The City of Erie has released details for the 2025 Lights Over Lake Erie fireworks show, along with a new event celebrating local refugee communities.

World Refugee Day Festival – June 28
On Saturday, June 28, Perry Square will host the city’s first World Refugee Day Festival, featuring artists, musicians, dancers, crafts, and food representing Erie’s Afghan, Syrian, Ukrainian, Bosnian, Nepali, and Congolese communities. More information will be released as the event approaches.

Lights Over Lake Erie – July 3 at 10 p.m.
The annual fireworks display will launch from near the Bicentennial Tower at Dobbins Landing on Thursday, July 3 at 10 p.m.

The show will be visible from:

   •Dobbins Landing, including the area south of the Bicentennial Tower and the public access walkways on East and West Dobbins Landing

   •Presque Isle State Park, particularly the portion of the park from the West and East piers east to Perry Monument

   •Boats on the bay (outside the 400-foot safety zone)

   •The Bluffs along East and West Front Streets, including Bayview Park on West Second Street (between Cherry and Walnut)

   •Various other locations throughout the city

Parking and Accessibility Details:

   •Due to the anticipated congestion, the city recommends that residents/visitors park downtown and either walk or take the shuttle to the Bayfront

   •The following garages will be free: 712 Peach St, 140 W. 9th St, 24 E. 8th St.

   •No access to UPMC Hamot or Sheraton parking ramps

   •Do not plan on parking in the public parking areas in or around Dobbins Landing. The city recommends street and ramp parking downtown, south of Bayfront Parkway.

   •EMTA will provide shuttle service, to those in need, to Dobbins Landing until midnight

Bicentennial Tower will be closed on July 3 and reopen on July 4.

The event is supported by the Erie-Western PA Port Authority and co-sponsored by Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield.

More information can be found on The City of Erie's website.