CelebrateErie 2023 opens Friday. Here’s what you need to know

CelebrateErie 2023 is here, and we have everything that you need to know about the Erie region’s largest festival. Find stage schedules, activities, vendor information, maps and the program for this 3-day event at www.CelebrateErie.com, or the CelebrateErie Facebook page and Instagram feed.

What is CelebrateErie:

CelebrateErie is a festival of all things Erie, featuring local music, food, art, vendors, businesses, and culture. Check out nearly 70 local performers and over 40 local food, art and business vendors at CelebrateErie. This year’s event features two national headliners: Flo Rida and Parmalee. All music and festivities are free, thanks to our many sponsors including our presenting sponsors Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield, AHN Saint Vincent Hospital, and our Mainstage sponsor, Northwest Bank.

Dates, times and locations:

CelebrateErie is a three-day festival from Aug. 18 – Aug. 20 in downtown Erie that is centered at Perry Square and spans State Street from 4th to 9^th streets. Here are the main locations and times:

• The Mainstage, sponsored by Northwest Bank, is located at 4th and State Street. Mainstage shows begin at 5:30 p.m. daily and will conclude around 9:30 p.m.
• The Food District, located at West Perry Square, is open daily from 11 a.m. – 8 p.m. daily.
• The Family District, located at East Perry Square, is open daily from 11 a.m. – 7 p.m.
• The Marketplace, sponsored by Erie Insurance, located on State Street from South Park Row to Eighth Street, is open daily from 12 – 8 p.m.
• The Chalkwalk, sponsored by Northwest Bank, is located on State Street from 8th to 9th streets.
• The Pennsylvania Lottery Perry Square Stage will host performances daily between 11 a.m. – 7:30 p.m.
• The Living Room Stage and the Family Stage will host performances between 12 – 7:30 p.m.

Mainstage acts and times:

Friday, Aug. 18:

• 5:30 p.m.: Mambo
• 6:30 p.m.: Stephen Trohoske’s Dance JoneZz
• 8:00 p.m.: Erie All Stars present a tribute to Fleetwood Mac

Saturday, Aug. 19:

• 5:30 p.m.: Life Thru Music
• 6:30 p.m.: The LEC
• 8:00 p.m.: Flo Rida

Sunday, Aug. 20:

• 5:30 p.m.: Blue Sky present a tribute to the Allman Brothers Band
• 6:30 p.m.: Refuge
• 8:00 p.m.: Parmalee

Street closures and parking restrictions:

• State Street is closed to traffic from 3rd to 10^th streets until the afternoon of Monday, Aug. 21.
• Third and 10th streets will be open to east/west traffic.
• Handicapped parking is available on the north side of West 7th Street between Peach and French streets.
• All downtown Erie Parking Authority garages are open for metered parking.

Festival restrictions:

• No bicycles or skateboards within the festival footprint
• No pets, other than service animals
• No chairs, strollers, wagons or coolers are allowed in the State Street general admission area (from 4th Street to North Park Row) for the Northwest Bank mainstage acts.

New this year:

• There will be video screens at the West Perry Square stage in West Perry Square that will show a live feed of the three headlining acts at 8 p.m. each evening.
• The Flagship City eSports “Battle of Lake Erie Invitational will take place at Gannon University’s Recreation & Wellness Center, 130 W. 4th St.

Weather cancelations:

CelebrateErie is a rain-or-shine event. But be advised that, in case of inclement weather, some programming may be delayed or canceled.

Give us feedback:

Please take our survey at www.celebrateerie.com/survey to share your input, suggestions and ideas. Your feedback will assist us in planning next year’s festivities. Thank you!