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Downtown Erie Winter Carnival Returns for 2024
Chase those winter blues away with lots of fun coming in hot
February 12, 2024 at 8:00 AM
Erin Phillips
The third annual Winter Carnival presented by the Erie Downtown Partnership offers local families an excuse to get out and enjoy Erie at the peak of winter. Expect dazzlingly impressive ice sculptures, live music, vendors, family activities, ice skating, and more.
BEGINNING THURSDAY, FEB. 22
At this point in the year, most people are wishing for warmer weather and waiting for those gray winter days to end. But with the Erie Downtown Partnership's (EDP) annual upcoming Winter Carnival, we're looking forward to cooler temps for just a bit longer.
Now in its third year, the Winter Carnival is bringing back all the fan favorites, offering a fun weekend out for the whole family. Expect lots of live music in the downtown restaurants and with use of the former Erie Co-Op space for some of the programming, there's sure to be something for everyone to enjoy.
Live ice carving has been a mainstay of the event, and Dave Tamulonis, EDP's events and marketing manager, recommends not missing out on the experience: "A team of professional carvers will be doing large-scale carvings live during the festival Friday night and Saturday morning, so be sure to get there early," he said. "A lot of people enjoy watching the sculptures come to life."
Another highlight is the fire dancing performance put on by Jennifer Dennehy and Friends. Local to Erie, Dennehy has showcased her talents through performances and workshops at events like Discover Presque Isle and Celebrate Erie. "It's amazing to see the crowd that comes out in the cold to watch," said Tamulonis. "Each year they put on a fantastic show!"
Also included this year will be vendors in the Perry Square shops, curling demonstrations on the Perry Square Stage, and your last chance to skate at the Downtown Community Skating Rink until next year.
Thursday, Feb. 22 and Friday, Feb. 23 from 4 to 7 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 24 from noon to 7 p.m., and Sunday, Feb. 25 from noon to 5 p.m. // Perry Square, 601 State St. // Free // For more info: eriedowntown.com