We Have a 'Good Feeling' About CelebrateErie 2023

Jessica Hunter

The City of Erie's annual Celebrate Erie is back in 2023 with tons of local music alongside national acts, with plenty of local art, food, and family activities to help us celebrate all that we love about Erie.

BEGINNING FRIDAY AUG. 18

After a huge comeback post-pandemic in 2022, CelebrateErie is gearing up for another successful year, thanks to both national and local talent. Running August 18-20 this year, the civic celebration will feature some big names from the music charts, and some hometown favorites as well, completely free of charge.

The Erie All Stars are set to provide Friday night's entertainment with a tribute to Fleetwood Mac, a follow up to their unforgettable homage to Queen from 2019's weekend. Openers for the group include local favorite Mambo and Stephen Trohoske's Dance JoneZz.

On Saturday, traditionally the biggest night of the celebration, Flo Rida will bring his renown to the CelebrateErie stage. With well-known hits like "Low," "My House," and "Good Feeling," the rapper-singer is sure to draw an impressive crowd. Locals LifeThruMusic and The LEC are set to open the show.

The party doesn't end there, though. Sunday's musical talent is North Carolina natives Parmalee, a chart-topping country group with hits that include "Just the Way," "Take My Name," and "Girl In Mine." Opening for the group will be Blue Sky and Refuge.

"These concerts close out each day's events and bring tens of thousands of people downtown," said Adrienne Nannen, events manager for the City of Erie. "We're thrilled that we can provide them for free to our CelebrateErie visitors."

CelebrateErie is more than just music — each day will be packed with other activities to enjoy prior to the main attraction, offering a fun-filled time for attendees. CelebrateErie will be divided into different districts to highlight the diversity and culture Erie has to offer.

The Family District will include entertainment that can be enjoyed by kids and adults alike, including hands-on activities that engage through wellness, learning, and the arts. The Business District will be a block dedicated to the shops, entrepreneurs, and other businesses from our area, showcasing their products and services that are produced or performed in our area. The Art District will include all kinds of artwork from local artists, including live demonstrations alongside artwork displays from artists and artisan vendors. This district is adjacent to the Chalk Walk, a CelebrateErie favorite, where more than 40 chalk murals will be represented this year.

The Culture District, created to celebrate the diverse communities in Erie, will feature a marketplace of international food, artisans, and performances. Nearby will be the Food District, showcasing Erie's best food and drinks from local food trucks, restaurants, distilleries, wineries, breweries, and more.

Entertainment will be provided throughout the weekend, with four District Stages featuring local talent set up throughout the area. Performances will include local musicians, dancers, and other performing artists. There will also be interactive, walk-up drum circles for those wanting to get in on the action.

Friday through Sunday // Various locations throughout Downtown Erie // For more info: celebrateerie.com