Good morning, Erie.

About 80 cyclists rode in the 26th annual Ride for the Refuge on Labor Day to help raise funds for the Refuge Emergency Shelter serving families facing homelessness in East Erie.

They rode routes of 25k, 50k, or 100k starting at Shades Beach and gathered for food and fellowship—EUMA expects to raise about $20,000 for the 32-bed shelter.

Erie residents celebrated Labor Day at Presque Isle State Park by spending the day on the beaches with barbecues, games, and family gatherings—two college students from Pittsburgh enjoyed a quiet break as they prepared to graduate.

An 81-year-old South Carolina man, identified as Daniel Keith from Varnville, died on August 29 at UPMC Hamot after he was struck by a car that backed out of a parking spot at a Country Fair gas station parking lot in Edinboro just before 9 p.m. on August 28—state police are investigating the incident.

The Gem City Renaissance Festival has returned to Frontier Park to offer Erie residents a day of medieval activities, live music and vendors.

Organizer Britty Lea said the pay what you can event gives everyone a chance to dress up and enjoy historical demonstrations (including fencing lessons from Steelhead Western Martial Arts).

PennDOT is closing the busy stretch of Bayfront Parkway from Sassafras Street Extension to Holland Street and the part of State Street from Second to East Front Street today for a 12-14 month project aimed at improving traffic flow and pedestrian safety — the project will add new roundabouts, traffic signals, crosswalks, and detours will use East and West 12th Street while emergency routes remain open.

Waldameer Park and Water World closed Monday after a summer that got busier as warm weather brought more visitors—officials announced that Paratrooper will return in 2026 at the West Ballroom Picnic shelter site along with new water ride upgrades.

District 10 high school football games delivered high scores and close finishes in Week 2—fans will vote until Wednesday at 5 p.m. to choose the top performer.

At Ainsworth Field in Erie, the Glenwood Baseball League saw four teams compete on July 17—organizers said two more teams may join next season to build on the field's long role as the league's host.

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.