Summer festival season in Erie officially begins this Friday with the return of the Troika Festival, a beloved annual event celebrating Russian culture, food, and community.
Now in its 16th year, the Troika Festival will take place from Friday through Sunday at the Church of the Nativity, a Russian Orthodox Church located on German Street.
Festivalgoers can expect a lively weekend filled with traditional cuisine, music, and family-friendly activities spread across the church grounds. Organizers say the event offers a chance for the community to come together and experience cultural traditions that have become a summertime staple in Erie.
One of the festival’s most popular attractions is the “Ice Bar,” a unique feature carved from a large block of ice. Local companies form teams to staff the bar, serving drinks while raising money for various charitable causes—blending fun with philanthropy.
The Troika Festival opens Friday from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m., followed by weekend hours from noon to 6 p.m. on both Saturday and Sunday.
As the first of many cultural festivals planned this summer, Troika sets the tone for the season bringing together food, entertainment, and community spirit in the heart of Erie.