Perry Square
Erie's historic town square, featuring a beautiful fountain and dazzling holiday lights, serving as a vibrant hub for community events.
Highlights
Must-see attractions

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From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Local beer & music
Perry Square
Best Time
Local beer & music
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.
"A nice park in Erie during the day.. but when it's dark the west side of State Street becomes a homeless encampment."
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!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Perry Square Fountain
Center of Perry Square
A beautifully designed fountain that brings back childhood memories and offers a refreshing splash on warm days.
Holiday Light Displays
Perry Square
The square transforms into a magical wonderland with impressive Christmas lights during the holiday season.
Community Events
Perry Square
From farmers markets to Pridefest and local artist showcases, Perry Square hosts a variety of events throughout the year.
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Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
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!
Check Event Listings :calendar:
Perry Square hosts farmers markets, festivals, and more.
Nighttime Caution :flashlight:
The west side can become a homeless encampment after dark; be aware.
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.
Evening Ambiance :city_sunset:
Enjoy local beer and music on summer evenings; bring a chair!
Check Event Listings :calendar:
Perry Square hosts farmers markets, festivals, and more.
Nighttime Caution :flashlight:
The west side can become a homeless encampment after dark; be aware.
Not a Traditional Park :tree:
No swings, slides, or picnic tables here, focus is on public gathering.
What Travellers Say
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
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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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Perry Square is a public town square and is free to enter and enjoy.
Perry Square is generally accessible at all times as a public space. However, specific event hours will vary.
For most general visits and enjoying the fountain, no tickets are needed. However, specific ticket requirements will depend on the event being held.
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.
As a public square with paved walkways, Perry Square is generally accessible. Specific accessibility details for events may vary.
🍽️ 🛍️ 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.
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.
Perry Square is primarily a public gathering space. Dining options are located on the surrounding streets of downtown Erie.
Yes, Perry Square often hosts farmers markets and craft fairs where you can find local goods and artisan products.
Downtown Erie offers a range of cuisines, including American, Italian, and casual fare, with many establishments focusing on local ingredients and craft beverages.
📸 📸 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.
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.
A smartphone with good low-light capabilities will work well for capturing the fountain and evening lights. For daytime events, any camera will do.
Golden hour (shortly after sunrise or before sunset) can offer beautiful lighting. For vibrant event photos, check the schedule for festivals or markets.
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.
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👨👩👧 Families with Kids
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Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Heart of Downtown Erie
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.
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. It's a place where locals and visitors alike can connect with the pulse of the city.
Navigating Perry Square and Surrounds
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. 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. 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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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit