Patriotic music filled Bayview Park on Friday as the Erie Philharmonic celebrated the Fourth of July by launching its free summer concert series.
The free community event featured performances by the Erie Philharmonic Orchestra and Chorus, bringing families together to enjoy live music while celebrating both Independence Day and America 250.
Children also had the opportunity to explore an instrument petting zoo, where they could get a hands-on introduction to the orchestra by trying a variety of musical instruments.
For Erie Philharmonic Executive Director Bobby Pape, holding the concert in Bayview Park made this year’s event especially meaningful.
“We’re not new to these outdoor parks concerts, but it’s been a few years since we did one right here in the city of Erie,” Pape said. “We thought, ‘What a better way to celebrate America 250 on the Fourth than to do something right here in our own hometown?’ … Doing it right here in Bayview Park, a neighborhood where a lot of folks can walk to the concert, is extra special for us and, of course, to celebrate Erie.”
The concert marked the first performance in the Erie Philharmonic’s 2026 Free Summer Concert Series, which continues throughout July with nine more free concerts scheduled this month.
Music Director Daniel Meyer and the orchestra will also tour communities Wednesday through Saturday, and families can enjoy a special presentation of Peter and the Wolf featuring the Philharmonic Brass Octet as part of this summer’s lineup.
All concerts in the series are free and open to the public. For more information about upcoming performances, you can visit the link below: