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On May 27, 2026, Erie County Executive Christina Vogel discussed how Erie County is celebrating the 250th anniversary of America in partnership with America250PA.<\/p>\n
Kick off concert with The Fray<\/p>\n
Erie County will be kicking off the semisesquicentennial celebration on June 9 with the free America250PA concert featuring The Fray and opener First to Eleven<\/a> at Erie Insurance Arena at 809 French St.<\/p>\n The event is at full capacity for attendance which the county stated in a press release \u201creflects a strong community enthusiasm for America250PA kickoff programming.\u201d<\/p>\n Free concerts: Erie and State College America250PA concerts sold out<\/a><\/p>\n Community night at UPMC Park<\/p>\n In partnership with the Erie SeaWolves and the Erie Community College, Erie County will hold community night at the Erie SeaWolves game on June 12 against Akron<\/a>.<\/p>\n Following the game, there will be a fireworks display.<\/p>\n Erie Playhouse presents ‘1776’<\/p>\n Witness the birth of a nation in “1776″, a revolutionary musical presented by the Erie Playhouse<\/a> at 13 W. 10th St. Watch actors portray John Adams, Thomas Jefferson, Ben Franklin and other iconic figures as they draft the Declaration of Independence.<\/p>\n The show takes place on June 12, 13, 19, 20, 25, 26 and 27 at 7:30 p.m. and afternoon shows on June 21 and June 28 at 2 p.m.<\/p>\n America250 Arts and Music Festival<\/p>\n Catch Erie County officials at the Erie County Fairgrounds in Wattsburg on June 14 for a countywide celebration of local talent, culture and creativity.<\/p>\n The event will feature a presentation of the colors, the national anthem, Flags of Unity display by the Sons of Lake Erie, a 50-year time capsule and a car show.<\/p>\n Municipalities across Erie County will be receiving information on how to participate in the time capsule project and how to contribute.<\/p>\n The U.S. Brig Niagara returns to Erie<\/p>\n On July 2, Erie\u2019s flagship will return to Erie<\/a> after being away for repairs for two years. There will be a celebratory sail to welcome the Brig Niagara into Presque Isle Bay.<\/p>\n From there the ship will remain in Erie and partake in Fourth of July celebrations, offer day sails and deck tours through the summer and early fall.<\/p>\n Lights over Lake Erie<\/p>\n On July 3 at 10 p.m. the city of Erie will continue the fireworks tradition of Lights Over Lake Erie. The fireworks will be launched from the Bicentennial Tower at Dobbins Landing and will be viewable from points along the Bayfront.<\/p>\n From 2025: Lights Over Lake Erie fireworks start holiday weekend off with a bang<\/p>\n 1 of 8<\/p>\n Fireworks explode above the Bicentennial Tower during Lights Over Lake Erie in Erie on July 3, 2025.<\/p>\n (GREG WOHLFORD\/ERIE TIMES-NEWS)<\/p>\n An EMTA shuttle will be available providing transportation to and from Dobbins Landing from 8 p.m. to midnight.<\/p>\n America250 Birthday Bash on the Bayfront<\/p>\n The final America250PA event presented by Erie County will be the Birthday Bash on the Bayfront at the Bayfront Convention Center at 1 Sassafras Ext., on Aug. 21.<\/p>\n During this event, there will be a food and beverage experience representing 50 year eras since 1776, period d\u00e9cor with immersive storytelling, historical reenactments and live entertainment.<\/p>\n Erie Philharmonic concert<\/p>\n On July 4 at 2:30 p.m., Daniel Meyer will conduct the Erie Philharmonic at Bayview Park. This concert will be a patriotic pops special performance.<\/p>\n Throughout the state: What does Pennsylvania have in mind for the 250th anniversary celebration of America?<\/a><\/p>\n This concert will include music from contemporary American composers along with pieces from American musicals and an opening act from Josh Travis. This event is open to the public.<\/p>\n Contact Nicholas Sorensen at Nsorensen@usatodayco.com<\/a>.<\/p>\n