Good morning, Erie.

Local grape farmers will begin their harvest next week as winemakers say that near-perfect weather (hot summer days and cool nights) helped the grapes ripen well and will boost local wine production.

The German Heritage Festival returns this weekend in Erie to celebrate nearly 30 years of German culture with live polka music from The Shotskis and imported beers from Germany.

Organized by local groups with support from Erie Beer Company, the event will feature authentic brews such as Spaten, Hofbrauhaus and Paulaner—offering a true taste of tradition.

Heberle’s Heartstrings held its third open mic competition on Sunday at Voodoo Brewing Company to honor local musician Jason Heberle and offer local artists, from first timers to seasoned performers, a chance to perform—some of whom now tour locally and nationally.

Port Farms hosted the Flower and Art Fest on Sunday—visitors picked flowers and walked through three acres of sunflowers, zinnias, and cosmos—and will continue the event next weekend with vendor booths and an art walk.

Erie County schools have updated their cellphone policies so that many students must keep phones silent and stored during class; some districts allow phone use at lunch and between classes.

Harbor Creek and Wattsburg require phones to be in lockers for the day—North East will vote on similar changes this fall—after a 2024 law ties bans to state grants.

The Greater Erie Board of Realtors reported that new listings in Erie increased by 7.2% to 1,595 in the second quarter while closed sales dropped from 705 to 696, and average and median prices rose to $228,670 and $205,000 respectively—changes reflecting a shift in supply and buyer demand. Marsh noted that these trends could signal a quick market as homes now sell in an average of 17 days.

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.

Free Health Services Clinic

6 a.m. — Erie Center for Arts and Technology — Free services — Access free dental, vision, and medical services in collaboration with the Hamot Health Foundation.

Candlelight Concert: Queen vs. ABBA

8:30-9:30 p.m. — The Masonic Temple of Erie — Tickets required — Experience a mesmerizing fusion of Queen and ABBA music under candlelight.

LEAF Open Market

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

Bartender Training Class

6-10 p.m. — SpringHill Suites by Marriott Erie — $90.00 – $325.00 — Gain hands-on experience and industry knowledge to become an effective bartender in this interactive course.

The Music of John Williams

3-5 p.m. — Warner Theatre — Cost varies — Celebrate the iconic sounds of John Williams with the Erie Philharmonic and conductor Daniel Meyer.

Ecospirituality Green Tour

Environmental walking tour — Not specified — Mercyhurst University — Free entry — Discover the beauty of nature through prayers, reflections, and an exploration of campus gardens and a labyrinth.

Kansas Concert

7:00-9:30 p.m. — Warner Theatre — Last-minute tickets available — Enjoy a classic rock performance by Kansas in Erie, PA.