An Insider’s Guide to Tall Ships® Erie 2025

Lake Erie sets the stage for one of the region’s most unforgettable events as Tall Ships Erie returns August 21–24. Here’s what you need to know to make the most of Tall Ships Erie.

What is Tall Ships Erie?
Tall Ships Erie is a maritime celebration that is part of the Tall Ships Challenge®, an annual event organized by Tall Ships America that alternates between the Great Lakes, the Pacific, and the Atlantic coasts of North America. For four days, majestic tall ships drop anchor at Dobbins Landing and the Bayfront Convention Center for deck tours, day sails, live music, hands-on activities, and a vibrant waterfront festival.

Festival Schedule

Festival Dates: August 21–24, 2025
Festival Hours: Friday, Saturday & Sunday: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Parade of Sail: Thursday, August 21, from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. (weather permitting). Note: The festival grounds will not be open for viewing the Parade of Sail. See below for the best spots to watch!

Special Events

Parade of Sails – Tall ships will gather in Lake Erie on Thursday, August 21, around 3 p.m. and sail in through the channel into Presque Isle Bay. Optimum viewing spots can be found here.
Fireworks – Thursday, August 21 at 9:00 p.m.

Tickets and Admission

General Admission: $12/day
- Includes access to festival grounds, music, activities, vendors, and ship viewing
Deck Tour Add-On: $6 (must be purchased with general admission)
Sailing Tickets: Sold separately
Purchase: Online at TallShipsErie.org or in person at the Bayfront Maritime Center (call ahead at 844-542-3743)

Parking and Getting There

There is no parking on the festival grounds. Visitors are strongly encouraged to park downtown and either walk or take a shuttle to the festival site.

Recommended Public Garages, Surface Lots, and Park-n-Rides:

Public Parking Locations	Distance to Festival	Est. Walk Time
Garages
E 3rd and State Street Garage	0.7 mi	~13 min
7^th and Peach Street Garage (shuttle available)	1.0 mi	~18 min
120 W 9th Street Garage	1.3 mi	~24 min
8th and French Street Garage (shuttle available)	1.2 mi	~22 min
10th and French Street Garage (shuttle available)	1.3 mi	~24 min
Surface Lots
Surface Lot 11 (French St between E 2^nd and 3^rd Streets)	0.7 mi	~13 min
Surface Lot 3 (E 3rd St between State and French Streets)	0.8 mi	~15 min
Surface Lot 7 (E 11th St between State and French Streets)	1.0 mi	~18 min
Surface Lot 2 (W 11th St between State and Peach Streets)	1.1 mi	~20 min
Surface Lot 1 (W 6th St next to the Erie County Courthouse)	1.2 mi	~22 min
Surface Lot 14 (W 13th St between State and Peach Streets)	1.4 mi	~25 min
Park-n-Rides
Intermodal Transportation Center 208 E Bayfront Parkway	0.3 mi	~5 min
Lincoln Park-n-Ride Intersection of Lincoln Ave and Bayfront Parkway	0.7 mi	~14 min
Liberty Park-n-Ride 828 W Bayfront Parkway	1.1 mi	~22 min

Additional Parking/Shuttle Information
Park-N-Ride locations, drop-off location at the Bayfront Convention Center:

The parking garages at French and Peach (see above table)
Intermodal Transportation Center
Hoffman/Lincoln Park-N-Ride at Bayfront Parkway and Lincoln Avenue
Liberty Park and Ride (next to the Sloppy Duck)
A shuttle will also run within the event from the Intermodal Center to the Bayfront Convention Center.
Shuttles will run from 8 a.m. to 7:30 p.m., Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.

NEW for 2025: Passengers with Tall Ships Erie tickets can ride any EMTA fixed route bus for free when presenting the driver with their ticket on event days. This is to encourage people to park/ride from other areas in the EMTA service footprint to avoid congestion downtown. All fixed routes can be found at https://ride-the-e.com/routes-2/ or use the free myStop app.

Where to Eat

Although separate food vendors will not be on festival grounds, there are many restaurants along the waterfront and downtown. For a complete list of dining options, click here.

Waterfront
Downtown

Where to Stay
If you are considering an overnight stay, book early as festival weekends tend to fill up fast. For a complete list of lodging options, click here.