Soak up the sun: What you need to experience in the Erie area before summer ends

It might seem like summer just started. But alas, it is already winding down.

Fall officially starts Sept. 22, meaning we still have some time left to take in festivals or fairs and hit the beach. But most Erie County students are headed back to school within the next few weeks, and the unofficial end of summer is considered by most to be Labor Day, which is Sept. 5.

We've compiled some suggestions for entertaining ways to spend the remaining sun-soaked days before autumn arrives.

Summer 2022 in Erie: Your guide to unforgettable fun, tastes and sights

Listen to live bands outdoors

Music fills the air outdoors during Erie's summers with a number of free outdoor shows that are still ongoing.

Some other series that have a few dates remaining include the Whitford Park series in Harborcreek, Music in the Park in Lake City, both with final concerts on Wednesday at 7 p.m..

In Erie, the Perry Square Concert series, which runs on Thursdays from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m., ends Sept. 8, with the Erie All-Stars scheduled to perform.

Many local establishments also feature live bands performing outdoors through the month of September, as well. Check the GoErie events calendar frequently for some of those events.

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Check out crafts, livestock at area fairs

Local and county fairs are back this year. The Erie County Fair at Wattsburg started Monday, while the Spartansburg, Waterford and Albion fairs are scheduled to start in September.

Livestock exhibits, tractor pulls, harness racing, amusement rides, live music and more are on the schedule, along with all kinds of tasty fair food.

Find details about area fairs at bit.ly/areafairs.

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Visit a park

According to the City of Erie's 2022 Summer Recreation Guide, there are "45 beautiful parks" in the city. That means there is much for kids and parents to explore, whether that is on playground equipment, on the courts or simply walking the grounds.

And if you're thinking of more the amusement variety, Waldameer Park & Water World is open through Labor Day. So make sure to get in that last ride on Ravine Flyer II or last splash in the Giant Wave Pool before Waldameer closes for the season.

Pack up the car for a drive-in movie

Head to Waterford's Sunset Drive In to watch a movie on the outdoor big screen at one of the few drive-in theaters remaining in the tri-state area. Gates open at 7:30 p.m. Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, with the first movie beginning at dusk at 808 Route 97. Admission is $9 for adults, while kids age 7-11 are $4 and children 6 and under are free.

The drive-in typically runs weekends through the end of September.

And, if you haven't had a chance to peruse your neighborhood for a yard sale this summer, Sunset Drive In also has a flea market on Sundays from 6:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., open through late September or early October. Admission is 50 cents per person.

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Endless possibilities at Presque Isle

Presque Isle's beaches, waterways, structures and trails, including the paved Multi-Purpose Trail, offer many possibilities. The new nature play space at the Tom Ridge Environmental Center is also a family-fun attraction. Whether you want to fish in Misery Bay, sunbathe on the beach, ride a bike, kayak, water ski ... well, you get the idea.

The swimming season typically ends on Labor Day. However, depending on weather and staffing, beaches could be guarded for swimming on other weekends in September.

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Take in a ballgame

The Erie SeaWolves are playing winning baseball this season, and there's always plenty of family fun to be had at UPMC Park at 831 French St. You can check out the remaining fireworks nights (Sept. 2 and Sept. 9) or plan a visit on any other of the home dates with special promotions and giveaways.

Visit milb.com/erie or call 814-456-1300 for information.

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See what's new at the zoo

The Erie Zoo and Botanical Gardens has more than 400 animals and 11 gardens on its 15 acres. The animal exhibits include Kiboka Outpost, Wild Asia, Safariland and Children’s Adventure. Updates to the Main Zoo Building are part of an improvements project that includes a new primate exhibit and the renovation of the American otter exhibit.

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Take a road trip

Take a ride around the Erie region to view the inspiring murals or art installations. You can view artwork outside, including at the Erie Art Museum on 20 E. Fifth St., or you can take in the many murals on buildings in Erie neighborhoods, with new ones painted this summer along safe walking routes to the city's community schools.

Buckle up for a cruise down Route 6 to take in the scenery. The PA Route 6 Public Art & Mural Trail maps out all the artwork and murals on Pennsylvania's 427 miles of Route 6/Route 6N in 11 counties.

You can schedule out stops on the Lake Erie Wine Trail, which includes 53 miles of wineries and picturesque vineyards along Lake Erie. You could also cross off breweries on the list of the Lake Erie Ale Trail while trying out local craft beers.

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Dine al fresco or get a sweet treat

There are countless restaurants in the region with outdoor seating, especially after the COVID-19 pandemic forced many to adapt with tables outside. With courtyard, patio and rooftop seating, many offer stunning views while you enjoy your meal.

And who doesn't want to try out a local ice cream stand for some cold, creamy goodness before summer ends?

To find even more things to do, or to get your event in front of the public for free, check the GoErie events calendar frequently. It's at goerie.com/things-to-do/events.

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This article originally appeared on Erie Times-News: End of summer 2022: What to do in Erie, PA before fall begins