Sponsorship Opportunities

Showcase Your Brand. Support Maritime Education. Celebrate Erie.

Sponsor Tall Ships® Erie

Every three years, Erie’s beautiful bayfront transforms into the epicenter of adventure and history as majestic tall ships from across the world sail into town.

Tall Ships® Erie isn’t just a festival—it’s a celebration of Erie’s maritime heritage and a key fundraiser supporting hands-on maritime education and waterfront access for all in our community.

In 2025, Tall Ships® Erie returns August 21–24, bringing tens of thousands of visitors to Northwest Pennsylvania. And your company can be at the heart of it.

Why Partner With Tall Ships® Erie?

  • Align your brand with Erie’s premier tourism and community event, drawing over 100,000 visitors from Pennsylvania, Ohio, New York, and beyond.

  • Invest in the future by supporting year-round programs that provide students and community members access to the water and maritime education.

  • Enjoy exclusive benefits including VIP access, shipboard receptions, and high-visibility brand placement throughout the festival and in regional media.

From sponsoring the Parade of Sail to hosting private receptions aboard historic ships, every sponsorship level offers unique ways to elevate your brand while supporting an event that celebrates Erie’s connection to the Great Lakes and the world.

Economic Impact

Tall Ships® Erie is not only a celebration of maritime heritage—it’s an economic engine for the Erie community. According to Visit Erie’s 2022 study:

  • Over $8 million in economic impact generated in the Erie region.

  • Boost to local hotels, restaurants, shops, and service businesses.

  • Increase in tourism to Erie County by 41% from 2019 to 2022 during festival periods.

  • Out-of-state visitors increased by 13%, further expanding Erie’s reach as a destination.

With rising demand for one-tank trip destinations, Tall Ships® Erie 2025 promises to be an even greater catalyst for regional economic growth. Sponsoring this event means directly supporting Erie’s tourism, hospitality, and small business sectors at a critical moment.

Who Attends Tall Ships® Erie?

As a sponsor, your brand will engage with a broad and diverse audience of festival-goers, including:

  • 100,000+ attendees over the four-day festival and surrounding weeks.

  • Visitors from Pittsburgh, Cleveland, Buffalo, Youngstown, Johnstown/Altoona, and beyond.

  • Mix of families, young professionals, retirees, and educators.

  • A growing VIP demographic seeking exclusive experiences like private receptions and shipboard dinners.

  • Education-focused visitors interested in maritime heritage, STEM learning, and Erie’s lakefront history.

From children to seniors, locals to out-of-state visitors, the festival reflects Erie’s community spirit and diverse population—making it a perfect platform for both regional visibility and broader brand storytelling

The Impact of Your Support

Proceeds from Tall Ships® Erie help fund critical maritime education initiatives, including:

  • Youth sail training programs aboard the historic schooner Lettie G. Howard.

  • Community partnerships providing access to Erie’s waterfront.

  • Maritime heritage preservation and public programming.

Your sponsorship doesn’t just build brand visibility—it directly fuels educational programs that help young people discover the joys of life on the water and foster a lifelong connection to Erie’s lakefront.