As the tall ships sail in on Thursday, August 22, you can enjoy festivities for free including the Parade of Sails and one of the largest fireworks display in the region. 

The Parade of Sails is a free event to view the tall ships as they sail into Presque Isle Bay. The parade will begin on Thursday, August 22 at 4 p.m. and is expected to last until 6:00 p.m. Ships will enter through the Lake Erie channel and proceed into the Bay before docking on the festival grounds. The Flagship Niagara League and Tall Ships Erie volunteers will be setting up for the festivities throughout the day on Thursday. Because of this, festival grounds will not be open to the public to view the parade.

The Parade can best be viewed anywhere Presque Isle Bay is seen. The Flagship Niagara League recommends grabbing a spot along the southeast shoreline side of Presque Isle, North and South piers, any waterfront location with views of the bay or viewing by boat. Boaters may enjoy the lake and watch the parade from their watercraft, but are cautioned to stay at least 100 yards away from the tall ships.  This will be enforced by the US Coast Guard under federal regulations. 

Shooting off from a barge, the Tall Ships fireworks display will be one of the largest shows Erie has ever seen. Fireworks will shoot off from Presque Isle Bay on Thursday, August 22 at 9:00 p.m. Fireworks can be seen from any Bayfront location. Festival grounds will not be open to the public except for special fireworks viewing parties. Tickets for special fireworks viewing locations can be purchased at tallshipserie.org.

Tall Ships Erie 2019 has been designated as a Marine Event of National Significance by the United States Department of Homeland Security. Spectators should note that drones are not permitted to be launched from or flown over the event.  Tall Ships Erie 2019, presented by Highmark, will take place August 22-25, 2019. Explore 14 majestic tall ships and engage with Erie’s maritime heritage in one fun-filled weekend. To purchase tickets, parking passes, and this year’s festival guide go to tallshipserie.org.