Erie Reader

This column has been a regular feature in the Erie Reader for a while now and I think the act of taking your beer for a walk is really catching on. What if I told you there's a guided summer walk where you and your friends could take a jaunt with a semi-large group of other downtown drink enthusiasts? And what if I also told you this organized walk featured multiple stops that served you some of the best drinks downtown, then encouraged you to walk on to another next stop?

BEGINNING FRIDAY, JUL. 10 How do you tell someone to do a bad job well? This month that's exactly the conundrum the crew, cast, and director face at PACA. Jeff Rodland, director for Bad Auditions by Bad Actors explains that this performance offers a silly, fun time, "a chance to laugh and forget about the troubles of the world." July's production is a sketch-type show, in which the play follows a director quickly auditioning and casting for a performance of Romeo and Juliet.

As the summer heats up, so does the event schedule. Fast approaching the Fourth of July – which this year marks 250 years of America's Declaration of Independence – there's pomp and circumstance by the boatload, beginning with the return of the U.S. Brig Niagara. July 2 at noon, Erie's flagship will return to its home port after more than a year away for repairs.

BEGINNING SATURDAY, JUL. 4 In communities across the United States and Western Pennsylvania, music and fireworks are being planned for America's 250th birthday and the Erie Philharmonic is kicking off the summer with a celebration of patriotic spirit and classical music with 10 free concerts across Erie and Crawford County. "Summer means it's time for the Erie Phil to hit the road," Erie Philharmonic Executive Director Bobby Pape explained.

Wuji Ahmad, 33 Coordinator of New American Affairs, Mayor's Office of Community Affairs As a refugee from Eritrea, Wuji Ahmad has dedicated her time to supporting New Americans in Erie. Ahmad came to the U.S. at just 8 years old and worked hard at East High School, graduating in the top five of her class. She went on to graduate with a B.A. in Criminology and Criminal Justice from Slippery Rock University and is currently pursuing an MBA in Marketing.

Last April, for the Erie Reader Book Club, we all read and discussed the novel North Woods by Daniel Mason. I essentially forced everyone to read this book because I think it is one of the greatest books ever written, and I'm not being hyperbolic. It is grand in its scope, but intimate, moving, personal, and deeply creative in its details.

The Jefferson Educational Society is announcing what it says is a landmark lineup fit for a landmark year. On Thursday, June 25, JES President Dr. Ferki Ferati introduced 18 events that will be among the 18th Global Summit speaker series beginning in September this year, with more to be announced later. The lineup this year includes more partnerships and an opportunity for the public to get involved.

Centennial Hall Fills June Calendar with Versatile Lineup by Nick Warren6/4/2026, 11:00 AM Emo, jazz, rock, and hip-hop showcased at local venue

SATURDAY JUN 27 Are you looking for a safe space to celebrate softness and femininity with others in the community, see some great local entertainment, shake your booty, and meet friends old and new? If so, look no further than 10/20 Collective. This weekend, for one night only, Femme Night returns to the creative space. The event is the brainchild of Davona Pacley, Angelica Spraggins, and Sarah M.K. Moody.

Holy smokes, we're into June. It sure feels like some big old red button was pushed labeled, "SUMMER" and suddenly here we are in perfect outdoor beer drinking weather. Welcome, friend; we're taking your favorite beer for a walk in southwest Erie. Grab your sneaks, pour up your favorite beer of choice, and let's zip through town. A perfectly situated starting point is McGarrey's Oakwood Cafe (featured elsewhere in this issue!). They've made their home at 1624 W.