Good morning, Erie.

Families can enjoy free activities in July across Erie County, from park playgrounds and Presque Isle State Park’s beaches on July 20–26 to concerts and festivals like Panegyri on July 10–11, plus library programs throughout the month that offer fun for all ages.

UPMC Health Plan will sponsor Erie’s free summer community program.

It includes the Sounds of Summer concert series starting Monday, July 6 through August 10 and 814 Neighborhood Celebrations after Love Your Block cleanups on July 31, Aug. 1, Aug. 29, Sept. 19, and Sept. 26 (boosting connection).

Returning to Erie around noon on July 2 after a $6.9 million restoration at Bristol Marine’s Sample Shipyard in Boothbay Harbor (Maine), the Brig Niagara will be escorted by 40 local vessels through the channel with free museum tours offered July 3-5 as part of the 250th birthday celebration.

Two World War II bombers from the Flying Legends of Victory Tour landed in Erie on June 29 and will be on display until July 5 (giving residents a chance to see a piece of history).

WQLN’s original documentary series Chronicles earned four Emmy Awards in Cleveland on Saturday, adding to its five wins across three seasons.

The series highlights local history + culture and is available to stream on PBS Passport.

Gannon University's Center for Lake Erie Education and Research (CLEER) received the 2026 Governor's Award for Environmental Excellence on June 25 in Harrisburg; the center, based in the Blasco Library on the waterfront, offers free exhibits on Lake Erie ecosystems.

Anglers without a license can fish on Pennsylvania waterways for free on July 4 — the state's second Fish-for-Free Day lets residents catch trout, salmon and Lake Erie fish without permits.

All other fishing rules still apply.

Erie County officials are watching the extreme heat forecast for next week and urge residents to stay hydrated + limit outdoor activities during the hottest hours.

They will support local municipalities and first responders if heat-related emergencies occur.

Erie County Redevelopment Authority, working with the Land Bank & Union City Borough, has announced plans to renovate the 3,200 sqft former Union City Chair office building at 18 Market St. later this year to add office space and possibly apartments.

Erie Times-News and AHN Sports Medicine are hosting a poll to choose the top female spring athlete of the week — the vote runs until July 1 at 5 p.m. Regular athlete polls will resume in mid-August with the start of fall sports.

Marshall Tucker Band Concert

6:30-9:30 p.m. — Rebich Investments Amphitheater & Liberty Park — Ticket info available — Experience the legendary sounds of the Marshall Tucker Band live in concert.

The I-90s 90s Tribute Show

6-10 p.m. — BIGBAR — No Cover — Experience the best 90s rock and pop punk hits with Erie's own tribute band, The I-90s.

Summer Fest

10 AM – 5 PM — Erie Land Lighthouse — Free admission — Enjoy a summer day with vendors, food trucks, live music, and family-friendly activities supporting local education.

2026 Envision Blind Sports Summer Sports Camp

Sunday, Jul 12th – Saturday, Jul 18th — Penn State Behrend — Registration closed — Experience a week of sports for blind and visually impaired athletes age 7-18 while fostering independence and friendship.

Clutches for Crutches Benefit Run

11 AM – 5 PM — Zem Zem Shrine Club — $20 for bike or car — Participate in the 2nd Annual Charity Run and Car Show with new stops including local bars.

8 Great Tuesdays Community Concert Series

6:30-9:00 p.m. — Rebich Investments Amphitheater — Free entry — Enjoy a summer evening filled with live music from local and regional bands.

Blooming at the Bookstore Workshop

6-7:30 p.m. — Werner Books and Coffee — Sign up required — Create your own seasonal vase arrangement with locally grown flowers while enjoying treats and great company.

Jackie Flynn Live Performance

7-10 p.m. — Kellar's, A Modern Magic & Comedy Club — Ticket prices vary — Experience a night of laughter with stand-up comedy from Jackie Flynn.

Monthly Puzzle Swap

10 AM - 12 PM — Werner Books and Coffee — Free entry — Swap gently used puzzles with fellow enthusiasts in a fun community event.

FRC Erie Summit 2026

8 a.m. – 9 p.m. — Bayfront Convention Center — Registration required — Explore the future of public sector cybersecurity with practical strategies and meaningful conversations.