Experiences

Galleries Galore

Peruse the curated collections of the Erie Art Museum. See the stage performances of the Erie Playhouse. Experience the Erie Philharmonic in the historic Warner Theater. Catch an edgy, late night play at PACA. Or discover the dozen small galleries, performance venues, and niche collections of creators that are on almost every other block of downtown Erie.

Cultivate Your Soul

Eat Well to Be Well

Booking a brunch with old friends? Treating yourself to lunch on your day off? Grabbing dinner and drinks before a show? Our restaurants will satiate your hunger and slake your thirst. Whether you join the Erie Club for exceptional cuisine, or drop by the Jekyll & Hyde gastropub for something with a twist, it's all downtown. Whether one meal a day or three (or four?) we've got Thai, Indian, Irish pub far, fish tacos, and prime steak. The world is your oyster (we have those, too) and you get to pick your pearl. 

Family-Friendly Fun

Families around the county come downtown to see the Bayhawks, the Otters, and the Seawolves (especially on buck night). The Children's Museum is located next to the Erie Art Museum and offers four floors for families to explore. Kids and parents can even get involved in the action at the Erie Playhouse or one of the other arts, dance, or maker studios. The Blasco Library's kids' section looks out on the Brig Niagara dock, and has a brand new Teen Center, as well as the Idea Lab where families can learn all kinds of skills. And that doesn't even touch on all the annual festivals held around Perry Square. 

Make Memories

There's No Place Like Local

Downtowns around America, including Erie, are attracting customer in need of local products. Big box stores are everywhere, but your local merchants have spent serious time and energy carving out their niche. By buying local or sharing the love with our Downtown Gift Card, you keep your dollars in the community and help it prosper. 

The Vibes are Alive Downtown

Discover Downtown Erie's rich music scene featuring artists of every genre you could be looking for. Blues, folk, rap, polka, punk, you name it and someone is probably playing it downtown! Support your favorite local musicians at open mic, cozy gigs, and festivals or reserve your seats for world-class concerts. 

A Night on the Town

After an amazing day downtown at a festival, baseball game, or boutique shopping spree, why should the fun stop there? Downtown Erie has plenty of ways to keep the good times rolling—catch up with friends over local brews, vibe to live music, or dance the night away! From lounges to raves, Downtown Erie has nights that amaze.