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Entertainment District Every city has that special neighborhood filled with restaurants and nightclubs. New Orleans has the French Quarter, Las Vegas has the Strip, and Erie has its Entertainment District. The Entertainment District is continuously developing stretching from 6th Street to 14th Street and featuring numerous hot spots and clubs in the vicinity. Plymouth, Crooked i, Sluggers and Docksider draw a mass of entertainment seekers on any given night throughout the week. This area offers a little something for all audiences. To find out what is trending in the Erie Entertainment District visit www.erieevents.com or check out the Showcase Magazine at www.goerie.com.
 Theater Theater in the Erie area offers a variety of options to each enthusiast. Erie has so many opportunities for theater in its own backyard it almost makes it ludicrous to travel the nearly 450 miles to Broadway. Prominent theaters have called Erie home over the years yielding iconic performances at places such as Erie Playhouse, Schuster Theater, Taylor Little Theater and the Warner Theatre to name a few.
The Roadhouse Theater was once home to memorable stage productions such as Reservoir Dogs, Night of the Living Dead, and the Rocky Horror Show. “Always… Patsy Klein,” starring Amanda Post was considered the greatest success of the Roadhouse. This production was so popular that the production later continued on at the Warner Theatre. At the Warner, “Always… Patsy Klein” continued on for an exceptional 6 more performances packing full the theatre’s 2,500 seats. The Warner Theatre is also home to the Erie Broadway Series where memorable shows such as The Midtown Men, West Side Story and Stomp have been performed. Gannon University’s Schuster Theater pumps out a variety of exciting productions each year often working with the Erie Playhouse. The Schuster Theater is widely known for its performances of Shakespeare Summer Nights which has been an annual production for over ten years providing free classical theater to the Erie community. The Taylor Little Theater at Mercyhurst University is an intimate space where acoustic shows and student performances of a smaller scale are often available.
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Erie Playhouse A leader in the forefront of the arts not only in Northwest Pennsylvania, but also throughout the state is the Erie Playhouse. The Erie Playhouse, located at 13 West 10th Street, is a go to for theater in the region. Annually, over 20 productions are performed for season ticket holders and casual show enthusiasts alike, featuring most often musicals including a few Broadway favorites along with an ample amount of comedy and drama. Behind the Erie Playhouse is a dedicated cast of local aspiring actors and actresses who are always looking for interested people to join in on all the fun and to participate in open auditions. Filling the 520-seat theater is never a problem for the staff and volunteers. The Erie Playhouse, a non-profit organization, currently employs eleven full-time staff members along with a cast and crew that is comprised entirely of volunteers.
Most recently, the Erie Playhouse conducted the “Spirit of Erie” in celebration of the Perry 200 Commemoration (recognizing Erie’s role in Commodore Oliver Hazard Perry’s naval victory in the Battle of Lake Erie during the War of 1812). The pageant was a depiction of Erie’s past, present, and future. Over 200 performers unveiled the history of Erie, uncovering the events that have led Erie to become what it is today. Performers also celebrated with young cast members for what would be the spirit of the future.
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 Classical Music Classical music holds an iconic place in the hearts of music lovers throughout Erie. Two of the most influential classical communities in the area are the Erie Philharmonic and the Erie Chamber Orchestra. The Erie Philharmonic has been entertaining Erie since 1913 with magnificent performances. The Warner Theatre is home to the Erie Philharmonic although they do occasionally play at Jerry Uht Park. The performances played at Jerry Uht Park are better referred to as “Pops in the Park.” The Erie Philharmonic, known as “The Phil” has a proud standing tradition of bringing prominent musical phenomenons to participate in their performances. Renowned musicians who have performed with “The Phil” include Itzhak Perlman, Duke Ellington, Andres Segovia and Dudley Moore.
The Erie Chamber Orchestra, founded in 1978, performs with a solid mission behind their music in that they want to be able to bring the experience of classical music to the masses through free-admission concerts. As a cultural service to the Erie area, Gannon University houses the Chamber Orchestra. Gannon also serves as a major sponsor for the Chamber Orchestra, promoting the idea that anyone can enjoy classical music when granted the opportunity to experience it.
Another presenter of classical and other musical compilations in the region is the Erie Civic Music Association. The primary purpose of the Erie Civic Music Association was to present a series of at least 3 concerts on an annual basis by outstanding artists, musical organizations or non-profit educational and civic basis. This idea led the association from small recital halls to increased seating at Tech High School auditorium and finally to the Warner Theatre to for its annual concerts.
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Fairs and Festivals  Every year, Erie's events calendar is filled with many fairs and festivals. Although a majority of the area's events are held in the summer and fall, there are several festivals that celebrate Erie's winter season as well, including St. Vincent's Festival of Trees on the Bayfront.
One of the most popular summer event attractions is the Erie Art Museum Blues and Jazz Festival. This two-day event is held at the Frontier Park just at the tip of the Bayfront. It is a free event featuring concerts from top-notch talent, drawing massive crowds eager to tune their ears into some sensational Blues and Jazz.
Discover Presque Isle, another featured event in Erie, draws not only locals but tourists from the tri-state area and beyond. This three-day outdoor festival occurs the last full weekend every July and includes live music, a large children's festival, art and craft vendors, a giant bonfire on the beach, a sand sculpture competition and athletic events that take place all around Presque Isle State Park.
Annually in July, more than 100,000 bikers and bike enthusiasts descend on Erie for Roar on the Shore to enjoy three days of rides, bands, bike contests, custom motorcycles, bike accessories and more. The Bringin' in the Roar Bike Parade has become an annual tradition with more than 5,000 bikers participating. The parade, led by a celebrity grand marshal, rolls into town to take part in one of the largest escorted rides in history.
Lou Tullio, former beloved Erie Mayor, created a festival called "We Love Erie Days" which is now known as CelebrateErie. CelebrateErie is a four-day summer street festival held in downtown Erie featuring free access to local art museums, displays and demonstrations from local artists, street vendors, and entertainment and activities designed to encourage the arts. It also includes musical performances from a wide variety of local and nationally renowned artists for many genres. The Erie Chamber Orchestra, founded in 1978, performs with a solid mission behind their music in that they want to be able to bring the experience of classical music to the masses through free-admission concerts. As a cultural service to the Erie area, Gannon University houses the Chamber Orchestra. Gannon also serves as a major sponsor for the Chamber Orchestra, promoting the idea that anyone can enjoy classical music when granted the opportunity to experience it.
Another presenter of classical and other musical compilations in the region is the Erie Civic Music Association. The primary purpose of the Erie Civic Music Association was to present a series of at least 3 concerts on an annual basis by outstanding artists, musical organizations or non-profit educational and civic basis. This idea led the association from small recital halls to increased seating at Tech High School auditorium and finally to the Warner Theatre to for its annual concerts.
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- Autumn Fest at Asbury Woods
- CelebrateErie
- Christmas in the Country
- Dan Rice Days
- Discover Presque Isle
- Edinboro Maple Festival
- Erie Air Fair
- Erie Area Summer Festival of the Arts
- Erie Art Museum Blues and Jazz Festival
- Erie County Fair
- Erie Festival of Dance
- Erie Irish Festival
- Fall Fest at Peak 'n Peak Resort
- GalapaZooza
- Gathering at French Creek
- German Heritage Festival
- Harborfest
| - Irish Festival
- Jazz Walk
- Lawrence Park Days
- Liberty Park 8 Great Tuesdays
- North East Fireman's Cherry Festival
- North East National Rib Fest
- Panegyri Greek Festival
- Roar on the Shore
- Saint Paul's Italian Festival
- Saint Vincent's Festival of Trees
- Strawberry Festival
- Waterford Heritage Days
- Wild Rib Cookoff and
- Music Festival
- Wine Country Harvest Festival
- Zabawa Polish Summerfest
- Zoo Boo
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Local Music  You like music? You like free? If you answered yes to both, Erie is your place. Several bands perform around town on what seems like any given day of the week. Some is of course free and some requires a teensy cover charge. Doesn't sound like such a bad place for music lovers now does it?
A majority of the city's music can be found along State Street including Sherlock's (5th and State), Slugger's (10th and State) and Docksider (10th and State) all of which feature rock, blues, and ethnic music. If you are seeking out music with an eclectic edge check out the Crooked i (10th and State). Calamari's (13th and State) and Coconut Joe's (6th and State) highlighting acoustic performers on their outdoor patios throughout the summer months. If your taste runs more towards Jazz there are two must stops for your listening pleasure. Scotty's (3rd and German) and the Colony Pub and Grille (West 8th Street).
Summer is the best time for any music junkie. 8 Great Tuesdays—run by the Port Authority—is a free concert series offered at the Burger King Amphitheater. On Presque Isle State Park, Beach 1 comes alive for six Wednesday-night concerts known as the Sunset Music Series which is sponsored by the Presque Isle Partnership. Against the backdrop of a beautiful Lake Erie sunset. The Erie Downtown Partnership's Summer Block Party Series draws over 25,000 people downtown to enjoy several live performances on Thursday nights. The block parties raise thousands of dollars for Erie community charities each year.
If you are interested in finding a venue to feed your musical appetite pick up a copy of the Erie Times News Showcase Magazine for a listing of what is going on and where in the section labeled Music Muse or visit www.goerie.com or www.erieevents.com for more information.
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 Print Erie is a one newspaper town allowing for the Times Publishing Company to remain strong. The Times Publishing Company, a family run business started in 1888 by John J. Mead Sr., operates out of its main office at 12th and Sassafras. The company’s primary product, the Erie Times News, includes major sections such as City & Region, Business, Living, Sports, and Classified. The Showcase is included with every Thursday issue of the Erie Times giving the region a first look at what is going on in the area in regards to entertainment. In addition to its listing of entertainment venues in the surrounding area, the Showcase also is home to reviews and articles on TV, movies, books, music and much more. A virtual version as well as Erie Times News archives can be found at www.goerie.com.
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 Media Guide Radio Stations| Call Letters | Frequency | Format | | WEFR FM | 88.1 | CHRISTIAN | | WMCE FM | 88.5 | NON-COMM | | WERG FM | 90.5 | ALTERNATIVE | | WQLN FM | 91.3 | PUBLIC | | WEHP FM | 92.7 | Top 40 | | WTWF FM | 93.9 | COUNTRY | | WXBB FM | 94.7 | OLDIES | | WXTA FM | 97.9 | COUNTRY | | W254AJ FM | 98.7 | CHRISTIAN | | WXKC FM | 99.9 | ADULT | | WRKT FM | 100.9 | ROCK | | WQHZ FM | 102.3 | CLASSIC HITS | | WRTS FM | 103.7 | TOP 40 | | WCTL FM | 106.3 | CHRISTIAN | | WRIE AM | 1260 | SPORTS | | WWCB AM | 1370 | ADULT | | WFNN AM | 1330 | SPORTS | | WJET AM | 1400 | NEWS TALK | | WPSE AM | 1450 | NEWS TALK |
TV Stations| Station | Affiliate | | CAT-2 | CABLE | | WSEE-35 | CBS | | WICU-12 | NBC | | WJET-24 | ABC | | WFXP-66 | FOX | | WQLN-54 | PBS |
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Print - Erie Times News
- Lake Erie Life Style
- Erie Reader
- Erie Magazine
- IN Millcreek Magazine
- IN Harborcreek Magazine
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Web - www.goerie.com
- www.erieevents.com
- www.yourerie.com
- www.eriepa.com
- www.visiteriePA.com
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Venues A big show is always something you will find in Erie, just swing by the Bayfront and Downtown area and the possibilities are endless. The Erie County Convention Center Authority is hard to escape if you are looking for a good show and a good time in downtown Erie. The ECCCA is home to the Warner Theatre, Erie Insurance Arena, Jerry Uht Park and the Bayfront Convention Center. The ECCCA has been home to venues that meet the needs of just about every audience out there.
What do Rascal Flats, Disney on Ice, World Wrestling Entertainment, Wine on the Lake and the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus have in common? That is right they have all been at one of the ECCCA’s four distinctive localities. With a regional fan base that draws nearly 800,000 people, it is no wonder that such top-notch entertainment keeps coming to Erie. If you are looking for live entertainment such as perhaps an Elton John concert, a symphony orchestra, a Double A baseball game, a Broadway Show or maybe Sesame Street Live, stop your search Erie really oes have it all.
 Top Venues |
- Bayfront Convention Center
- D’Angelo Performing Arts
- Erie Playhouse
- Erie Insurance Arena
- Jerry Uht Stadium
- Liberty Park Amphitheatre
- Maritime Museum and Amphitheatre
- Presque Isle Downs and Casino
- Presque Isle State Park
- Schuster Theater
- Taylor Little Theater
- Warner Theatre
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25 Things To Do In Erie County 1. Catch a Sunset – Ask any local what the greatest attribute of Erie is. Hands down they will say “the sunset.” Locals will be the first to tell you Erie was once cited in National Geographic for having one of the top sunsets in the world. Sunset Beach located on beautiful Presque Isle State Park is one of many breathtaking spots to watch the sun drift across the Lake Erie.
2. Go to the Top of the Bicentennial Tower – If you think that you have seen all Erie has to offer you have seen nothing until you see it all from a different angle at the top of the Bicentennial Tower. Atop the tower you will catch a bird’s eye view that is sure to offer you a new perspective on the beauty that is Erie and Presque Isle.
3. Come Roar on the Shore – Biker or not it’s still a roaring time! Three days of rides, bands, bike contests, custom motorcycles, bike accessories and more - how could you say no that?
4. Visit Waldameer and Water World – Take the time to visit Waldameer and Water World with the family. Take a ride on the park’s new Ravine Flyer II and capture a quick view of Presque Isle before the coaster takes you soaring over Peninsula Drive.
5. Go to the Zoo – The Erie Zoo, part of Glenwood Park, is home to a variety of animals from around the world and regularly features different events throughout the seasons that bring the park to life such as Zoo Boo and GalapaZooza.
6. Catch a Professional Sporting Event – You don’t have to go far to capitalize on the best the sporting world has to offer. Swing down to the Erie Insurance Arena and watch the fast paced flying action of the Erie Otters or stop over to Jerry Uht Stadium and catch a fly ball for the little one at an Erie Seawolves game. Attend a sporting event on one of the teams various buck nights and save big for the whole family.
7. Go to a Play – Support the ever growing theater at the Erie Playhouse or Gannon University’s Schuster Theater. You might just be amazed at the quality of talent here in Erie’s backyard. If you get the feeling that you’re on Broadway it is okay to say we told you so!
8. Go Fishing – Go catch dinner! Lake Erie offers a mystery for every fisherman’s exploration. It is a great fresh water fishing locale that can’t be rivaled. Whether on the water during warm weather, or ice fishing when it’s freezing out, one thing is for sure Lake Erie offers some of the best fishing in the region.
9. Go Hiking – If you would like to escape the hustle and bustle of the city for a few hours be sure to take the time to hike one of Erie’s scenic woodland trails. Presenting an ever-changing display of beauty year round Wintergreen Gorge, Presque Isle, or Asbury Woods offer just what you need to clear your head for the day.
10. Visit a Historic Landmark – The history of Erie can be uncovered in the city’s evolving landscape. Visit the Blasco Library, Erie Land Lighthouse, Dickson Tavern or Perry Monument. There are enough landmarks around town to simply make a day of it. For more information on Erie history contact the Erie County Historical Society for a complete list of the city’s historical landmarks.
11. Check out a Local Band – Be sure to support Erie’s growing talent through the music scene at one of the many clubs that have live music offerings such as: Docksider, Crooked i, Sluggers, Sherlock’s, Coconut Joe’s and many more. A complete listing of performers can be found in the Erie Times News Showcase Magazine or at www.goerie.com.
12. Go to a Classical Concert – For a cultural experience in a local venue be sure to take in a classical concert by attending a performance by the Erie Philharmonic or Chamber Orchestra. Both will be sure to blow you away.
13. Visit Local Wineries – The drive east along the lake is not only breathtaking but is home to a number of marvelous wineries. Consider a tour of one of the wineries in the area as most offer free tours and tastings.
14. Attend a High School or College Sporting Event – There are various opportunities in the area to attend basketball, football, baseball, hockey and many other sporting events between the area’s vast amount of universities and high schools. TV stations as well as the Erie Times News keep updated schedules and scores. Upcoming events can be found at www.goerie.com or www.erieevents.com.
15. Experience the expERIEnce Children’s Museum – This is a custom tailored experience for children that disguises a learning experience into a day of fun. Visit the expERIEnce Children’s Museum at 5th and French Street and watch your children be amazed.
16. Take a Pontoon Tour – It’s easy to look across the Lake standing on the shoreline but take the opportunity to explore the mystery of the lagoons on Presque Isle State Park. Guided pontoon tours are offered several times daily and are free to the public. Or if you want to enjoy the experience on your own take a kayak out on the water and be amazed at what you will discover.
17. Visit Edinboro Lake – Just a few miles to the south of Erie take the time to go lounge around Edinboro Lake or escape for an afternoon picnic with the family.
18. Check out the Big Green Screen Theater – Visit the Tom Ridge Environmental Center located at the tip of the Peninsula for an educational film experience that you won’t soon forget. The theater offers three films daily, rotating throughout the day, each illustrating an educational tale that will capture young and old audiences alike.
19. Visit the Erie Art Museum or a College Art Gallery – Located at the 400 block of State Street the Erie Art Museum is always changing their shows so be sure to stop down and see what they have in store for you today. Local university galleries highlight an array of student talent. Visit a local gallery such as: the Schuster Gallery at Gannon University, Cummings Gallery at Mercyhurst University or the Bates and Bruce Galleries at Edinboro University.
20. Visit a Local Retailer – Before you head to the local “mega-store” think twice! Take the time to visit one of the areas many specialty shops. You might even find that you actually saved some money.
21. Go to an Ethnic Festival – Polish, Greek, Italian, Russian, or Irish, Erie is nothing but a melting pot of diversity. Experience the little world culture of Erie’s many festivals and fairs. A list of these events can be found at www.goerie.com.
22. Visit Splash Lagoon – Looking for some “splish splashing fun” rain, shine, sleet or snow? Visit Splash Lagoon, Erie’s indoor water park, located on Upper Peach Street. Even if the weather is freezing outside it doesn’t mean you can’t throw on your suit and catch a few slides.
23. Visit the Planetarium – To take a faraway venture without taking too many sets visit the Erie Planetarium.
24. Attend a dance recital – Dance companies are very prominent throughout the region though not always supported to the fullest. Erie dancers, simultaneously graceful, primitive and exciting, are worth going to watch. Grab the Erie Times News Showcase Magazine for a listing of events.
25. Taste the Local Cuisine – The Erie area is packed full of privately own restaurants, bars and grills. Take the time to let your taste buds run wild with the variety of ethnic options available as well as the great fish from right out of Lake Erie. http://www.visiteriepa.com/where-to-eat/
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