Erie's 40 Under 40 Experience Boasts the Best of Erie

Brad Perrine

Erie's 40 Under 40 Experience, last held at the Avalon Hotel in 2019 (featuring plenty of socializing along with live tattoos and a silent disco), returns in 2021 better than ever, this time at Erie's Courtyard at Marriott. Past 40 Under 40 honorees and the community at large are invited to enjoy a stunning bayfront backdrop and some of the finest food, drink, and entertainment the Gem City has to offer on Friday, Sept. 17.

FRIDAY, SEPT. 17

Anyone who has been there knows: Erie's 40 Under 40 Experience is the place to be. At its heart, it's a celebration honoring the achievements of the recent classes of Erie's 40 Under 40. Like many events, it didn't happen in 2020. This year, it's back and better than ever. Hosted in conjunction by the Erie Reader and the Young Erie Professionals, it's a cocktail chic event for not only the past and present honorees of Erie's 40 Under 40, but the community at large. Bringing together the food, drink, and music that make Erie special, it's a tightly packed and unforgettable night.

Keeping in step with previous years, the location is once again new. Erie's Courtyard at Marriott provides an exquisite backdrop, with its eponymous courtyard becoming the epicenter of the night's activities. With an expansive outdoor tent, the venue offers the best of both worlds, letting guests mingle in the open air.

The mainstage will feature music from Abigail (aka Abby Paulson, class of 2019), Charles Brown (class of 2013), and Fox Grotto (previously known as Falling Hollywood, featuring three different honorees). Acoustic performances from Brooke Surgener and Jess Royer will entertain guests during the latter half of the evening, while the silent disco from WNY-In Your Ear Events and Erie Encore Entertainment rages on in the main tent, with DJ Vinnie Hoffman emceeing. Sample local libations from Erie Beer, the Lake Erie Ale Trail, Altered State Distillery, Luminary Distillery, Cart/Horse Distilling, and Blind Tiger Spirit-Free Cocktails.

Get your fill of delicious food from Red Letter Hospitality (Skunk and Goat, Molly Brannigans, The Cork), the Brewerie at Union Station, Lavery Brewing Company, and of course The Shoreline Bar & Grille courtesy of the Courtyard by Marriott, as well as more TBA. Celebrate in style and see some of the best Erie has to offer at this one-of-kind evening. It's an experience. — Nick Warren

7 p.m. to 11 p.m. // Courtyard by Marriott Erie Bayfront Hotel, 2 Sassafras Pier // $40 pre-sale, $75 for couples, $50 at the door (special pricing for past 40 Under 40 honorees) // For more information and tickets, go to 40u40.eriepa.com