Good morning, Erie.

Erie Gives 2025 showed early promise after more than 18,000 gifts totaling over $3 million were recorded by 2 p.m. on Aug.

12—nonprofits such as WQLN and Emma's Footprints are already benefitting from the support and bonus funds program.

Icing on the Lake owner Heidi Fette has installed a new Sweet Vault vending machine outside West Erie Plaza after prior machines had problems with vending and damaging baked goods — the machine accepts only cards and is stocked daily with up to 60 fresh treats.

Erie Playhouse is expanding its Playhouse For All initiative—offering $5 tickets to Access or EBT cardholders for each production through the end of the 2025 season and the upcoming 2026 season.

The program began as a pilot in 2024 with a grant from the Erie Community Foundation and support from Wabtec Corporation, with executive director Zach Flock noting that the arts are meant for everyone.

In Lake Erie, invasive sea lampreys are harming fish such as lake trout and steelhead by latching onto their sides—damaging them—and anglers are urged to kill any lamprey caught; warmer waters speed their growth while state treatments and barriers work to control their numbers.

Beach 11 is closed to swimming for the rest of the season due to elevated E. coli levels detected in water tests—swimming was restricted since July 15 and officially shut down on August 6.

This marks the third consecutive season with an early closure, following a similar shutdown nearly one year ago.

The Millcreek Township Fire Department will add a new firetruck to its fleet after the fire commission recommended a replacement during Tuesday’s supervisors meeting—this truck is set to arrive by the end of this year or in January and is projected to cost $1.18 million to replace aging apparatus.

Firefighters will compete in the Northeast Regional Firefighter Challenge Classic in Perry Square—Aug.

21-23, with teams from Erie County and Millcreek Township set to test their strength and skills in events like a stair climb and hose hoist. Winners will advance to the national championship on Sept. 24-27 and then to the world championship on Oct. 20-25.

First Aid/CPR/AED Instructor Training

10 AM - 7 PM — Erie County Public Library - Blasco Memorial Library — Course fee applies — Become a certified instructor and share lifesaving skills with others.

Tall Ships Erie 2025

4-day festival — August 21-24 — Erie Maritime Museum — $ — Experience the majesty of magnificent ships racing in the Tall Ships Challenge on the Great Lakes.

LEAF Open Market

10 AM – 2 PM — Frontier Park — Free entry — Explore a vibrant outdoor farmer's market featuring local vendors with fresh produce, baked goods, and crafts.

Reminiscent at Erie Downtown Music Series

6-9 p.m. — Perry Square — Free entry — Enjoy a Motown tribute concert while relaxing in the park with food and community spirit.

First To Eleven Live Concert

6-10 p.m. — BIGBAR — No cover before 9 p.m. — Experience First to Eleven performing your rock favorites in the Happy Hour Concert Series.

Gem City Renaissance Festival

10 AM – 4 PM — Frontier Park — Cash recommended — Experience a vibrant one-day Renaissance festival in Erie with themed outfits and local vendors.

Hotel California Tribute Concert

7:30-9 p.m. — Warner Theatre — Tickets available — Experience the legendary sound of The Eagles performed by the acclaimed tribute band HOTEL CALIFORNIA.

Erie Marathon

7 AM – 1 PM — Presque Isle State Park — $5-$100 — Experience the energetic atmosphere of the Erie Marathon and support local runners.

Cole Swindell Concert

7:00-8:30 p.m. — Erie Insurance Arena — Tickets via Ticketmaster — Enjoy a night of country music featuring Cole Swindell with special guest Priscilla Block.