Soak Up Summer
Your Ultimate Guide to Events in the PA Great Lakes Region
Dive into the heart of summer with the PA Great Lakes Region, where each county comes alive with a vibrant tapestry of events that capture the essence of the season. From hot air balloons painting the sky to the soothing melodies of blues and jazz, this region transforms into a hub of excitement and cultural festivity. To take a closer look at the not-to-be-missed summer events across Crawford, Erie, Mercer, and Venango counties, click the link to visit their Event Calendar.
Libations Winery - Mercer County
Oil Heritage Festival - Venango County
Crawford County Fair - Crawford County
Thurston Classic - Crawford County
Crawford County
A Kaleidoscope of Summer Fun
- Thurston Classic Hot Air Balloon Event: Watch in awe as the skies above Meadville are adorned with colorful hot air balloons in this mesmerizing annual spectacle.
- Crawford County Fair: Embrace the spirit of summer at one of Pennsylvania’s largest agricultural fairs, featuring live entertainment, rides, and exhibits.
- Blues Festival at Conneaut Cellars: Sway to the soulful sounds of blues set amidst the scenic backdrop of Conneaut Cellars Winery and Vineyard.
- Cochranton Fair: Enjoy traditional fair attractions, agricultural displays, and family-friendly entertainment in the heart of Cochranton.
Erie County
Sun, Sand, and Celebrations
- Sol Fest – Summer Solstice Celebration: Celebrate the Summer Solstice at the 4th Annual Sol Fest: Summer Celebration for Mind+Body+Soul on Presque Isle Bay! This unique gathering is an immersive experience in a variety of wellness modalities that are playful, educational and inspirational.
- AmeriMasala: The AmeriMasala is Erie’s first multi-disciplinary celebration of global ethnic arts, food, and performances. Experience towering 15-20 ft body puppets, dragons, stilt-walkers, a New Orleans-style marching band, a West African dance and drum ensemble, a 20-member all-female Afro-Brazilian samba group, and more. The parade kicks off at noon. Admission is free and open to the public.
- Lake Erie Cycle Fest: Experience breathtaking landscapes and Erie County’s abundant natural resources and spectacular routes, while enjoying the type of community that can only be found at a cycling festival! Cyclists of all ages and abilities will participate in self-supported rides on routes that feature Erie’s vast terrain – along sandy beaches and through old growth forests, across our vibrant downtown and our expansive grape-growing region.
- Discover Presque Isle: Uncover the natural beauty of Presque Isle State Park with outdoor activities, beach games, and sunset celebrations.
- Blues & Jazz Festival: For more than 30 years, the Erie Blues & Jazz Festival has brought together community, creativity, and tradition at beautiful Frontier Park in downtown Erie. This free, and free-spirited festival features national, regional, and local blues and jazz acts, along with artist booths and demonstrations.
Photo by Tim McLaughlin
WaterFire - Mercer County
Mercer County
Savor the Tastes and Sounds of Summer
- Grove City Strawberry Days: Kick off summer with sweet treats, crafts, and entertainment in celebration of strawberry season.
- WaterFire in Sharon: Be mesmerized by the spectacle of fire-lit braziers floating on the Shenango River, accompanied by live performances and art installations.
- Hermitage Arts Festival: Explore a world of creativity with local art, live music, and interactive activities in Hermitage.
- Mercer County Grange Fair and Stoneboro Fair: Experience the heart of summer with these traditional fairs, showcasing the community’s agricultural heritage and family fun.
Venango County
Adventure and Heritage
- Franklin Brews & BBQ Festival: Combine the best of craft beer and barbecue in this delicious downtown Franklin event.
- International Bowhunting Organizations’ Triple Crown Championship: Test your skills or cheer on competitors in this prestigious archery event at Two Mile Run County Park.
- Ten Miles for Two Mile Jeep Event: Gear up for an off-road adventure, celebrating Jeep culture and community spirit.
- Oil Heritage Festival in Oil City and Oil Fest in Titusville: Delve into the rich history of the oil industry with parades, car shows, and historical tours, marking the region’s pivotal role in the global oil boom.
Concert in Justus Park - Venango County
Grove City Strawberry Days - Mercer County
The PA Great Lakes Region in summer is a canvas of experiences.
From exhilarating outdoor adventures to serene cultural gatherings. Whether you’re drawn by the thrill of festivals, the allure of nature, or the charm of small-town fairs, our region promises a summer filled with joy, discovery, and unforgettable memories. Join us under the sun and let the vibrant spirit of our communities inspire your next summer adventure.




