Presque Isle Festival: Discover the Peninsula's Charm

Discover Presque Isle: A Celebration of Nature and Community

Presque Isle State Park, located in Erie County, attracts millions of visitors each year due to its stunning beaches, scenic trails, and breathtaking sunsets over Lake Erie. For those who haven't yet experienced the park’s natural beauty, there's no better time than now to explore what it has to offer. The annual Discover Presque Isle event is designed to introduce both locals and tourists to the many ways they can enjoy this beloved state park.

The event is organized by the Presque Isle Partnership, a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting and promoting the park. According to the partnership’s website, the goal of Discover Presque Isle is to encourage the community to "discover" the park in new and meaningful ways while raising awareness of its diverse offerings.

When Is Discover Presque Isle?

This year’s festival will take place from July 21 to July 27. During this week, visitors can participate in a wide range of activities that highlight the unique features of Presque Isle. Hours for events vary depending on the activity, with some starting as early as 7:30 a.m. and others extending into the evening, such as the giant beach bonfire, which is expected to run until 10 p.m.

New Features in 2025

One of the highlights of this year’s event is the inclusion of professional sand sculptor Todd Pangborn from Jamestown, New York. Pangborn will begin sculpting on Beach 11 on July 25, completing his creation by July 26. This professional sculpture complements the popular Marquette Savings Bank Sand Sculpture Competition, which takes place on the same day and allows anyone to participate.

How Does Discover Presque Isle Support the Park?

While admission to the park and the event itself are free, donations are encouraged. Visitors who donate can receive a Discover Presque Isle pin, which grants them the chance to win a $1,000 Country Fair gift card. Additional items like buttons and official event T-shirts are also available for purchase, with proceeds benefiting various initiatives at the park.

Funds raised in previous years have been used to improve facilities such as play areas, lifeguard stations, and mobile mats that provide accessibility for individuals using wheelchairs or experiencing difficulty on sandy surfaces. In 2025, the money raised will go toward more mobile mats, as well as future improvements to the playground at Water Works and a nature play space at Beach 11.

Highlights of the Schedule

Discover Presque Isle offers something for everyone, with a variety of free and paid activities throughout the week. Some of the key events include:

• Beach Yoga, Pilates, and Yogilates: Held daily from 7:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. on Beach 8.
• Northwestern Pennsylvania Beekeepers Association: Displays a mobile hive and sells local honey products from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Tom Ridge Environmental Center.
• Birding Basics with Erie Bird Observatory: Guided bird-watching walks on July 21 and 23.
• History of Presque Isle: Educational sessions about the peninsula’s background at the Ridge Center.
• Turtles of Presque Isle: A presentation on local turtles at the lagoons boat launch.
• Tamarack Birds of Prey: An interactive program featuring live birds at the Big Green Screen Theater.
• Discover Archery with DCNR: Learn about archery equipment and safety at the Ridge Center pavilion.
• Presque Isle Through the Lens: A visual tour of the park’s flora, fauna, and events.
• UPMC Sunset Music Series: A concert featuring local bands at Beach 11.
• Eco-Paddle with DCNR: A guided paddle through the lagoon system.
• Birding by Pontoon: A bird-watching trip on a pontoon boat.
• Beach Illumination: Enjoy colorful lights and kites at Sunset Point.
• Lagoon by Pontoon: An interpretive boat ride through the lagoons and Misery Bay.
• Archery Encounters: Try archery at the playfield near the Ranger Station.
• Vendor & Food Festival: Sample food and crafts from local artisans and food trucks.
• Presque Isle Volleyball Challenge: Team-based volleyball competition.
• Fishing with S.O.N.S. of Lake Erie: No fishing license required; equipment provided.
• Marquette Sand Sculpture Competition: A contest open to all skill levels.
• Discover Presque Isle Beach Concert: Live music from local bands.
• Fire Performers: Enjoy fire art performances around the bonfire.
• Giant Beach Bonfire: A night-time celebration with music and a fire display.
• Presque Isle Rotary Pancake Breakfast: A morning meal served for a fee.

Tips for Visiting

Before heading to Presque Isle State Park, it’s important to know the do’s and don’ts to ensure a pleasant visit. For more details about the event and additional activities, check out the Presque Isle Partnership website.