Good morning, Erie.

The expERIEnce Children’s Museum is celebrating 30 years by packing and shipping 300 birthday cake kits with donor funds and help from Erie Insurance volunteers; the kits are given to nonprofit partners and families in need today.

Director Courtney Baran said the kits bring a special birthday treat to children at home—highlighting the museum's creative way to share joy.

Today, the Erie Community Foundation announced that Erie Gives Day raised a record-breaking $11,357,387 from donors in 46 states and 2 countries to benefit 539 non-profit organizations with the ANNA Shelter receiving the highest amount of $206,012 — donor participation increased by 6.7%. Organizers said they are planning next year's event on August 11th.

The annual Pumpkin Walk returns to Waldameer Park on October 3 and 4 from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. rain or shine—featuring over 1,200 hand-carved pumpkins by Erie High School Students, educational stations on invasive species, and fall treats from local food trucks—with free entry and a suggested $4 donation for anyone over age three. Tickets are available at the Penn State Extension Office near the Penn State Behrend campus.

Sterrettania was a thriving 19th century village along Elk Creek in western Erie County built around mills, a school, a church and various shops by the Sterrett family.

Today the name mainly refers to the road that once served as the village’s main street—marking its historical roots.

Erie's Pony Express on West 8th Street has served the community for nearly 40 years and will stay open after USPS terminated its contract, with the business set to change ownership on September 30 under a new Postnet arrangement — it will continue to offer FedEx, UPS, DHL and USPS shipping along with money orders, lottery, utility payments and notary services.

A new women's magazine called Butterfly will launch on September 22nd in Erie to offer a platform for female voices and challenge traditional roles—cofounder Kyra Taylor says the publication aims to empower women through unfiltered storytelling.

Broadway in Erie will open its new 2025-26 season at the historic Warner Theatre with the debut of the Tony Award winning musical comedy The Book of Mormon and shows including The Music Man set for Feb.

16th and 17th, Kinky Boots on March 10th and 11th, Clue on May 27th and 28th, and a special Riverdance performance on March 17th, 2026. Season ticket sales start on Sept. 22 at 10 a.m.—tickets are available online, at the Erie Events box office, or by phone.

Students and teachers from Pennsylvania Cyber Charter School met Monday at Asbury Woods for their annual back-to-school STEM fair where they explored science activities and career ideas—helping them form real connections beyond online classes.

Erie is hosting the annual Walk to End Alzheimer’s at Perry Square on Saturday, September 20 at 10 am—participants will honor loved ones during a Promise Garden Ceremony while raising funds for care, research, and new treatments.

Last year, over 600 walkers raised $153,737 to support Alzheimer’s efforts.

Erie Times-News recommends five District 10 football games this weekend, like McLane hosting the Beavers at Linden Field on Sept.

19 at 7 p.m., while Hickory, Reynolds and McDowell also play key matchups. Fans will watch the SteelBowl on Sept. 20 at Lou Falconi Field—where the Sharon Tigers face the Farrell Steelers—and expect a close game.

Fans can vote in a poll to select District 10 high school football Week 4 top performer, and voting ends Wednesday at 5 p.m.+Nominees include players from Iroquois, McDowel, General McLane and other schools who stood out in region games.

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.

Jamey Johnson Concert

7-9:30 p.m. — Warner Theatre — Tickets starting at $65 — Experience a night of country music with Jamey Johnson at the historic Warner Theatre.