What is CAFE?
CAFE stands for Cultures, Arts, Festivals, and Events of Erie. It is a 501(c)(3) established in 2002 to support and promote neighborhood life within the City of Erie.
CAFE’s Mission is to:
Bring the City of Erie’s vision to life through fun, engaging events that celebrate our diverse cultures and welcoming, vibrant neighborhoods.
CAFE’s Vision:
A proud community of empowered neighbors.
CAFE’s Projects:
Lights Over Lake Erie
July 3rd at 10pm
In 2018, CAFE introduced the return of fireworks to celebrate Independence Day in Erie. Lights Over Lake Erie provides a spectacular fireworks display at the Bicentennial Tower at Dobbins Landing on July 3rd, with many viewing locations around the city and an estimated 25,000 spectators.
814 Concert Series
Six Sundays between July 3rd and CelebrateErie
Founded in 2022, the 814 Concert Series is a six-week summer concert series that brings music directly to the residents in six city parks throughout the urban core. The City of Erie provides a bandwagon and chairs at each location and CAFE hires a local band to perform each week. This event is rain or shine.
Sounds of Summer
Six Mondays between July 3rd and CelebrateErie
Sounds of Summer is a six-week summer concert series rotating between senior living communities in the City of Erie. The City provides a bandwagon and chairs at each location and CAFE hires a local band to perform each week. This event is rain or shine.
CelebrateErie
Third weekend in August, Friday through Sunday
The culmination of the City of Erie’s event calendar is CelebrateErie, a three-day celebration of Erie’s local art, culture, music, business, and food. With three nights of headlining concerts, three smaller local stages, and four districts (Food, Family, Marketplace, and Chalkwalk), CelebrateErie is free and open to the public, rain or shine. This event welcomes more than 200,000 attendees annually.
Board Members:
Renee Lamis, Ph.D.,MPA – President
Gabi Watson – Executive Director
Ed Williams – Treasurer
Kat Blair – Secretary
Dave Tamulonis – Director
Frank DiSalvo – Director
Monica Gustin – Director
Corey Cook – Director
Sarah Morrison – Director
