Things to do this summer: Festivals, movie nights, and more (2024)

The Erie Times-News has put together this guide to fun times, sounds, tastes and sights to check out around Erie County and nearby while the weather is warm, no matter if you're a visitor or vacationing in your backyard.

We'll update this article throughout the coming months as details about more summer fun emerge.

Erie need-to-know information

Bookmark these three links for the always updated weather forecast, the very latest calendar of things to do (you can add your own event for free) and the latest news:

Trying to get around Erie? What to know about road work

Summer schedule for major improvements
Temporary lane shift for Bayfront Parkway
West Fifth Street reopens in downtown Erie
Route 20 work underway in west county
Nighttime paving in Summit Township
Interstate 90 construction status
When will Waterford's covered bridge reopen?

Presque Isle State Park

Make the most of summer at Pennsylvania's most visited state park.

Waldameer Park & Water World

From the picnic groves to the heights of Ravine Flyer II, there's something for every visitor at Waldameer.

What you need to know about Waldameer this season
Which Waldameer Park rides are the classics? How old some of the attractions turn in 2024
Ready to have a cheat day? What food and drinks there are at Waldameer this year
What makes Waldameer Park's Ravine Flyer II wooden roller coaster unique?
Who helps keep Ravine Flyer II on its tracks? Waldameer ride mechanic describes his job
Waldameer Park president shares thoughts about the season
Waldameer family member writes series of children's mystery books set at park
Waldameer says residents of Village Mobile Home Park have until Oct. 31 to vacate property

Live music

Pack a folding chair and get a front-row seat for live music all over Erie County.

When and where to find free outdoor concerts around Erie
Gabby Barrett, Jimmy Eat World to perform at CelebrateErie
Check out who is performing at Presque Isle's Sunset Music Series
REO Speedwagon to pull into Erie's Warner Theatre in July
Sexyy Red, Jeezy, Tay Money, Mooski, Rob 49 coming to Erie
Erie Jazz and Blues Festivalis making a comeback. See who's featured.
Who is performing at 8 Great Tuesdays?
When and where Erie-area festivals are happening
Catch Erie's First to Eleven on tour this summer

Fireworks

Save your ooohs and aaahs for these nights.

When is Lights Over Lake Erie?
When and where to find fireworks around Erie County in summer 2024
Why Fourth fireworks won't be contained to the Fourth

Things to do this summer: Festivals, movie nights, and more (3)

Where to see movies around Erie

Check out big fun on big screens.

Movies under the Erie stars
Waterford drive-in one of precious few remaining in U.S.
Tom Ridge Environmental Center's Big Green Screen reopens after hiatus

Eat and drink around Erie

There are great places to grab a bite everywhere, and what follows is just some of the reporting the Times-News staff has done recently. Find more openings, tips and news all summer with GoErie.com's dining coverage. Want some ideas for at-home recipes? Sign up for food reporter Jennie Geisler's free weekly Erielicious newsletter.

Ice cream near you: Try these dozens of frozen treat shops around Erie County
Smiley's Ice Cream to open in former GetGo location at busy Wesleyville intersection
Where to find wineries and when they're open in Erie region and along Lake Erie Wine Trail
Elephant ears, fried foods and new food served at Waldameer
'Gnarly' new food truck is literally on another level near Erie's Bicentennial Tower
'Not just a hot dog' stand, MP Coney Island has more than franks on menu
Bro Man's brings in crowd at second burger/taco shop in old George's
Federal Hill Smokehouse lands spot on top 100 BBQ joints
New bubble tea and noodle place open in former Molly's, drawing crowds
Roma's Italian Kitchen is open. What inspired the menu?
Erie pizza makers, customers loving brick-oven, wood-fired pies
Owners of Pittsburgh Inn celebrate landmark restaurant's centennial
Khao Thai owner is back with new restaurant on Peninsula Drive
Siblings open Kitchen 601, a soul food restaurant at Brown and Cherry
CheesErie owners to expand into new Taco Cabana kitchen in Food Hall
Waterford's new barbecue restaurant serves more than a 'pile of meat'
'Evolved' Underdog BBQ open at new location in former Perkins

Erie SeaWolves

Follow Erie's Double-A Detroit Tigers affiliate as they chase major league dreams at UPMC Park and try for a second straight Eastern League championship.

SeaWolves clinch a third straight playoff spot with five straight wins
Championship celebrations to Fauxback uniforms: What to expect from the SeaWolves
Defending Eastern League champion SeaWolves return 19 players from last year's roster
More SeaWolves news

So many more things to do around Erie

Everything you need to know about visiting the Erie Zoo
Martina McBride, Beach Boys, Boyz II Men, more performing at Chautauqua
It's thoroughbred racing season at Presque Isle Downs
What to know about visiting Erie's lighthouses
Visit the renovated ExpERIEnce Children's Museum
See what performances are coming to the Erie Playhouse
Downtown Erie has an indoor rock climbing gym with a 52-foot-high wall
Get free admission to the Erie Art Museum twice a month
Go thrifting and for fun, savings and good causes
There's mini-golf on Erie's bayfront
Try glow golf at J.C. Martin
Go roller skating at Gem City Skate
10 scenic views in Erie County that everyone should see
Find a garage sale
Visit some of the many public art installations around Erie County
Rent an e-bike

Find something that makes Erie's summer special? Email your tip to newsdesk@timesnews.com.