Experience the Majesty of Tall Ships Erie
Join Us for an Unforgettable Maritime Adventure!
Get ready to experience the unforgettable. Tall Ships® Erie 2025 transforms Erie, PA’s historic bayfront into a bustling festival of sails, ships, and sea stories. With towering masts lining the horizon and sails catching the wind, our charming port city becomes a maritime wonderland—offering visitors the rare chance to step aboard and even sail away on historic tall ships from around the world.
Discover Tall Ships Erie
Tall Ships® Erie is a nationally recognized maritime festival that transforms Erie’s bayfront into a vibrant celebration of sailing, history, and community. Held every few years as part of the Tall Ships Challenge® series by Tall Ships America, it brings majestic tall ships into Presque Isle Bay for four unforgettable days of sails, music, exploration, and education.
Erie has been honored twice with Tall Ships America’s Port of the Year Award for our outstanding hospitality and impact, and our nonprofit host, the Flagship Niagara League, earned the prestigious Sail Trainer of the Year Award for its life-changing maritime education and youth programs.
Whether you’re a sailor at heart or simply looking for an incredible summer experience, Tall Ships Erie is your ticket to adventure.
Festival Schedule
Thursday, August 21 – The Parade of Sail
The festival officially kicks off with the Parade of Sail — a breathtaking spectacle as our fleet of tall ships sails into Presque Isle Bay in full rig. Starting at 4:00 PM, ships will pass by Dobbins Landing and Erie’s scenic shoreline, offering one of the most magical sights of the summer.
This event is FREE and open to the public, so grab a spot along the bayfront early!
Want the best seat in the harbor?
Purchase a Parade of Sail Pass to join the procession aboard a tall ship
Become a Ship Sponsor for an exclusive experience with reserved spots and perks
Friday, August 22 – Sunday, August 24: Tall Ships® Erie Festival
The festival grounds will be open daily from 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM, with plenty to explore across both major entrances at Dobbins Landing and the Bayfront Convention Center. Here’s a taste of what’s happening throughout the weekend:
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Deck Tours of visiting tall ships
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Day Sails on the bay (book early — they sell out!)
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Live Entertainment from regional bands and performers
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Kid Zone with family activities and crafts
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Maritime Marketplace with vendors and local makers
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VIP Hospitality Lounges for pass holders
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Private & Corporate Receptions after hours (6–9 PM)
Special programming and receptions often continue after gates close.
Choose Your Festival Adventure!
There are so many ways to join the fun at Tall Ships® Erie—whether you’re strolling the docks or setting sail, every ticket brings you one step closer to the magic of the waterfront. Best of all, proceeds from every ticket support hands-on maritime education programs and help provide access to the water for all.
General Admission & VIP Passes
Get ready for a weekend filled with ship tours, dockside entertainment, live music, and family fun!
With a General Admission Pass, you’ll get access to all shoreside festivities and the chance to tour the majestic tall ships while they’re in port.
Want to elevate your experience? Go VIP and enjoy exclusive amenities, fast-track access, and premium views of the festival action!
Sailing Excursions
Looking for an unforgettable way to experience the festival? Climb aboard for a thrilling Day Sail and become part of the action! Set sail on the open water, feel the breeze in your hair, and get a sailor’s-eye view of the Erie waterfront aboard an authentic tall ship.
Your Day Sail ticket includes full festival admission, so you’ll have access to everything on land plus the unforgettable experience of a sail on Presque Isle Bay.
Get Involved — Be Part of the Adventure!
It takes a community to bring the magic of Tall Ships® Erie 2025 to life — and there’s a place for you in the crew! Whether you’re looking to climb aboard for a sailing excursion, showcase your business in the Maritime Marketplace, support Erie’s future through sponsorship, or roll up your sleeves as a festival volunteer, there are so many ways to get involved and make an impact.
Volunteer – Join the Crew!
Want to be part of something unforgettable? Our volunteers are the beating heart of Tall Ships® Erie! From greeting guests and assisting with ship tours to helping in the Kid Zone or managing logistics, there’s a role for every personality and skill set.
No sailing experience? No problem! All volunteers receive training, a festival t-shirt, and a free admission pass with a deck tour add-on as a thank you.
Become a Vendor
Have a product or service that fits the festival vibe? Join the Maritime Marketplace, located inside the climate-controlled Bayfront Convention Center — a high-traffic hub right in the center of the action!
Whether you’re a local artisan, merchant, or maritime-themed brand, this is your chance to reach thousands of enthusiastic festivalgoers from across the region.
Space is limited, and vendor registration closes soon — don’t miss the boat!
Sponsorship Opportunities
Put your brand front and center while helping us inspire the next generation. Tall Ships® Erie sponsorships offer visibility to tens of thousands of attendees and unique experiences like VIP receptions, hospitality access, and even ship naming rights.
But more importantly, your support helps fund educational sails, youth leadership programs, and community waterfront access.
Educational Initiatives
Empowering Maritime Learning
All proceeds from the Tall Ships Erie festival are dedicated to enhancing traditional sailing education opportunities in Erie. By participating in this event, you are directly supporting programs that teach the art of sailing and maritime history to the community. These initiatives aim to inspire a new generation of sailors and maritime enthusiasts.
Our educational programs focus on hands-on experiences aboard historic vessels, providing students with unique insights into the world of sailing. These programs are designed to foster a deep appreciation for maritime heritage and encourage the development of essential skills.
Through partnerships with local schools and organizations, we offer a range of workshops and lectures that cover various aspects of maritime education. Your support helps us continue these valuable programs and expand our reach to more aspiring sailors.
Support the Tall Ships Erie Festival
Join us in making the Tall Ships Erie Festival a success through direct support or some of our high visibility sponsorship opportunities. Your support helps fund traditional sailing education and maritime programs in Erie.
Have questions about Tall Ships Erie? We’re here to help!
Call us: (844) 542-3743
Email us: Info@TallShipsErie.org
Visit us in person: Bayfront Maritime Center, 40 Holland Street, Erie, PA (open Monday–Friday, 10 AM – 4 PM)
Interested in sponsorship opportunities?
Reach out via email to:
We look forward to hearing from you!
Stay Connected!
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