articles

Discover Presque Isle! Annual Event Takes Place July 22-28, 2024

The 2024 event is back with all your favorites!

July 18, 2024

From July 22-28, 2024, join the community for the 30th annual Discover Presque Isle, a week-long celebration filled with activities, entertainment, and opportunities to give back to the park. The event aims to encourage everyone to "discover" Presque Isle State Park in new and exciting ways while raising awareness about its rich offerings and history.

Giving Back to the Park

Discover Presque Isle isn't just about fun; it's also about appreciation and giving back. Visit the button and t-shirt tents, and donate generously to support the park through Presque Isle Partnership projects. These initiatives focus on improving accessibility, enhancing amenities, ensuring public safety, preserving the park's history, providing educational opportunities, and fostering conservation.

While most programs are free, donations are encouraged and appreciated to help further the Presque Isle Partnership mission. 




Please note many events are weather-dependent. Find more information about all of these events.

Daily Activities

  • Beach Yoga, Pilates & Yogalates (Beach 8 | White Tent, 7:30am & 7:30pm): Participate in yoga, pilates, and yogalates classes overlooking Lake Erie with local instructors. Bring your own yoga mat.
  • Presque Isle Canoe & Boat Livery (Lagoons Boat Launch, 9:00am - 8:00pm): Rent canoes, kayaks, paddleboards, and more to explore Presque Isle's water trails.
  • Yellow Bike Rental Company (Waterworks Area, 9:00am - 8:00pm): Rent bicycles, surreys, and aqua-cycles to explore the park.
  • TREC & Erie Visitor Center (Tom Ridge Environmental Center, 8:00am - 4:00pm): Start your Presque Isle discovery journey here, dedicated to the conservation and education of the park's unique ecosystem. Free.
  • Lady Kate Boat Tours (Perry Monument, Tour times vary): Enjoy fully narrated cruises offering views of Erie's historic lighthouses, nature preserves, and city skyline. Tour fee required.
  • Lake Erie Lights of PA (Presque Isle Lighthouse, 10:00am - 5:00pm): Immerse yourself in Erie's maritime history by visiting the Presque Isle Lighthouse, Erie Land Lighthouse, and North Pier Light. Tour fee required at Presque Isle Lighthouse and Erie Land Lighthouse. More info on hours here.
  • NWPA Beekeepers Association Mobile Hive & Local Honey Products (TREC, 8:00am - 4:00pm, Monday - Saturday): Learn about honeybees, check out a mobile hive, and shop for local honey.

Weekday Special Events

Monday

  • Monday, July 22: Discover Turtles of Presque Isle (Lagoons Boat Launch, 10:00am-11:00am): Learn about local turtles with a park naturalist. Bring binoculars. FREE.

Tuesday

Wednesday

  • Wednesday, July 24: Discover Archery with DCNR (Outdoor Pavilion at TREC, 1:00pm - 3:00pm): Learn about archery equipment and safety. No experience necessary. FREE.
  • Wednesday, July 24: UPMC Sunset Music Series (Beach 11, 5:30pm - Dusk): Enjoy live music, swimming, hula-hoop workshops, ice cream, and local food trucks. FREE.



Thursday

  • Thursday, July 25: Discover Presque Isle Beaches Education Program (Beach 1 Pavilion, 10:00am - 11:30pm): Explore the beach and learn about its history and habitat. FREE.
  • Thursday, July 25: Tamarack Birds of Prey Education Program (Big Green Screen at TREC, 6:00pm-7:30pm): Get up close with live birds of prey. Limited to 175 people. 

Through the weekend

  • Friday, July 26-Sunday, July 28: Art in the Park & Food Festival (Beach 11, Friday 11:00am - 7:00pm, Saturday 11:00am - 7:00pm, Sunday 11:00am - 4:00pm): Explore local art, food trucks, and environmental partners.
  • Friday, July 26-Sunday, July 28: Archery Encounters (Playfield, 10:00am - 7:00pm each day): Try out archery with local experts. FREE
  • Friday, July 26-Sunday, July 28: Lagoon By Pontoon (Lagoons Pontoon Station, 9:00am, 10:30am, 12:00pm): Enjoy an interpretive Pontoon Boat ride. FREE
  • Friday, July 26: Sunset Point Kite Flyers (Sunset Point, Dawn - dusk): Relax and marvel at the kites at Sunset Point. FREE.
  • Friday, July 26: Kite Beach Illumination (Sunset Point, 8:00pm - 10:00pm): Enjoy colorful lights, windsocks, and other lighted creations after the sunset. FREE.
  • Saturday, July 27: Pancake Breakfast (Rotary Pavilion, 7:30am - 12:00pm, Saturday & Sunday): Enjoy breakfast in the park. Adults $9, children $5, add eggs for $1.
  • Saturday, July 27: Presque Isle Volleyball Challenge (Beach 6, 8:30am start): Assemble your team for a round robin volleyball tournament. Registration required.
  • Saturday, July 27: Fishing with the S.O.N.S. of Lake Erie (Rotary Pavilion, 9:00am - 12:00pm): Fish with local experts. No license required; equipment provided. FREE.
  • Saturday, July 27: Marquette Savings Bank Sand Sculpture Competition (Beach 11, 9:00am - 1:00pm): Show off your sand sculpting skills. Register morning-of at the Presque Isle Partnership tent.
  • Saturday, July 27: Discover Presque Isle Z102.3 Rock Stage (Beach 1, 2:00pm - 10:00pm): Enjoy live music from five local bands. This is the biggest concert of the year! FREE.
  • Saturday, July 27: Fire Performers and Giant Beach Bonfire (Beach 1, 7:30pm - 10:00pm): Enjoy the heat and ambiance of the Giant Bonfire and magic of fire performers. FREE.
  • Sunday, July 28: Lake Erie Cyclefest Sunrise Ride (Beach 1 Pavilion, 6:00am): Pre-register for a sunrise ride followed by a pancake breakfast and a tour of the Presque Isle Lighthouse.
  • Sunday, July 28: Birding Crafts & Activities for Kids (Perry Monument Pavilion, 11:00am - 3:00pm): Enjoy birding activities, crafts, and interactive displays about birds. FREE



For more information about Discover Presque Isle, visit Presque Isle Partnership.