish and French bakery.

  • Noods Station 3 & Tsaocaa Bubble Tea: A great place to indulge in Asian-inspired noodles and bubble tea.


Shopping & Experiences

Downtown Erie has transformed into a bustling hub of local businesses and unique shops, making the blocks of State Street at 4th and 5th Streets the perfect place to explore during Celebrate Erie. With more locally owned brick-and-mortar shops than in decades, you're sure to find something special. Here are some shops and experiences not to miss:

Guest exploring Dollhouse at Pointe Foure.

Everything from dresses to accessories at Pointe Foure.

  • Ye Old Sweet Shoppe: Step back in time and satisfy your sweet tooth with a variety of nostalgic treats.

  • Copper Carriage: Discover beautifully curated home goods and antiques.

  • Ember+Forge: Grab a coffee from this beloved local spot and enjoy the cozy atmosphere.

  • Erie Art Museum: Explore an impressive collection of art and support local artists.

  • expERIEnce Children's Museum: Perfect for families, this interactive museum offers fun and educational experiences for children.

  • Jessica Hunter Photography: Book a photography session right in the heart of Downtown Erie!

  • Charisma Salon: Experience a full-service salon in a newly rennovated space in Downtown Erie.

Guest climbing a wall at ASCEND Erie.

Conquer the 40 foot wall at ASCEND Erie!


Live Music

Fans fill State Street for Celebrate Erie headliner from 2023.

State Street is packed with fans for the headlining act at Celebrate Erie 2023.

Music is a huge part of Celebrate Erie, and this year's lineup promises to deliver unforgettable performances. From local talent to big-name acts, everyone will find something to enjoy at Celebrate Erie 2024. Here’s just a small sampling of what kind of live music experiences you can expect!

  • Broke Boland's String Show: Kick off your weekend with Broke Boland's String Show at the 429 State Alley Party on Friday, August 16th, from 3:30 to 5:30 PM. This unique performance is a perfect lead-in to the Mainstage act, One World Tribe.

  • One World Tribe: One World Tribe, founded by Kennedy Thompson in the mid-90s, has been a powerhouse in the Erie music scene for over two decades. This dynamic group blends R&B, Funk, Jazz, Latin Rock, and Reggae, drawing crowds across the Northeast and Midwest. Catch them on the Mainstage on August 16th.

  • Wheatus: Catch Wheatus on Saturday, August 17th, on the Mainstage. Known for the viral hit "Teenage Dirtbag," they continue to impress with energetic performances. With six albums and extensive touring, their festival shows are always a hit—Celebrate Erie will be no exception.

  • Jimmy Eat World: Jimmy Eat World, performing on the Mainstage Saturday, August 17th, is celebrating 30 years of music. Known for hits like "The Middle" and "Pain," they gained fame with Bleed American and have evolved with each album. Their latest, Surviving, and singles like "Something Loud" continue to affirm their place in alternative rock.

  • Gabby Barrett: A multi-platinum country music star, Gabby is known for her powerful vocals and modern storytelling style. Blending traditional country elements with pop and rock influences, she's captivated audiences with hits like "I Hope" and "The Good Ones." We're thrilled to have Gabby Barrett joining us at Celebrate Erie—catch her perform on the Mainstage on Sunday, August 18th!

Broke Boland's String Show band photo.

Broke Boland’s String Show - 429 State Alley Party - August 16th, 3:30-5:30 PM


Here’s one last secret I’ll leave you with - there’s a 340 spot parking ramp directly in the middle of everything listed above! Get directions and current rates here.

340 spot parking ramp at Flagship City District.

Easily park your car right in the middle of the action at the newely constructed parking ramp!


That should just about do it for me! I hope this guide has helped you understand just how much Downtown Erie has changed. There are so many new experiences to check out. Do yourself a favor and visit these businesses, meet these people, and celebrate their new adventure in Downtown Erie!

Thank you for reading, thanks for supporting, and thank you in advance for visiting Downtown Erie! Enjoy the festivities, and I’ll see you there!

Ryan

More information about Celebrate Erie and full lineup of live music, shopping, and experiences can be found here: https://www.celebrateerie.com/

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