Looking for Fourth of July events in Erie, PA in 2026? America is turning 250, and Erie is ready to celebrate! From fireworks and parades to community festivals, concerts, free family activities, and special America 250 events, there are plenty of ways for families to join in the red, white, and blue fun this summer.
Whether you're looking for the biggest fireworks display in town, a patriotic parade, a free concert, or a family-friendly festival, we've rounded up the best Fourth of July and America 250 celebrations happening in and around Erie.
Erie County 2026 Fourth of July Weekend Events at a Glance
🎆 = fireworks included
- June 27-28: 🎆 Albion Fireworks Festival at Albion Boro Park
- June 28: 🎆 MEGA BLAST Fireworks at UPMC Park
- June 30-July 5: B-25 and B-17 aircraft at Erie International Airport
- July 1: America 250 Freedom Celebration at Shades Beach
- July 2: 🎆 Boro with the Works at PennWest Edinboro
- July 3: 🎆 Kickoff to America 250 at Port Farms & Poverty Knob
- July 3: 🎆 Erie250: Light & Liberty on the Lake fireworks
- July 3-5: Free entry and live demonstrations at the Erie Maritime Museum
- July 4: Millcreek 4th of July Parade
- July 4: 🎆 Lawrence Park July 4th Celebration
- July 4: Erie Philharmonic's Patriotic Pops at Bayview Park
- July 4: 🎆 Enjoy the Fourth in North East
Fourth of July Events, Fireworks & Parades in Erie, PA | 2026
June 27 and 28
Albion Fireworks Festival
Celebrate community, tradition, and America's 250th birthday with two days of family fun, food, contests, a car show, crafts, carousel rides, bingo, and a fireworks spectacular at Albion Boro Park.
June 28
MEGA BLAST Fireworks at UPMC Park
The SeaWolves will produce the biggest fireworks show in team history with its annual MEGA BLAST. Fireworks will follow the game against the Rumble Ponies.
June 30-July 5
See a B-25 and B-17 Up Close at Erie International Airport
The B-17 Flying Fortress Sentimental Journey and the B-25 Mitchell Maid in the Shade will be at Fundamentals Flight Training at Erie International Airport/Tom Ridge Field in Erie, PA, June 30-July 5, 2026. Ground tours are $15 per person or $30 for a family of four. Rides are also available.
July 1
America 250 Freedom Celebration at Shades Beach
Start the Fourth of July holiday early at Shades Beach Park with a free family-friendly Freedom Celebration featuring games, crafts, music, food vendors, face painting, balloon art, and more.
July 2
U.S. Brig Niagara Homecoming Tour + Free Maritime Museum Entry
Celebrate the U.S. Brig Niagara’s return to Erie with a July 2 Parade of Sail through Presque Isle Bay. Parade expected to begin at noon and end around 2 p.m. The Niagara will be open for free deck tours following the parade at its Maritime Museum dock and the Maritime Museum will be open for free.
Boro with the Works at PennWest Edinboro
Celebrate Boro with the Works in Edinboro with a Kids Zone, live music, local food trucks, a patriotic concert, and fireworks over Mallory Lake at 10 p.m.
July 3
Kickoff to America 250 at Port Farms & Poverty Knob
Celebrate America's 250th birthday kickoff with free admission, live music, food, farm fun, fireworks, and family- and dog-friendly fun at Poverty Knob & Port Farms.
Free Entry + Niagara Tours at the Erie Maritime Museum
Families can explore Pennsylvania's Flagship Niagara, enjoy free museum admission, watch live history demonstrations, meet costumed interpreters, and experience Erie's maritime past through hands-on waterfront fun.
Erie250: Light & Liberty on the Lake
A spectacular fireworks show will light up the night sky above Erie's waterfront, launching from Dobbins Landing and the Bicentennial Tower at 10 p.m. Families can enjoy from locations around the Bayfront, downtown Erie, and Presque Isle State Park.
July 4
Millcreek 4th of July Parade
The biggest July 4th parade in the region! The parade starts at about 9:45 a.m. at West 12th Street and Marshall Drive, runs west, and ends at the American Legion. Bring a candy bag!
Free Entry + U.S. Brig Niagara Tours at the Erie Maritime Museum
Families can explore Pennsylvania's Flagship Niagara, enjoy free museum admission, watch live history demonstrations, meet costumed interpreters, and experience Erie's maritime past through hands-on waterfront fun. Saturday hours: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. (last entry at 3 p.m.)
July 4th Celebration in Lawrence Park
Celebrate in Lawrence Park with a free, family-friendly day of Fourth of July fun, including a morning bike parade, an afternoon annual parade, music from DJ Ray, and fireworks at 10 p.m.
Erie Philharmonic's Patriotic Pops at Bayview Park
Bring the family to Bayview Park for a free Fourth of July celebration with family activities, an opening performance by Josh Travis, and a patriotic Erie Philharmonic concert led by Daniel Meyer.
Enjoy the Fourth in North East
Celebrate the Fourth of July in North East with family fun at Gravel Pit Park, including kids' activities, live music, food trucks, and fireworks at dusk.
July 5
Free Entry + U.S. Brig Niagara Tours at the Erie Maritime Museum
Families can explore Pennsylvania's Flagship Niagara, enjoy free museum admission, watch live history demonstrations, meet costumed interpreters, and experience Erie's maritime past through hands-on waterfront fun. Sunday hours: Noon-4 p.m. (last entry at 3 p.m.)
Note: Event details can change depending on weather and other factors, so double check before heading out.
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Know of an America 250 celebration, parade, fireworks show, or family-friendly event in Erie that should be included? Let us know!
