Warner Theatre - Erie

Knowing the venue policies before you arrive can help you prepare for a smoother experience on the day of the event.

• Re-Entry & Smoking: Once you leave a ticketed event, re-entry is prohibited.³ No smoking is allowed.
• Payment Options: Only contactless payments or cards are accepted.³ Cash cannot be used to pay for concessions.³
• Prohibited Items: Weapons, large bags, pepper spray, knives, drugs, explosives, chains or studded items, drones, recording gear, tripods, and outside food or drinks are not allowed.³ Refer to the policy page for a complete list of prohibited items.
• Age Restrictions: Everyone age 2 and up needs a ticket, though some shows may allow exceptions.³ Refer to the event listings for event-specific information.

For the most up-to-date guidance and information on regulations (including bag policies), check the official Warner Theatre policy page.

Erie and Northwestern Pennsylvania combine Great Lakes waterfront scenery, historic downtown architecture, and a strong industrial past. These aspects make it a great area to explore. Visit more venues in the region, such as:

• Erie Insurance Arena: Opened in 1983 and recently updated with a $47 million renovation and expansion, it seats over 9,000 and serves as the home of the Erie Otters.⁴
• Bayfront Convention Center: Northwest Pennsylvania’s largest banquet venue, with 28,800 square feet of space and capacity for 4,000 theater-style guests.⁵
• Stage AE: Located in Pittsburgh, it is a well-designed, flexible venue that hosts more than 110 events each year in a space that accommodates 1,000 to 5,000 people.⁶

Warner Theatre is located Downtown Erie between East 8th Street and East 9th Street on State Street. Garage and street parking are available nearby.⁷

Public Transportation: The Erie Metropolitan Transit Authority (EMTA) operates fixed bus routes throughout Erie County.⁸ Take the 20A or the 20L to get dropped off right at the front door of Warner Theatre.⁸

Driving: If you choose to drive, arrive at 811 State Street and use one of the nearby parking garages to leave your vehicle. Parking options include:

• Erie Downtown Secure Parking at 14 Robert Benjamin Wiley Way
• 8th & French Parking Garage at 24 East 8th Street

At most shows, concession stands offer snacks, soda, coffee, beer, wine, and mixed drinks. Drinks are only allowed in seating areas when you use an approved Warner Theatre cup. All concession purchases require contactless or card payment, as cash is not accepted at any stand. This policy is in place to help keep lines moving and improves safety.³ Availability can vary by event.

The Warner Theatre opened on April 10, 1931, as a lavish movie palace commissioned by Warner Bros. and designed by Rapp & Rapp.² Its art deco interior, created by Rambusch Studios, features gold-gilded details, marble accents, and crystal chandeliers.² Early programming included vaudeville acts, with Bob Hope appearing in 1931.²

The theatre later became home to the Erie Philharmonic in the 1970s.³ Saved from demolition in the 1970s through efforts led by Mayor Louis J. Tullio, the hall underwent key restorations and was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1982.³