Erie’s Little Italy Farmers Market is moving, here’s what else is new in 2025 | Opinion – Erie Times-News

 

Report on Summer 2025 Events in Erie, Pennsylvania, and Alignment with Sustainable Development Goals

This report provides a comprehensive overview of scheduled summer events in the Erie, Pennsylvania, region for 2025. Each event and category has been analyzed for its contribution to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), highlighting the region’s commitment to fostering economic growth, community well-being, environmental stewardship, and cultural vitality.

Local and Regional Live Music Events

Live music events contribute significantly to the cultural fabric and local economy, aligning with several SDGs by supporting artists, fostering community, and utilizing public spaces.

Edinboro Art and Music Festival

• Date: May 16 – 18
• Location: Various locations in downtown Edinboro
• Cost: Free
• SDG Alignment:
  • SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth): Provides a platform for local and regional artists to perform and gain exposure, supporting the creative economy.
  • SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities): Enhances cultural vitality and makes public spaces more inclusive and engaging for residents.

Monday Music in the Woods

• Date: Mondays, June 2 – July 28
• Location: Celebration Garden, Asbury Woods
• Cost: Free
• SDG Alignment:
  • SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being): Offers accessible cultural experiences in a natural setting, promoting mental well-being.
  • SDG 15 (Life on Land): Encourages community engagement with and appreciation for local natural environments.

Goodell Gardens and Homestead Summer Music Series

• Date: Select Fridays, June 6 – Aug. 29
• Location: Goodell Gardens and Homestead, Edinboro
• Cost: Free
• SDG Alignment:
  • SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities): Safeguards and promotes local cultural heritage through events at a historic site.
  • SDG 15 (Life on Land): Fosters an appreciation for managed natural landscapes and gardens.

8 Great Tuesdays

• Date: Tuesdays in July and August
• Location: Highmark Amphitheater at Liberty Park
• Cost: Free
• SDG Alignment:
  • SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities): Provides free, high-quality entertainment accessible to all community members, regardless of economic status.
  • SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities): Utilizes public waterfront parks to create a strong sense of community and place.

Celebrate Erie

• Date: Aug. 15 – 17
• Location: Downtown Erie
• Cost: Free
• SDG Alignment:
  • SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth): Generates significant economic activity by featuring local vendors, artists, and performers.
  • SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities): A large-scale celebration that strengthens community pride, showcases local culture, and promotes the use of downtown public spaces.
  • SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals): Represents a major collaboration between city government, private sponsors, and community organizations.

Our West Bayfront Porchfest

• Date: Saturday, Sept. 27
• Location: Various locations throughout the West Bayfront neighborhood
• Cost: Free
• SDG Alignment:
  • SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities): A unique model for community-led cultural programming that strengthens neighborhood cohesion and highlights local architectural heritage.
  • SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth): Creates performance opportunities for a diverse range of local musicians.

Additional Music Events

• 14th Fest with EMTA: June 12. A block party that promotes neighborhood vibrancy and supports local businesses (SDG 11, SDG 8).
• Gazebo Concerts in the Park: June 19, July 17, Aug. 21. Fosters community gathering in public parks (SDG 11, SDG 3).
• UPMC Sunset Music Series: Wednesdays, June 18 – July 23. Highlights natural assets while providing free cultural events (SDG 14, SDG 11).
• Chautauqua Institution Summer Music Series: Various dates. A regional cultural institution providing economic and cultural benefits (SDG 8, SDG 11).
• The Hootenanny 2025: June 27 – 29. A grassroots festival raising funds for a local non-profit, the ANNA Shelter (SDG 17, SDG 11).
• Erie Downtown Summer Concert Series: July 3 – Aug. 28. Animates public squares and supports local musicians (SDG 11, SDG 8).
• Great Blue Heron: July 4 – 6. A long-standing festival promoting diverse music genres and sustainable practices like camping (SDG 11, SDG 12).
• WQLN Sounds Around Town: Fridays, July 11 – Aug. 1. A partnership that makes local music accessible to a wider audience through broadcast (SDG 17, SDG 11).
• The 45th Annual Gathering at Chaffee’s: July 25 – 26. A multi-genre festival with a long history of building community (SDG 11).
• Erie’s Blues and Jazz Festival: Aug. 2 – 3. Preserves and promotes specific musical art forms and offers free, inclusive entertainment (SDG 11, SDG 10).
• Homegrown Harvest Festival: Sunday, Sept. 21. Combines music with local agriculture, promoting local food systems (SDG 11, SDG 12, SDG 2).

Local Food and Drink Events

These events support the local food and beverage industry, a key component of the regional economy, while also serving as important community gatherings.

Beer on the Bay

• Date: Saturday, July 26
• Location: Liberty Park and Highmark Amphitheater
• SDG Alignment:
  • SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth): Promotes dozens of local and regional craft breweries, supporting small businesses and local supply chains.
  • SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production): Encourages consumption of locally produced goods, reducing food miles and supporting the local economy.

North East Wine Fest

• Date: Sept. 26 – 28
• Location: Gibson Park, North East
• SDG Alignment:
  • SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth): A cornerstone event for the region’s significant grape and wine industry, driving tourism and sales for local wineries.
  • SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production): Celebrates and promotes a key local agricultural product.

Additional Food and Drink Events

• Beer Coaster 2025: May 17. A partnership between local breweries and an amusement park, creating a unique economic synergy (SDG 17, SDG 8).
• Erie Ale Works 0.01K: May 23. A charitable event raising funds for the Erie Humane Society, linking local business with community support (SDG 17, SDG 11).
• Erie’s Wild Rib Cook Off and Music Festival: May 28 – 31. A large festival that drives economic activity for food vendors and musicians in a central public space (SDG 8, SDG 11).
• Arts and Casks: June 8, July 13, Aug. 10. Combines local craft beverage production with a market for local artisans, diversifying revenue streams for small businesses (SDG 8).
• America’s Grape Country Craft Beverage Festival: Aug. 1 – 3. A cross-county event promoting the broader region’s agricultural and craft beverage identity (SDG 8, SDG 12).

Community, Educational, and Wellness Events

This category includes events focused on health, education, environmental awareness, and social inclusion, directly addressing a wide range of SDGs.

Events Promoting Health and Well-being

• Sunrise Yoga at Dobbins Landing: Wednesdays from June 4. Promotes physical and mental health in a public space (SDG 3).
• West Bayfit: Wednesdays, June 11 – July 30. Combines fitness, kids’ activities, and a farmers market to promote healthy lifestyles in a neighborhood park (SDG 3, SDG 11).
• Lake Erie Cyclefest: July 24 – 27. Encourages cycling for all skill levels, promoting sustainable transport and physical health (SDG 3, SDG 11).
• Presque Isle Triathlon: Aug. 2. An athletic competition that also serves as a fundraiser for park conservation (SDG 3, SDG 14).
• The FINAL Barber Beast on the Bay: Sept. 6. A major athletic fundraiser supporting the Barber National Institute’s work for individuals with disabilities (SDG 3, SDG 10).

Events Promoting Education and Environmental Awareness

• Lagoon by Pontoon: Weekends, May 23 – Sept. 7. A free educational program raising awareness about local wetland ecosystems and biodiversity (SDG 4, SDG 14).
• HistErie Week: June 9 -15. A series of events focused on local history, fostering a sense of place and preserving cultural heritage (SDG 4, SDG 11).
• Discover Presque Isle: July 21 – 27. A weeklong celebration dedicated to Erie’s most vital natural resource, promoting conservation, education, and recreation (SDG 14, SDG 15, SDG 4).
• Tall Ships Festival 2025: Aug. 21 – 24. A major maritime festival that educates the public on history and life on the water, with a significant economic impact (SDG 4, SDG 14, SDG 8).
• Lake Erie Lit Fest: Sept. 13. Promotes literacy, supports local authors and booksellers, and provides educational activities for children (SDG 4, SDG 8).

Events Promoting Inclusive and Just Communities

• Erie’s Juneteenth Celebration: June 14. Commemorates a pivotal moment in American history, promoting racial justice and celebrating Black culture (SDG 10, SDG 16).
• World Refugee Day: June 26. Honors and celebrates the contributions of refugee populations to the city’s cultural and social landscape (SDG 10, SDG 11).
• Erie Pridefest: Pride on the Bay: June 28. A celebration of the LGBTQ+ community that promotes inclusivity, safety, and equality (SDG 10, SDG 5).
• National Night Out: Aug. 5. A nationwide initiative adapted locally to build stronger, safer neighborhoods and foster positive community-police relations (SDG 11, SDG 16).

Promotion of Local and Sustainable Food Systems: Farmers Markets

Farmers markets are critical infrastructure for local food systems, providing access to fresh, healthy food and supporting local agricultural producers.

Pay What You Can Farm Stands

• Date: Weekly from July 7 through early October
• Location: Multiple locations
• SDG Alignment:
  • SDG 1 (No Poverty) & SDG 2 (Zero Hunger): Directly addresses food insecurity by providing fresh, healthy produce on a pay-what-you-can basis, ensuring access for all.
  • SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities): An innovative model designed to reduce economic barriers to nutritious food.
  • SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production): Connects consumers directly with local farmers, strengthening the local food system.

Additional Farmers Markets

The following markets all contribute to building a resilient and sustainable community by supporting local agriculture and providing residents with access to fresh food.

1. North East Gibson Park Open Market: Saturdays, June 7 – Sept. 6
2. Bayview Park Farmer’s Market: Wednesdays, June 11 – Aug. 20
3. LEAF Open Market: Biweekly on Saturdays, June 14 – Sept. 20
4. Sisters of St. Joseph Little Italy Farmer’s Market: Mondays, June 23 – Sept. 22

• Collective SDG Alignment:
  • SDG 2 (Zero Hunger): Increases access to fresh, nutritious food.
  • SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being): Promotes healthier eating habits.
  • SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth): Provides a direct-to-consumer sales channel for local farmers and producers.
  • SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities): Creates vibrant community gathering spaces and strengthens the local economy.

Support for Local Enterprise: Recurring Vendor Markets

Vendor markets provide essential platforms for artisans, crafters, and small-scale retailers to reach customers, fostering entrepreneurship and local economic vitality.

• Boutique Nights: June 13, July 11, Aug. 8
• Market on the Top Floor: June 21 – 22
• Grounded Print Shop Vendor Market: June 21, July 19, Aug. 30
• Copper Carriage Markets: Seasonal

• Collective SDG Alignment:
  • SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth): Directly supports small businesses, entrepreneurs, and artisans, contributing to a diverse and resilient local economy.
  • SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities): Activates urban spaces and storefronts, contributing to a vibrant downtown and commercial districts.
  • SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production): Promotes the purchase of locally made and unique goods over mass-produced items.

Celebration of Cultural Heritage and Regional Agriculture

Annual heritage festivals and county fairs are vital for preserving cultural traditions, celebrating community identity, and supporting the region’s agricultural roots.

Annual Heritage Festivals

These festivals celebrate the diverse cultural tapestry of the Erie region, promoting understanding and preserving traditions.

• Troika Festival (Russian): May 23 – 25
• Panegyri Greek Festival: July 11 – 12
• Waterford Heritage Days: July 18 – 20
• The AmeriMasala (Multi-cultural): July 19
• Dan Rice Days (Girard Heritage): July 31 – Aug. 2
• St. Paul’s Italian Festival: Aug. 8 – 10
• Zabawa Polish Festival: Aug. 22 – 24
• German Heritage Festival: Aug. 30 – 31
• Erie Irish Festival: September 2025

• Collective SDG Alignment:
  • SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities): Safeguards and promotes intangible cultural heritage, strengthening community identity.
  • SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities): Fosters intercultural dialogue and celebrates the diversity that enriches the community.
  • SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth): Drives tourism and local spending.

County and Community Fairs

These fairs are a cornerstone of rural and agricultural life, providing educational opportunities and economic support for the agricultural sector.

• North East Firemen’s Cherry Festival: July 9 – 12
• Cochranton Community Fair: Aug. 4 – 9
• Warren County Fair: Aug. 4 – 9
• Crawford County Fair: Aug. 16 – 23
• Erie County Fair (Wattsburg): Aug. 24 – 30
• Spartansburg Community Fair: Aug. 30 – Sept. 4
• Waterford Community Fair: Sept. 1 – 6
• Albion Area Fair: Sept. 9 – 13

• Collective SDG Alignment:
  • SDG 2 (Zero Hunger): Celebrates and supports local agriculture, the foundation of our food systems.
  • SDG 4 (Quality Education): Offers educational exhibits on agriculture, livestock, and home economics, particularly for youth via programs like 4-H and FFA.
  • SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth): Supports the agricultural economy and local vendors.

Analysis of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators in the Article

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

   The article on summer events in Erie highlights several activities and initiatives that connect to the following Sustainable Development Goals:

   • SDG 2: Zero Hunger

     The article mentions numerous farmers markets, including the “Pay What You Can Farm Stands,” which aim to provide fresh, local produce to the community, directly addressing food access and supporting local agriculture.

   • SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being

     Many events listed are designed to promote physical and mental health. This includes athletic events like the “Lake Erie Cyclefest,” “Presque Isle Triathlon,” and “Barber Beast on the Bay,” as well as wellness activities like “Sunrise Yoga” and “Kids Yoga Series.” Community gatherings, music festivals, and art events also contribute to mental well-being and social connection.

   • SDG 4: Quality Education

     Several events offer lifelong learning opportunities. “HistErie Week” provides education on local history, “Lagoon by Pontoon” teaches about local ecology, and the “Lake Erie Lit Fest” promotes literacy and the written word.

   • SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities

     The article features events that celebrate and promote the inclusion of diverse and marginalized groups. “Erie’s Juneteenth Celebration,” “World Refugee Day,” and “Erie Pridefest” are explicit examples of fostering an inclusive community.

   • SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities

     This is a central theme of the article. It showcases the use of public spaces like Perry Square and Liberty Park for community events, the celebration and preservation of cultural heritage through numerous “Annual Heritage Festivals,” and the support of the local economy through vendor markets and festivals promoting local businesses.

   • SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production

     The focus on local food, drink, and craft producers at events like the “LEAF Open Market,” “Beer on the Bay,” and various vendor markets encourages sustainable consumption patterns by supporting local supply chains and small-scale producers.

   • SDG 15: Life on Land

     Events centered around Presque Isle State Park, such as “Discover Presque Isle” and the educational “Lagoon by Pontoon” tours, promote the appreciation, conservation, and sustainable use of local terrestrial and freshwater ecosystems.

   • SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions

     The “National Night Out” event is mentioned as an opportunity for community building and fostering positive relationships within neighborhoods, contributing to the development of peaceful and inclusive societies.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

   Based on the events described, the following specific targets can be identified:

   • Target 2.1: By 2030, end hunger and ensure access by all people, in particular the poor and people in vulnerable situations, including infants, to safe, nutritious and sufficient food all year round.

     The “Pay What You Can Farm Stands” are a direct effort to achieve this by making fresh produce accessible to those in need, regardless of their ability to pay.

   • Target 3.4: By 2030, reduce by one third premature mortality from non-communicable diseases through prevention and treatment and promote mental health and well-being.

     The numerous free or low-cost physical activities (“Sunrise Yoga,” “West Bayfit,” “Lake Erie Cyclefest”) and community festivals (“Celebrate Erie,” “8 Great Tuesdays”) directly promote physical and mental well-being.

   • Target 4.7: By 2030, ensure that all learners acquire the knowledge and skills needed to promote sustainable development, including, among others, through education for sustainable development and sustainable lifestyles… and appreciation of cultural diversity and of culture’s contribution to sustainable development.

     Events like “HistErie Week,” the various heritage festivals (Greek, Italian, Polish, etc.), and “World Refugee Day” directly contribute to education about and appreciation for local history and cultural diversity.

   • Target 10.2: By 2030, empower and promote the social, economic and political inclusion of all, irrespective of age, sex, disability, race, ethnicity, origin, religion or economic or other status.

     The article highlights “Erie Pridefest,” “Erie’s Juneteenth Celebration,” and “World Refugee Day,” which are designed to celebrate and ensure the visibility and inclusion of LGBTQ+, African American, and refugee communities.

   • Target 11.4: Strengthen efforts to protect and safeguard the world’s cultural and natural heritage.

     The promotion of numerous heritage festivals (e.g., “Waterford Heritage Days,” “Dan Rice Days”) and events celebrating natural assets (“Discover Presque Isle,” “Tall Ships Festival”) aligns with this target.

   • Target 11.7: By 2030, provide universal access to safe, inclusive and accessible, green and public spaces, in particular for women and children, older persons and persons with disabilities.

     The article is replete with examples of free events held in public parks and squares, such as “Movie Mondays in the Square,” “Music in the Woods,” and festivals in Perry Square, Frontier Park, and Liberty Park, demonstrating the use of public spaces for community benefit.

   • Target 12.b: Develop and implement tools to monitor sustainable development impacts for sustainable tourism that creates jobs and promotes local culture and products.

     The festivals and markets listed, such as “North East Wine Fest,” “Beer on the Bay,” and the “Copper Carriage Markets,” serve as platforms for sustainable local tourism by creating opportunities for local brewers, winemakers, artisans, and food producers.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

   The article implies several indicators that could be used to measure progress:

   • For Target 2.1: The number and geographic distribution of “Pay What You Can Farm Stands” and other farmers markets across the city, particularly in neighborhoods with limited access to fresh food.
   • For Target 3.4: The number and variety of free public events promoting physical activity (e.g., yoga, cycling, running) and the total number of community festivals that foster social connection and mental well-being.
   • For Target 10.2: The annual occurrence, scale, and public participation in events promoting inclusion, such as Pridefest, Juneteenth, and World Refugee Day.
   • For Target 11.4: The number of annual heritage festivals and their longevity (e.g., “52nd Annual Waterford Heritage Days,” “60th Annual Dan Rice Days”), indicating sustained effort in preserving cultural heritage. The number of events dedicated to celebrating and educating about natural heritage sites like Presque Isle.
   • For Target 11.7: The proportion of public parks and squares utilized for free, accessible community events throughout the summer season. The article lists events in Perry Square, Liberty Park, Frontier Park, Bayview Park, and more.
   • For Target 12.b: The number of local vendors, brewers, farmers, and artisans participating in the various festivals and markets mentioned in the article.

SDG Analysis Summary Table

SDGs	Targets	Indicators Identified in the Article
SDG 2: Zero Hunger	2.1: Ensure access to safe, nutritious and sufficient food.	The existence and operation of “Pay What You Can Farm Stands” to provide produce to those in need.
SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being	3.4: Promote mental health and well-being.	The number and variety of free community events promoting physical and mental well-being (e.g., Sunrise Yoga, Cyclefest, music festivals).
SDG 4: Quality Education	4.7: Ensure learners acquire knowledge for sustainable development and appreciation of cultural diversity.	The offering of educational events like “HistErie Week,” “Lagoon by Pontoon,” and cultural events like “World Refugee Day.”
SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities	10.2: Empower and promote the social, economic and political inclusion of all.	The annual hosting of events like “Erie Pridefest,” “Erie’s Juneteenth Celebration,” and “World Refugee Day.”
SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities	11.4: Protect and safeguard the world’s cultural and natural heritage. 11.7: Provide universal access to safe, inclusive and accessible, green and public spaces.	The number and longevity of annual heritage festivals (e.g., “St. Paul’s Italian Festival,” “Zabawa Polish Festival”). The high number of free events held in public parks like Perry Square, Liberty Park, and Frontier Park.
SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production	12.b: Promote sustainable tourism that creates jobs and promotes local culture and products.	The number of festivals and markets featuring local producers (e.g., “Beer on the Bay,” “North East Wine Fest,” various farmers and vendor markets).
SDG 15: Life on Land	15.1: Ensure the conservation and sustainable use of terrestrial and inland freshwater ecosystems.	The presence of educational events focused on local ecosystems, such as “Discover Presque Isle” and “Lagoon by Pontoon.”
SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions	16.7: Ensure responsive, inclusive, participatory and representative decision-making.	The implementation of community-building events like “National Night Out” in various local parks.

Source: eriereader.com