Perry Square - Image 1
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Perry Square

4.4
·1k reviews·Erie, United States

Erie's historic town square, featuring a beautiful fountain and dazzling holiday lights, serving as a vibrant hub for community events.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Summer evenings

Local beer & music

CrowdMedium
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Perry Square - Image 1

Perry Square

Best Time

Summer evenings

Local beer & music

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Erie's historic town square, featuring a beautiful fountain and dazzling holiday lights, serving as a vibrant hub for community events.

4.4
(1k reviews)

"A nice park in Erie during the day.. but when it's dark the west side of State Street becomes a homeless encampment."

Vertical photo
TIP

Splash in the Fountain! :ocean:

Cool off in the fountain during summer days; it's a local favorite for all ages.

Evening Ambiance :city_sunset:

Enjoy local beer and music on summer evenings; bring a chair!

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Perry Square Fountain

Perry Square Fountain

Center of Perry Square

A beautifully designed fountain that brings back childhood memories and offers a refreshing splash on warm days.

InstagramReddit
Holiday Light Displays

Holiday Light Displays

Perry Square

The square transforms into a magical wonderland with impressive Christmas lights during the holiday season.

Reddit
Community Events

Community Events

Perry Square

From farmers markets to Pridefest and local artist showcases, Perry Square hosts a variety of events throughout the year.

Instagram+2
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Planning Your Visit

Timing is Everything

Perry Square can be a vibrant hub, but some visitors note it can feel a bit 'creepy' early Friday mornings with loiterers. Consider visiting during daylight hours or for specific events to ensure a more comfortable experience. Reddit

Know Before You Go

While Perry Square is a beautiful town square with a notable fountain and holiday lights, it's important to note it functions more as a public gathering space than a traditional park. Don't expect swings, slides, or picnic facilities. Reddit

Best Times

When
Summer evenings
Why
Local beer & music
Crowd
Medium
When
Daytime
Why
Fountain fun & shopping
Crowd
Medium
When
Holiday season
Why
Magical lights
Crowd
High

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

📍Save this for your next weekend trip🛴🦋🍹🌊 Spent the day scooterin around Put-In-Bay Ohio like it was my own lil island! Went to the butterfly house, explored Perry's Cave, and found the cutest random spots. Why did noone tell me Ohio had an island like this?? #daytrip #thingstodoinohio #thingstodoinmichigan #michiganders #daytrip #summerideas #southbassisland #mackinacisland #PutInBay #SouthBassI...
@jennabloomm
2.7K likes • 51.9K views

Splash in the Fountain! :ocean:

Cool off in the fountain during summer days; it's a local favorite for all ages. InstagramReddit

Evening Ambiance :city_sunset:

Enjoy local beer and music on summer evenings; bring a chair! Instagram

Forgive me Commodore Perry but I couldn’t resist #lakeerie #History #presqueisle #perrytheplatypus
@thechickenking030
530 likes • 5.7K views
Stepping into Luxury @oneperysquare ✨🏡 From the moment I arrived at One Perry Square, Iknew this was something special. Nestled in the heart of Limerick’s Georgian Quarter, this @michelinguide Key 🗝️ & @irelandsbluebook gem is the perfect blend of elegance, history, and warm Irish hospitality. The beautifully restored townhouse, stunning period details, and the most inviting rooms made it feel l...
eannahass
40 likes • 1.1K views

Check Event Listings :calendar:

Perry Square hosts farmers markets, festivals, and more. Instagram+2

Nighttime Caution :flashlight:

The west side can become a homeless encampment after dark; be aware. Reddit

We had fun today Erie, pa at perry square. I was blessed enough to host this beautiful event! #localartists #reallifefunny #share #like #eriepa #gospelandsoul
reallifefunny_e.n.t
114 likes • 2.9K views

Tips

from all over the internet

Splash in the Fountain! :ocean:

Cool off in the fountain during summer days; it's a local favorite for all ages. InstagramReddit

Evening Ambiance :city_sunset:

Enjoy local beer and music on summer evenings; bring a chair! Instagram

Check Event Listings :calendar:

Perry Square hosts farmers markets, festivals, and more. Instagram+2

Nighttime Caution :flashlight:

The west side can become a homeless encampment after dark; be aware. Reddit

Not a Traditional Park :tree:

No swings, slides, or picnic tables here, focus is on public gathering. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.4
(1k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Perry Square is cherished for its beautiful fountain and dazzling holiday lights, bringing back fond childhood memories for many. It serves as a vibrant hub for community events, offering a lively atmosphere. However, some visitors note a less comfortable ambiance in certain areas during early morning hours and that it functions more as a public square than a traditional park.

"Pretty awesome town square in Erie. Checked it out before going to the SeaWolves baseball game. Nicely designed fountain, and had plenty of seating available. Luckily drive past it during nighttime as well, really pretty when the lights were lite up on it. Honors the great Captain Perry."

Brian Dible

"I've been coming here since I was a child. The fountain brings back great childhood memories"

cathy harbaugh

"Both sides of the street look really nice with all the improvements they've made over the years. I enjoyed bringing my daughter here throughout the summer to cool down in the fountain. I also love checking out the Xmas lights during the holiday season, whoever decorates it does a wonderful job! Even though it's called a park, there isn't any swings, slides, grills, picnic tables, etc. There isn't a bathroom either as far as I know."

Cari Hurd

What People Like

Beautiful fountain
Holiday lights
Community events

What People Dislike

Not a traditional park
Early morning creepiness

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Perry Square is located in downtown Erie, PA, easily accessible by car. If you're relocating to Erie and don't have a car initially, the area around Erie Insurance HQ (near Perry Square) is walkable, and local buses are available. Reddit

Street parking is generally available around Perry Square, though it can be competitive during events or peak hours. Several parking garages are also located within a short walking distance in downtown Erie. Instagram

Yes, biking is a great option for reaching Perry Square, especially if you're coming from nearby neighborhoods. There are bike racks available in the downtown area. Instagram

Perry Square is a central point for exploring downtown Erie. You can walk to shops, cafes, and restaurants, or use local bus services for longer distances. Instagram

While not explicitly mentioned for Perry Square itself, scooter rentals are common in many city centers, and could be an option for exploring the surrounding downtown area. TikTok

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, Perry Square is a public town square and is free to enter and enjoy. Reddit

Perry Square is generally accessible at all times as a public space. However, specific event hours will vary. Instagram

For most general visits and enjoying the fountain, no tickets are needed. However, specific ticket requirements will depend on the event being held. Instagram+2

While generally open, be mindful of the time of day. Some visitors have noted a less comfortable atmosphere in the early morning on certain days. Reddit

As a public square with paved walkways, Perry Square is generally accessible. Specific accessibility details for events may vary. Instagram

🍽️ 🛍️ Shopping & Dining

Downtown Erie, near Perry Square, offers a variety of shopping options including local apparel stores like @erieapparel, vintage shops like @coppercarriage, and unique boutiques. Instagram

You can find diverse dining options near Perry Square, from tacos and pizza at @flagshipcity.foodhall to cafes like @bakeryon5th and @purristacatcafe, and bars like @voodooerie. Instagram

Perry Square is primarily a public gathering space. Dining options are located on the surrounding streets of downtown Erie. Instagram

Yes, Perry Square often hosts farmers markets and craft fairs where you can find local goods and artisan products. Instagram

Downtown Erie offers a range of cuisines, including American, Italian, and casual fare, with many establishments focusing on local ingredients and craft beverages. Instagram+1

📸 📸 Photography

The fountain is a prime spot, especially when lit up at night. The surrounding architecture and seasonal decorations, like Christmas lights, also make for great photos. InstagramReddit

Yes, Perry Square is quite pretty at night, especially when the lights are on. However, be aware of your surroundings as some areas can feel less safe after dark. InstagramReddit

A smartphone with good low-light capabilities will work well for capturing the fountain and evening lights. For daytime events, any camera will do. Instagram

Golden hour (shortly after sunrise or before sunset) can offer beautiful lighting. For vibrant event photos, check the schedule for festivals or markets. Instagram

Drone usage is subject to local regulations. It's advisable to check with the City of Erie for any restrictions on flying drones over public spaces like Perry Square. TikTok

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Perry Square is a great spot for families looking for a refreshing break. The splash fountain is a huge hit on hot days, providing endless fun for children. InstagramReddit While it's not a playground with swings and slides, the open space allows kids to run around safely. The square also hosts various community events like farmers markets, which can be entertaining for the whole family. Instagram Just remember to bring towels and a change of clothes for the fountain fun!

🚶‍♀️ Budget Travelers

Perry Square is an excellent destination for budget-conscious travelers as it's a free public space. Enjoying the fountain, admiring the architecture, and soaking in the atmosphere costs nothing. Reddit Many of the events held here are also free to attend, offering entertainment without an entry fee. Instagram For affordable eats, explore the diverse options in the surrounding downtown area, with many casual eateries and food halls offering budget-friendly meals. Instagram

📸 Photography Enthusiasts

Photographers will find Perry Square offers a variety of visual opportunities. The central fountain is a classic subject, especially when illuminated at night. InstagramReddit During the holidays, the elaborate light displays provide a magical backdrop for festive shots. Reddit Keep an eye out for community events, as they often bring unique subjects and vibrant scenes to capture. Instagram+2 Remember to be mindful of lighting conditions and the time of day for the best results.

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Heart of Downtown Erie

Perry Square serves as the central public gathering space in downtown Erie, Pennsylvania. It's a place where history meets community life, often buzzing with activity. While it's called a 'square,' it functions more as a beautifully landscaped plaza designed for events and public enjoyment rather than a traditional park with recreational facilities. Reddit

Visitors often highlight the impressive fountain as a focal point, a spot that evokes nostalgia for many locals and provides a refreshing element during warmer months. The square is also renowned for its stunning holiday light displays, transforming it into a festive spectacle during the winter season. Reddit

Beyond its aesthetic appeal, Perry Square is a dynamic venue for community events. From lively farmers markets and local artist showcases to significant celebrations like Pridefest, the square is a testament to Erie's vibrant community spirit. Instagram+2 It's a place where locals and visitors alike can connect with the pulse of the city.

Navigating Perry Square and Surrounds

Getting to and around Perry Square is generally straightforward, especially for those familiar with urban environments. Located in the heart of downtown Erie, it's easily accessible by car, with street parking and nearby garages available. For those without a car, the area is quite walkable, and public bus routes serve the downtown core, making it a feasible commute for residents working nearby. Reddit

When exploring the vicinity, you'll find a variety of shopping and dining options just steps away. Instagram reels highlight places like @erieapparel for local gear, vintage shops, and diverse eateries ranging from casual pizza and taco spots to cafes and bars. Instagram This makes Perry Square a convenient starting point for a day of exploration, shopping, and culinary adventures.

While the square itself is a public space, it's worth noting that the surrounding downtown area can have varying atmospheres. Some visitors have mentioned feeling a bit uneasy in the early morning on certain days due to the presence of individuals experiencing homelessness. Reddit Therefore, it's advisable to be aware of your surroundings, especially during off-peak hours, and to prioritize visiting during daylight or for scheduled events.

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