The Erie region celebrates and supports the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer/Questioning, and Intersexed and Ally/Asexual (LGBTQIA) community.
Whether you identify as LGBTQIA or are an ally, ALL are welcome!
Erie strives to be a welcoming, equitable, and inclusive community where we celebrate our rich diversity of cultures. Everyone has their own individual set of talents, skills, and perspectives. We believe that the color of your skin, the language you speak, the part of the world you come from, the faith you practice, your customs, your sexual orientation, and your gender preference, all make you the unique person you are.
Photo credit: David Tamulonis
Perfect Score on MEI - City of Erie
The City of Erie has scored a perfect 100 out of 100 on the Human Rights Campaign's Municipal Equality Index (MEI) three years in a row. The MEI examines how inclusive municipal laws, policies, and services are of LGBTQ people who live, work, and visit there. The MEI considers several important factors including non-discrimination laws, LGBTQ+ employee resource groups, inclusivity of city services, law enforcement practices, and municipal leadership’s stance on equality.
Erie is one of only five cities in Pennsylvania to receive a perfect score. To learn more about the work and advocacy being done in the City of Erie on behalf of the LGBTQ+ community, click here.
Legal Protections - Erie County
Erie County offers protections through its Human Relations Commission protecting LGBTQ+ individuals from discrimination at businesses countywide. The Erie County Human Relations Commission Ordinance affords individuals reasonable access to any public property, recognizing civil rights based on race, color, familial status, religious creed, ancestry, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, and disability of the person.
To learn more and read the ordinance, click here.
Sanctuary City - City of Erie
In 2023, Erie, PA declared itself a sanctuary city of members of the LGBTQ+ community. Read more here.
Annual and Regular Pride Events
Celebrate pride in Erie County at these events! For a more comprehensive calendar of LGBTQIA events and gatherings, click here.
Pride on the Bay - Celebrate Pride at northwestern Pennsylvania's largest Pride event each June! NWPA Pride Alliance hosts this and several other annual events, including Pride Parade in Downtown Erie, Erie Pride Picnic at Presque Isle State Park, and Erie Pride Day at Waldameer Park & Water World.
Queer Open Mic - Every third Thursday of the month from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. at Compton's Table, a sustainable organization where queer youth and young adults find community, are seen, valued, and affirmed. Hosted by Gwen Elaine. All queer performers are welcome!
Supporting your LGBTQIA family and friends is so much more than rainbow flags. It is about recognizing and remembering the struggles that the LGBTQIA community has faced to achieve equal justice and opportunities. There are a number of local and regional organizations that advocate for and provide services to members of this community.
Hop aboard the Presque Isle Water Taxi “Aquabus” for a scenic ride across the bay! Depart Downtown from the Landing Dock (5 State St, Erie, PA 16507) and be dropped off at the Public Dock on the Presque Isle Bike Trail.
Experience the best of summer at Port Farms — where every weekend is packed with themed festivals, entertainment, and memorable moments for all ages! Stroll through 3 acres of vibrant u-pick flower fields, enjoy over 20 farm attractions, and treat yourself to delicious eats and handcrafted drinks. From bubble dance parties and character visits, to goats and hands-on fun, there’s always something new to discover. Located just 13 miles south of I-90.
UPMC Hamot is a 445-bed hospital in Erie, Pennsylvania. It is a regional hub for specialized health care, including advanced surgical services, private intensive care suites, and the area’s only accredited trauma center.
$5 First Fridays through November, offering everyone a $5 Day Pass all day long! In town for a minute? Purchase a 3-Day Pass (for less than the price of 2 day passes) and visit up to 3 times in a 7-day span! Plus, shoe and chalk rentals are on the house for first-timers.
Located at the Sheraton Erie Bayfront Hotel, Two45 pays homage to the precisde moment in history that Oliver Hazard Perry bravely led the US Navy on the path to victory during the Battle of Lake Erie. As a tribute to our fair city, the restaurant offers upscale, traditional American cuisines with a focus on seafood adn coastal fare. Chef's specialities include macadmania-crusted grouper filet, premium beef cuts, and bone in tomahawk pork chop. Private dining room available.
Five Iron Golf is blurring the lines between indoor golf and entertainment. State-of-the-art simulators and world-class instruction meet premium events and amenities plus delectable food and cocktail menus.
Edinboro Community and Economic Development is a regional Edinboro area non-profit committed to fostering positive community-wide growth. Through economic and civic initiatives, the ECED seeks to empower the Edinboro community to effectuate targeted change to meet current needs and build regional resilience. Edinboro is a unique area where rural and urban values intersect, and the best "small town America" qualities shine.
In honor of its Centennial year, the Erie Zoo invites guests to be part of a century-long legacy of discovery, conservation, and connection. Throughout this year’s celebration, visitors can enjoy special events, interactive keeper talks, and up-close animal encounters that inspire curiosity and a deeper appreciation for the natural world. Whether it’s a family outing or a day of adventure with friends, the Erie Zoo continues to be a cherished destination for fun, education, and unforgettable memories.
Join us on Erie’s beautiful bayfront for a new experience from the creators of Oliver’s Rooftop restaurant. Oliver’s Beer Garden is an outdoor facility with great views of the Erie Bayfront and the nearby Bicentennial Tower. Enjoy craft brews, signature cocktails, and refreshing drinks served alongside delicious food from our very own food truck.
The Mazza family welcomes you to explore 3 unique locations in Lake Erie Wine Country. Sip and savor award-winning wines at Mazza Vineyards and the historic South Shore Wine Company, both located in North East, PA, and be sure to visit their combination winery, distillery and brewery, Mazza Chautauqua Cellars/Five & 20 Spirits and Brewing, in nearby Westfield, NY.
Welcome to The Cove Bay-Side Restaurant and Tavern. We invite you to enjoy a unique dining experience on Erie’s Bayfront with our nautically inspired decor, a carefully crafted menu, and an unbelievable view of Presque Isle Bay. With both indoor and outdoor seating right next to the bay, we want to be your destination of choice when you “just want to get away from it all” but without having to go far.
Dine. Sip. Enjoy the view. Admire the stunning views of the Lake Erie bayfront, either from Pier 6 Rooftop Bar or Bay House Oyster Bar. Pier 6 offers indoor and outdoor dining, with two rooftop decks. Bay House provides an upscale experience as Erie’s Only Fresh Oyster Bar & Wood-Fired Argentine Grill. All in one location, with two unique experiences.
Erie Events plays a pivotal role in hosting a diverse array of events, including concerts, Broadway productions, family shows, and sporting events. Visit the five venues: Erie Insurance Arena, Waner Theatre, Bayfront Convention Center, UPMC Park and the Rebich Investments Amphitheater at Liberty Park.
Tia Book Cellar is an independent bookstore offering new and bargain books, unique gifts, puzzles, and games for all interests and ages. Located across from Gibson Park in North East, their brand embodies the local business model and the local grape heritage. Tia's believes that "there is always … local, an alternative, and a story." They look forward to helping you discover your next read or gift here.
Get ready for another season of world-class performances as the Mercyhurst Institute for Arts & Culture returns with an electrifying 2025–2026 lineup spanning genres, generations, and global influences.
If you live more than 50 miles from Millcreek Mall, stop by the Customer Service Center to register. You’ll receive a Guest Rewards Tourism Program Luggage Tag. Scanning the QR Code on it will reveal special offers from participating mall merchants. If you spend $200 or more that day, take your receipts back to the Customer Service Center and you’ll get a FREE $20 Mall Gift Card. You get rewarded just for shopping!
Find true action with slots, table games, sports book, and horse racing.
Experience family summer fun on more than 100 great rides, slides and attractions at Waldameer!
Experience 84 degrees all year at one of the top water parks in the country.
Operating five unique venues right in the heart of downtown Erie’s entertainment and cultural district, there’s something for everyone.
Voted Erie’s Choice Best Hospital for eight years in a row
VisitErie – 208 East Bayfront Parkway – Erie PA 16507 – (814) 454-1000 – info@visiterie.com
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