Food, music, polkas and pirates: 5 (more) things to do during Tall Ships Erie weekend
Coming downtown for Tall Ships Erie?
There's a lot more to do in the city ― on land and on water ― during the Aug. 25-28 event.
Here are suggestions for other downtown events that weekend. For even more events in and around Erie, check out GoErie.com, VisitErie.com and ErieDowntown.com.
1. Rock in the park
First to Eleven performs Thursday, Aug. 25, in Perry Square, named for War of 1812 tall ship and fleet commander Oliver Hazard Perry.
The Erie band is home after a cross-country tour this spring under the name Concrete Castles to promote its first album of original music.
Earlier this year: Concrete Castles (Erie's First to Eleven) touring with 1st album of originals
Formerly known as M4, the band won the Tri-C High School Rock Off at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum in Cleveland in 2015 and 2016.
First to Eleven will be on the park stage from 7 to 10 p.m. as part of the Perry Square Concert Series.
Admission is free.
2. Celebrate Polish heritage
Zabawa Polish Festival offers authentic Polish foods, entertainment, vendors and even a polka Mass.
The 29th annual event opens Friday, Aug. 26, from 5 to 10 p.m., and continues Saturday, Aug. 27, from noon to 10 p.m., and Sunday, Aug. 28, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Holy Trinity Roman Catholic Church, 2220 Reed St.
Admission is free. Visit holytrinityrc.org for details.
3. Take a Downtown Erie Food Tour
Sample foods from restaurants, bakeries and specialty shops during a three-hour tour ― that's a walking tour ― by Erie Food Tours on Saturday, Aug. 27.
Dig in:Tall Ships Erie 2022 visitors have a boatload of new and improved restaurant choices
More regional food options: Indian restaurant Everest opens in Edinboro, Royal Chopstix welcomes diners in
The tour starts at Ninth and State streets at 11 a.m. and ends at Fourth and State streets at 2 p.m. Cost is $45.
Check availability or buy tickets at eriefoodtours.com.
4. Shop open-air markets
Produce, breads, baked goods, herbs and flowers will be for sale at the LEAF Open Market at the Lake Erie Arboretum at Frontier Park on Saturday, Aug. 27.
The market is held on alternate Saturdays in the south side of the park, along West Eighth Street, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Shoppers may even find books, crafts, beer, coffee and more.
Admission is free. Visit leaf.org for more details.
There's also a Downtown Erie Farmers Market on Sunday, Aug. 28, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in Perry Square.
The weekly event is sponsored by the Erie Downtown Partnership and Urban Oasis Project and includes a noon concert and, of course, produce and other foods, beverages, flowers and crafts.
5. Say, 'Yo, ho, ho and a glass of rum'
Scallywags Pirate Adventures offers morning and afternoon sails through the Tall Ships Erie event.
Ninety-minute family Pirate Adventure Shows feature water canon battles, games and maybe a little treasure, plus a cash bar for adults. Cost is $22 for ages 3 and up, $10 for infants and children through age 2.
There are also Wobbly Pirate happy hour cruises for ages 21 and over at 6:15 and 8:15 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Aug. 26 and 27. Cost, including entertainment, is $13.
Life of a pirate: What it's like being part of the Scallywags Pirate Adventures crew
And there may be time to snag a ticket for a special Thursday afternoon cruise to watch the Tall Ships Erie Parade of Sail from the water. Cost is $32.
Check cruise availability and book online at scallywagspirateadventures.com.
Tall Ships Erie 2022: What you need to know about the festival along the lake
The Tall Ships Erie Parade of Sail: Where are the best spots to watch?
Contact Valerie Myers at vmyers@timesnews.com. Follow her on Twitter @ETNmyers.
This article originally appeared on Erie Times-News: 5 (more) things to do downtown during Tall Ships Erie 2022
