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:
Erie 250: Light & Liberty on the Lake
The annual July 3rd Fireworks display has become one of Erie’s signature events, hosted by the CAFÉ Board in coordination with the City of Erie. Known as ‘Boom over the Bay’ or ‘Lights over Lake Erie’ in the past, the 2026 display is in conjunction with Erie’s America250 celebration as Lights & Liberty on the Lake. Launching from the Bicentennial Tower at Dobbins Landing, the show lights up the waterfront with a choreographed fireworks presentation visible from locations across the Bayfront, downtown Erie, and Presque Isle State Park. The event not only celebrates the holiday spirit but also showcases Erie’s waterfront as a gathering place for community pride, tourism, and regional celebration. Lights & Liberty on the Lake is made possible by our generous sponsor, Rebich Investments. Prior to the fireworks display, Erie Events is hosting a concert at Rebich Amphitheatre in Liberty Park. Concert tickets and details can be found at https://www.erieevents.com/events/event/07/03/2026/the-marshall-tucker-band. Fireworks will commence at the end of the concert at 10PM.
Attendees of Lights & Liberty on the Lake should be aware of the unique traffic patterns due to construction along the Bayfront Parkway. Complimentary shuttle services to and from the bayfront will be provided by the Erie Metropolitan Transit Authority (EMTA). Details on these shuttles will be made available on the EMTA, City of Erie Government, and CelebrateErie’s social media pages.
Sounds of Summer
Six Mondays between July 6th 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:
Lori Radder Spicer- President
Hunter T. Lytle- Executive Director
Ed Williams- Treasurer
Kim McMahon-Smith- Secretary
Corey Cook- Director
Stephen Trohoske- Director
Sarah Morrison- Director
Monica Gustin- Director
Stephanie Hunt- Director
Dave Tamulonis- Director
Kimberleigh Haslett- Director
