Event Information - Make the most of your Tall Ships® Erie adventure!

Plan Your Adventure

From the breathtaking Parade of Sail to hands-on ship tours, bustling marketplaces, and live entertainment along the waterfront, there’s something for everyone. This guide will help you plan your visit so you can enjoy the festival to the fullest.

Festival Overview

Tall Ships® Erie 2025 is a multi-day celebration of maritime heritage that transforms Erie’s Bayfront into a harbor full of majestic tall ships.

You can step aboard historic and replica vessels, meet their crews, shop at the Maritime Marketplace, and enjoy family-friendly activities in the Kids’ Zone.

Proceeds from the festival support maritime education and help provide access to the water for our community—keeping these traditions alive for future generations.

Getting Here & Parking

Tall Ships® Erie occurs in Erie, Pennsylvania at the end of State Street and at the Bayfront Convention Center.

Festival Dates & Hours

  • Thursday, August 21 –
    4:00 PM – Parade of Sail in Presque Isle Bay

  • Friday, August 22 – Sunday, August 24 –
    Festival Grounds Open 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
    Deck tours begin at 10:00 AM daily (last tour boarding times vary by ship).

No On-Site General Parking

There is no dedicated public parking inside the festival grounds.
We recommend parking in one of Erie’s downtown parking garages or lots and using the festival’s free shuttle service.

Meter Parking:
Erie has street level metered parking, ese the MeterEZ app to pay and extend your time remotely. Meters are free after 5 PM Friday and all weekend.

VIP & Reserved Handicap Parking

  • VIP Parking: Exclusive for VIP ticket weekend pass holders, located in the Bayfront Convention Center parking lot.
    1 Sassafras Pier, Erie, PA 16507
    * Please note this is for weekend pass only, not single day VIP passes.

  • Prepaid Handicap Parking: Reserved accessible parking spaces in the same lot, available for advance purchase.

  • Both VIP Passes and reserved handicap parking passes can be purchased through our festival ticketing page (while availabilities last).

Festival Footprint

This year’s footprint is smaller and focused on:

  • Dobbins Landing at the end of State Street

  • Bayfront Convention Center at the foot of Sassafras Street

State Street just south of the Bayfront Parkway will be closed to vehicle traffic during festival hours, but walkways will remain open for pedestrians. There will be no closures north of the Bayfront Parkway outside the footprint.

Security Measures

As a Maritime Event of National Significance (Designated by the USCG), Tall Ships® Erie has enhanced security procedures:

  • Tickets, wristbands, or credentials are required for entry.

  • All bags and personal belongings will be searched.

  • Large backpacks, drones, outside food, and open beverages are prohibited.

  • One factory-sealed bottle of water per guest is allowed; small coolers (5 quarts or less) permitted only for baby food/formula or medicine.

  • Baby food and formula must be in plastic containers (no glass).

Admission Ticket Prices

Single Day Pass – $12
Enjoy the festival grounds for one day (Friday, Saturday, or Sunday). Does not include ship deck tours.

Deck Tour Add-On – $6
Add access to board and tour participating tall ships (available for 5 ships; others may be day sailing). Requires a Single Day Pass.

Weekend Pass – $45
Includes all three days of festival admission and deck tour access—a $9 savings compared to purchasing separately.

Single Day VIP Pass – $89
Includes all single day festival access, ship deck tours, VIP hospitality areas, and priority access to shorter lines.

VIP Weekend Pass – $149
Includes VIP access for all three days with deck tours, hospitality areas, priority entry, and reserved VIP parking at the Bayfront Convention Center.

Children 2 and under – Free admission.

Sailing Excursions – Prices vary by vessel and schedule
Your sailing excursion ticket includes a Single Day Pass and Deck Tour Add-On for the day of your sail. You’ll have access to the festival grounds, ship tours, and your scheduled sail all in one ticket.

Day Sail schedules and availability can be found on our Sailing Excursions page.

Online Purchase Information
Online ticket purchases are subject to service and convenience fees.

Skip the Online Fees:

  • Purchase tickets in person at the Lettie G. Howard ticket booth at Dobbins Landing before or during the festival.
  • Buy in advance at the Bayfront Maritime Center (Mon–Fri, 10 AM–4 PM; please call 844-542-3743 before visiting).
  • Purchase at the gate during the festival.

Things to Do at the Festival

  • Ship Deck Tours & Day Sails – Board stunning historic and replica vessels, or join a sail on Presque Isle Bay.

  • Maritime Marketplace – Shop specialty foods, art, crafts, wine & spirits, and more.

  • Kids’ Zone – Enjoy hands-on activities, crafts, inflatables, and maritime-themed fun for all ages.

  • Live Entertainment – Music, performances, and cultural displays throughout the day.

  • Food & Drink – Savor the flavors of Erie’s Bayfront restaurants and beverage vendors.

Pro Tips for a Smooth Visit

  • Arrive Early – Crowds are largest on Parade of Sail day.

  • Plan for Weather – The festival goes on rain or shine. Umbrellas are not permitted aboard ships; bring a rain jacket if needed.

  • Stay Hydrated – Bring a sealed water bottle or an empty refillable one to use at hydration stations.

  • Time Your Ship Tours – Lines may close 30 min–2 hours before festival closing time depending on demand.

  • Use the Shuttle Map – It will save you time and simplify your trip between parking areas, downtown, and the festival footprint.

Accessibility

  • Festival grounds: Fully handicap accessible with paved walkways and accessible restrooms.

  • Ships: Due to their historic nature, most ships are not wheelchair accessible. Walkers and canes may be accommodated, but please check with crew before boarding.

  • Handicap Parking: Reserved prepaid spaces are located in the Bayfront Convention Center parking lot (1 Sassafras ext, Erie, PA). Handicapped spots must be reserved in advance for $10 for each day you plan to attend.
    You can find them on our ticketing page.

Where to Stay

Erie offers a wide range of accommodations just minutes from the festival grounds. For current lodging availability, visit VisitErie.com/stay.

Shuttles & Public Transit

Getting to Tall Ships® Erie is easy and affordable thanks to our partners at the Erie Metropolitan Transit Authority (EMTA). Whether you’re parking downtown, coming in for the Parade of Sail, or exploring beyond the Bayfront, we’ve got you covered.

Free Festival Shuttle

Our festival shuttle route is completely free & Handicapped Accessible for everyone—no festival pass required.

  • Thursday Afternoon (2pm -6pm): Runs for the Parade of Sail, making it easy to get to and from popular viewing areas without the parking hassle.

  • Friday–Sunday: Operates from approximately 8:00 AM to 7:30 PM, circulating between downtown park-and-ride locations and the Bayfront Convention Center.

Look for clearly marked shuttle stops, and check the Shuttle Map on this page and at the festival gates to plan your trip.

Your Festival Pass = Unlimited EMTA Bus Rides

Your Tall Ships® Erie Festival Pass also serves as a free EMTA fixed-route bus pass for the entire festival weekend—Thursday through Sunday. Just show your ticket when boarding any EMTA bus to ride at no charge. This is a great option if you’re staying at a hotel, parking farther from downtown, or exploring Erie’s other attractions during your visit.

If you don’t have a festival pass, regular EMTA fares apply outside of the free festival shuttle route.

Shuttle Stops & Parking Locations:

These garages and lots are within a short walk of shuttle stops and offer easy access to the festival footprint:

  • Garage Q – 712 Peach St., Erie, PA 16501 (about 6 blocks south of the Bayfront)

  • Erie Parking Authority Garage – 24 E 8th St., Erie, PA 16501 (near Perry Square, 7 blocks from the Bayfront)

  • Garage D – 120 W 9th St., Erie, PA 16501 (near Gannon University, 8 blocks from the Bayfront)

  • 10th Street Parking Garage – 25 E 10th St., Erie, PA 16501 (about 9 blocks south of the Bayfront

The Gold Route provides free, handicapped-accessible shuttle service during the festival. It runs between the Thomas C. Hoffman Intermodal Transportation Center Park & Ride (Intersection of Bayfront Parkway & Lincoln Ave, Erie, PA 16503), Liberty Park (200 Lawrence Pier, Erie, PA 16507, along the Bayfront Parkway), and the Bayfront Convention Center (1 Sassafras Pier, Erie, PA 16507).

Shuttles run continuously, making it easy to park for free and get right to the festival gates!

Other Attractions in Erie.

Erie is alive with activity during Tall Ships® Erie. In addition to the festival, you’ll find other events and attractions happening across the city, from cultural festivals and sporting events to museums and outdoor adventures.

Zabawa

August 22nd-24th

Zabawa is an annual Polish heritage festival that is held at Holy Trinity Catholic Church at 2220 Reed Street in Erie. Enjoy Polish food and music on Friday (5 – 10 pm), Saturday (noon – 10 pm), and Sunday (11 am – 4pm). Admission is free for all the festivities.

TFT® Firefighter Challenge Championship Series

August 21st -23rd

Watch the physically challenging competition that shows the tasks firefighters perform in emergency situations. The competition will be held at Perry Square in downtown Erie. No tickets are required. Come and stay as long as you want.

Presque Isle State Park

If you want to enjoy beaches, swimming, biking, or hiking, Presque Isle is a wonderful place to visit. The park opens at 5:00 am, and the day-use areas close at dusk. After sunset, evening driving is permitted.

Tom Ridge Environmental Center (TREC)

The Tom Ridge Environmental Center is just before the entrance to Presque Isle State Park, and the gateway to discovery. TREC helps visitors learn about Presque Isle and the many different forms of life that inhabit this unique peninsula. It is open daily from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm. Admission is free to the interactive exhibits and the 75-foot observation tower.

Erie SeaWolves Baseball

August 21st -24th

Play ball! The SeaWolves have four home games during Tall Ships® Erie. Aug. 21 – Two-Buck Thursday, Aug. 22 – fireworks night, Aug. 23 – SeaWolves football jersey giveaway, and Aug. 24 – kids jersey giveaway.

Ascend Erie

While you’re at Tall Ships® Erie, Ascend Erie, a climbing gym at 426 State St., is offering day passes on Fridays for $5, plus the cost of rental gear. They are open on Friday from 7 am – 9 pm and 10 am – 6 pm on Saturday and Sunday.

Erie Zoo

Located at 423 W 38th St in Erie, the Erie Zoo has more than 400 animals, while the botanical gardens and greenhouse have over 600 species of plants from around the world. Daily zoo hours are 10 am to 5 pm. Admission is $12 for ages 13 and older, $10 for ages 62 and older, $8 for ages 2-12, and free for younger children.

Erie Land Lighthouse

The Erie Land Lighthouse, at 2 Lighthouse St. in Erie, is open Fridays through Mondays from 10 am to 5 pm. You can visit the grounds for free. Access to and climbing the tower is $6 for visitors. Visitors must be at least 44” tall.

Erie has several wonderful museums Hours and admission fees vary.
All of these museums are close to the Tall Ships® Erie festival.

The Hagen History Center

located at 356 W. Sixth St., features the history of Erie. It also has a
Frank Lloyd Wright exhibit and much more.

 

The Experience Children’s Museum

located at 420 French St., is a great place to visit for a wonderful family-focused experience.

 

The Erie Art Museum

located at 20 E. Fifth St. has several amazing exhibits, including one based on Joseph Plavcan, one of Erie’s most celebrated artists and art educators.

 

Erie Maritime Museum

on the bayfront very near our Tall Ships® Erie festival. You can learn about our area’s maritime history.

Murder on the Rocks

August 20th-21st

“Murder on the Rocks” is a murder-mystery dinner at Room 33 Speakeasy, 1033 State St in Erie. Dinner is at 6:30 pm Tickets for the murder mystery dinner are $65 plus fees.

Kellar’s: A Modern Magic & Comedy Club

August 22nd-23rd

Enjoy stand-up comedian Josh Wolf at Kellar’s, located at 1402 State St in Erie. Friday, there’s one show (7:30 pm) and Saturday, there are two shows (6:30 pm and 9:30 pm). Tickets for the shows are $30.

Need More Information?

We’re here to help!
📞 Call us at 844-542-3743

📍 Visit us in person
Bayfront Maritime Center
40 Holland Street, Erie, PA
(open Monday–Friday, 10 AM – 4 PM)

📧 Email us anytime at [email protected]