Before you settle for one last backyard cookout, take a look at what is happening around Erie this Labor Day weekend: a downtown parade, free admission to the Erie Zoo, two chances to see fireworks, the final weekend at Waldameer, flowers and princesses at Port Farms, a Renaissance festival, fairs, baseball, and more.
Please note: Because of damage from storms earlier this week some events have been canceled or postponed, particularly in the downtown area, Frontier Park and Presque Isle (which is closed through Sunday, Sept. 6). We're doing our best to let you know what events have been changed, but it's always best to doublecheck with the event organizer on their website or FB page before heading out!
Here are the best things to do with kids in Erie County from Friday, Sept. 4, through Labor Day, Monday, Sept. 7.
Updated Sept. 4, 2026
Friday, Sept. 4
Sponsored content
🌻 Flower & Art Fest at Port Farms
Port Farms, Waterford | 11 a.m.-9 p.m.
Pick sunflowers, zinnias, and cosmos, wander the art walk, grab a treat, and let the kids tackle more than 25 farm attractions. Admission includes a mason jar for flower picking, making this a pretty great final summer photo-op outing.
Get event details for Flower & Art Fest at Port Farms >>
🌦️ Wild Weather: Workshop and Hike (CANCELED ... Ironically due to weather)
Presque Isle State Park | 2-3:30 p.m.
What makes Erie weather so Erie? Families can learn the basics of meteorology during a short presentation, then head out on the beach to spot weather phenomena in action. This program is free, but registration is required.
Get event details for Wild Weather: Workshop and Hike >>
🎡 Erie County Fair
Wattsburg | Gates open at 4 p.m.
Fair rides, animal shows, magic, mini golf, live music, and all the fair food your family can handle are waiting in Wattsburg. Friday night also features a truck pull at 7 p.m.
Get event details for the Erie County Fair >>
⚾ Erie SeaWolves Moon Mammoths Fireworks Night
UPMC Park, downtown Erie | 6:05 p.m.
Baseball, the beloved Erie Moon Mammoths, and fireworks after the game? That is a pretty strong Friday-night plan. The SeaWolves take on the Somerset Patriots in one of their final home games of the season.
Get event details for Erie SeaWolves Moon Mammoths Fireworks Night >>
Saturday, Sept. 5
🦁 Free Zoo for All at the Erie Zoo
Erie Zoo | 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
Yes, really: admission to the Erie Zoo is free for everyone all day. Special activities happen from 10 a.m.-2 p.m., making this one of the best free family events of the entire weekend.
Get event details for Zoo for All at the Erie Zoo >>
🛍️ LEAF Open Market (CANCELED)
Frontier Park | 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
Stroll the Eighth Street side of Frontier Park for fresh local food, baked goods, flowers, plants, art, handmade finds, and more. It is free to attend and easy to pair with a picnic or playground time at the park.
Get event details for LEAF Open Market >>
Sponsored content
📚 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten Kickoff Party
Blasco Memorial Library | 10 a.m.-noon
Families with children ages 0-5 who have not started kindergarten can kick off a reading adventure at this free event. No registration is required.
Get event details for 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten Kickoff Party >>
🍎 Apple Family Fun Day at Werner Books
Werner Books & Coffee | 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Back-to-school season gets an apple twist with crafts and activities for toddlers and older kids. Stop in anytime during the day for a sweet, easy family outing.
Get event details for Apple Family Fun Day at Werner Books >>
🐝 North East Community Agri Fair Day
Mellon Heritage Outreach Center, North East | 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
This one-day version of a longtime local tradition includes crafts, vendors, an observation beehive, displays, and contests for pumpkin decorating, LEGO building, scarecrows, chocolate cake, floral arrangements, and more.
Get event details for North East Community Agri Fair Day >>
🎡 Erie County Fair + Fireworks
Wattsburg | Gates open at 9 a.m.
Saturday is especially packed for kids at the Erie County Fair, with clowns, a kids' pedal pull, wildlife and magic shows, rides, and fireworks at 10 p.m. It is the final day of the fair, so do not put this one off.
Get event details for the Erie County Fair >>
🇩🇪 German Heritage Festival
St. Nick's Grove, Erie | 11 a.m.-8 p.m.
You do not have to be German to have a great time here. Families can enjoy authentic food, music, dancing, face painting, balloon art, magic, vendors, and a petting zoo. Admission is $5 per person, while children 12 and younger are free.
Get event details for German Heritage Festival >>
Sponsored content
🌻 Flower & Art Fest + Princess Visits at Port Farms
Port Farms, Waterford | 11 a.m.-9 p.m.
In addition to flower picking, art, and farm fun, Saturday brings a Young Makers Market from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. and princess visits from 2-5 p.m. This is an easy one to build an entire day around.
Get event details for Flower & Art Fest at Port Farms >>
Sponsored content
🎶 Global Neighbors: USA
expERIEnce Children's Museum | 11 a.m.-1 p.m.
Kids can explore Western Pennsylvania traditions through hands-on harmonica music and bookbinding. The program is included with museum admission, and no registration is required.
Get event details for Global Neighbors: USA >>
⚾ Erie SeaWolves Bobblehead Giveaway
UPMC Park, downtown Erie | 6:05 p.m.
Cheer on the SeaWolves and snag a Kevin McGonigle bobblehead — the first 1,500 fans will receive one. It is also part of the team's Strike Out Cancer Weekend.
Get event details for Erie SeaWolves Bobblehead Giveaway >>
Sunday, Sept. 6
👑 {NEW LOCATION!} Gem City Renaissance Festival
Frontier Park McLelland Park | 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Hear ye, hear ye! Step into the land of Livaelore for a day of live entertainment, artisan vendors, food trucks, historic demonstrations, and plenty of imaginative fun. Admission is pay-what-you-can.
Note: The event venue has been changed to McClelland Park due to the damage at Frontier Park.
Get event details for Gem City Renaissance Festival >>
Sponsored content
🌻 Flower & Art Fest at Port Farms
Port Farms, Waterford | 11 a.m.-7 p.m.
Sunday is your last chance to enjoy Port Farms' summer flower fields, art walk, Young Makers Market, and family attractions before the farm closes its Summer Days season.
Get event details for Flower & Art Fest at Port Farms >>
🇩🇪 German Heritage Festival
St. Nick's Grove, Erie | 11 a.m.-6:30 p.m.
Come hungry for one more day of German food, dancing, music, face painting, balloon art, magic, and petting-zoo fun. Children 12 and younger get in free.
Get event details for German Heritage Festival >>
⚾ Erie SeaWolves Fan Appreciation Day
UPMC Park, downtown Erie | 1:35 p.m.
The SeaWolves close out their home season with a day all about the fans. Stick around after the game for catch on the field and a fan/team photo.
Get event details for Erie SeaWolves Fan Appreciation Day >>
Sponsored content
🎢 Final Weekend at Waldameer and Water World
Waldameer & Water World | See calendar for hours
Labor Day weekend is your last chance this season for amusement rides, the wave pool, water slides, and classic Erie summer fun. If your kids have been asking for “just one more day,” this is it.
Get event details for Waldameer and Water World >>
Monday, Sept. 7: Labor Day
🎉 Labor Day Parade in Downtown Erie
Downtown Erie | 10 a.m.
Line the route for one of Erie’s longtime Labor Day traditions, featuring marching bands, union groups, floats, clowns, and more. The parade starts near East 10th and State streets, heads north on State Street, and ends at Perry Square — an easy, free way to kick off the holiday with the kids.
Get event details for the Labor Day Parade in Downtown Erie >>
🎠 Opening Day at the Waterford Community Fair
Waterford Fairgrounds | Beginning at 2 p.m.
The Waterford Community Fair begins on Labor Day with agricultural exhibits, rides, a horse show, a garden tractor pull, entertainment, and the annual giant ice cream sundae. Admission is $5 per person, while children 8 and younger are free.
Get event details for the Waterford Community Fair >>
🛼 Labor Day Skate at Gem City Skate
Gem City Skate | 2-7 p.m.
Wrap up the long weekend with music, skating, and family fun. Admission is $6, and skate rental is $4.
Get event details for Labor Day Skate at Gem City Skate >>
Sponsored content
🎢 Final Day at Waldameer and Water World
Waldameer & Water World | 11 a.m.-7 p.m.
One final ride on Ravine Flyer II? One final lap around the wave pool? Labor Day is the last day to make it happen before Waldameer and Water World close for the season.
Get event details for Waldameer and Water World >>
Looking for more? Browse our Erie events calendar for more family fun, times, admission details, and last-minute updates.
