Bayfront Convention Center: Events, Parking, Hotels & Map

Erie, Pennsylvania · Waterfront Visitor Guide · 2026

Bayfront Convention Center: Plan Your Event, Parking & Stay

Bayfront Convention Center sits on the shoreline of Presque Isle Bay in Erie, Pennsylvania. It hosts festivals, trade shows, conferences, weddings, banquets and sporting events. The venue offers free outdoor parking, paid garages and direct indoor connections to two waterfront hotels.

1 Sassafras Pier Free outdoor parking Two connected hotels 128,000+ sq ft campus space
Start here

Bayfront Convention Center: Quick Visitor Information

Location1 Sassafras Pier

Erie, PA 16507

Main phone814-455-1260

Venue and event-planning contact

Outdoor parkingFree

On-site attendee lots

Paid garages$16 / day

Published convention center and Sheraton garage rates

Nearby rooms392

Across two connected hotels

AirportErie International

Approximately 10 minutes by car, according to venue guidance

Most important: If your event is at Bayfront Convention Center, navigate to 1 Sassafras Pier, Erie, PA 16507. The address 809 French Street on Erie Events’ website footer belongs to Erie Insurance Arena’s box office, not the waterfront convention center.

Bayfront Convention Center is part of Bayfront Landing, which includes the Sheraton Erie Bayfront Hotel and Courtyard Erie Bayfront. Event entry times, ticket prices and public admission rules differ by show.

Upcoming events

Bayfront Convention Center Events: October–December 2026

The official Erie Events calendar lists the following upcoming activities at the Bayfront Convention Center. Some events require tickets while others have separate admission or registration arrangements.

EventDateVisitor details
Employment Symposium and Job FairOctober 22, 2026Employment-focused event. Check organizer participation and admission requirements.
Holiday Craft & Gift FestivalNovember 7–8, 2026Seasonal shopping event featuring holiday and gift-related vendors.
Bayfront Brawl 19November 25, 2026Combat-sports event. Confirm tickets, seating and age conditions.
Festival of Trees 2026November 27–29, 2026Holiday-themed event. Check available admission options and session details.
Barber Christmas BallDecember 12, 2026Seasonal special event. Check organizer announcements for participation and admission.

Official calendar reviewed October 17, 2026. Event hours, ticket availability and schedules may change. This is a selected list, not the full public and private venue schedule.

How to Find Your Event and Purchase Tickets

  1. Open the official event listing. Visit Erie Events — Bayfront Convention Center.
  2. Find your event. Look under Upcoming Events and select the matching name and date.
  3. Read the event details. Confirm public opening hours, admission eligibility, age requirements, seating and what the ticket includes.
  4. Use the authorized ticketing link. Erie Events uses AXS Mobile ID for supported ticketed events. Other organizers may use event-specific registration.
  5. Save your confirmation. Keep the digital ticket or registration email and check whether the organizer allows re-entry.
Do not confuse venue hours with event hours. The convention center does not have one public opening schedule for all exhibitions, banquets, festivals and private meetings.
Parking made simple

Bayfront Convention Center Parking: Free Lots vs. Paid Garages

Unlike many downtown convention venues, Bayfront Convention Center offers free outdoor parking. There are also paid covered garages for visitors who prefer indoor parking or need a particular accessible route.

Free parking

On-Site Outdoor Lots

Published rate: $0

Outdoor attendee parking is available next to the convention center. Follow event signs to the designated lot.

Best for: Most visitors attending public shows, conferences and festivals.

Convention Center Garage

Published rate: $16 per day

The official directions page lists a daily parking charge and accessible parking in the convention center garage.

Best for: Drivers wanting covered parking close to the venue.

Sheraton Erie Bayfront Garage

Published rate: $16 per day

Accessible parking and an electric-vehicle charging station are listed. Availability and charging arrangements should be checked separately.

Best for: Sheraton guests or visitors who prefer its garage location.

Plan ahead

Special-Event Parking

Lots may fill during large events. Free spaces, garage access and temporary restrictions depend on event operations.

Best practice: Follow posted signs and the organizer’s parking instructions.

Parking Comparison

Parking optionPublished costADA parking
On-site outdoor parkingFreeYes
Bayfront Convention Center garage$16 dailyYes
Sheraton Erie Bayfront Hotel garage$16 dailyYes
Courtyard hotel parkingCheck current hotel rateContact hotel
Important parking distinction: Erie Events also lists $5 parking garages near Erie Insurance Arena and Warner Theatre in downtown Erie. Those are separate venues and are not the convention center’s $16 waterfront garage rate.

How to Park Without Choosing the Wrong Garage

  1. Enter 1 Sassafras Pier, Erie, PA 16507 in your navigation system.
  2. Check the event announcement for any designated parking entrance.
  3. Follow signs for Bayfront Convention Center outdoor parking if you want the free option.
  4. For covered parking, select the convention center garage or Sheraton garage and confirm the displayed rate.
  5. If accessible parking is needed, follow ADA parking signs and bring the required permit or plate.
  6. Save the lot or garage location so you can find your vehicle after the event.

Official Bayfront Convention Center parking rates and directions

Rates checked October 17, 2026. Posted prices, charging fees, capacity and event restrictions may change. Overnight vehicle parking is not guaranteed; obtain approval before planning an extended stay.

Address & directions

Bayfront Convention Center Map: 1 Sassafras Pier, Erie

Bayfront Convention Center
1 Sassafras Pier
Erie, Pennsylvania 16507
814-455-1260

Open driving directions in Google Maps

Driving from I-79 and I-90

Bayfront Parkway is the main waterfront access corridor. Erie Events identifies I-79 and I-90 as useful regional highway connections. Follow the appropriate Bayfront Parkway signs, then use event-specific directions to reach Sassafras Pier.

From Interstate 79

Approach Erie’s waterfront through the I-79/Bayfront Parkway connection. Use the current navigation route to Sassafras Pier and watch for event traffic.

From Interstate 90

Use a suitable connector toward Erie’s Bayfront Parkway. The chosen route depends on whether you are arriving from the east or west.

From Erie International Airport

The venue describes the airport drive as approximately 10 minutes under ordinary conditions. Arrange a taxi, rideshare, rental car or hotel-coordinated transfer.

Hotel Arrival

If staying at Sheraton or Courtyard, navigate to the hotel’s own address for check-in and parking rather than assuming the convention center entrance handles hotel drop-off.

Stay near your event

Hotels Near Bayfront Convention Center Erie, PA

The two most convenient options are directly connected to the convention center. Together they provide 392 rooms, making them useful for conferences, weddings and cold-weather visits when attendees want to avoid traveling between buildings.

Connected hotel

Sheraton Erie Bayfront Hotel

55 West Bay Road, Erie, PA 16507

Phone: 814-424-2005

The 200-room Sheraton has an indoor skybridge connection to the convention center, waterfront views, meeting facilities and on-site dining.

Best for: Conference attendees, business travelers and guests attending formal celebrations.

Connected hotel

Courtyard Erie Bayfront

2 Sassafras Pier, Erie, PA 16507

Phone: 814-636-1005

The 192-room Courtyard also connects directly to the convention center. It has waterfront accommodations and nearby dining.

Best for: Event attendees who prioritize direct building access and a convenient waterfront location.

Additional Erie Bayfront Hotels

HotelAddressWhy consider it?
Hampton Inn & Suites Erie Bayfront130 East Front StreetBayfront accommodation, but not directly attached to the center.
Cobblestone Hotel & Suites Erie701 Bayfront ParkwayAlternative along the waterfront corridor.

Hotel Booking Checklist

  • Check your event’s official hotel block before choosing a public room rate.
  • Compare the complete price, including taxes and hotel parking charges.
  • Confirm that the hotel’s indoor walkway is accessible during your event arrival and departure times.
  • If mobility assistance is required, reserve an appropriate accessible guest room directly with the hotel.
  • Check cancellation terms, breakfast inclusion and check-in times.
  • For large conventions, book early and be cautious of unsolicited third-party hotel offers.
Weather advantage: Erie’s waterfront can be cold and windy. Connected hotels are particularly convenient during winter events, especially when moving formalwear, equipment or luggage.

Official preferred hotels and contact details

Facility layout

Bayfront Convention Center Floor Plans, Room Sizes & Capacity

The convention center combines flexible indoor exhibition space, meeting rooms, a ballroom and waterfront outdoor areas. Room selection and permitted attendance depend on the chosen configuration, fire-code capacity and event requirements.

SpacePublished sizeTypical use
Great Hall28,800 sq ftTrade shows, exhibitions, large banquets and sporting events
Grand Ballroom13,500 sq ftWedding receptions, gala dinners, conferences and formal events
Meeting Rooms15 rooms; over 14,000 sq ft totalBusiness meetings, breakout sessions and smaller events
Sunset Terrace8,800 sq ftOutdoor receptions and waterfront gatherings

How Many People Can It Hold?

Great Hall theater4,000

Published theater-style capacity

Great Hall banquet2,000

Published banquet-style capacity

Grand BallroomUp to 1,000

Depending on event arrangement

The Great Hall is listed with capacity for approximately 160 standard 10-by-10-foot trade-show booths. Larger show arrangements and different aisle requirements will affect actual usable booth counts.

How to Find the Correct Room

  1. Identify your assigned space. Look for Great Hall, Grand Ballroom, a numbered meeting room or the Sunset Terrace on your confirmation.
  2. Open the official venue’s floor-plan information. Use the floor-plan section on Erie Events’ venue page.
  3. Match the event layout. Find the organizer’s specific seating, vendor or exhibition plan when available.
  4. Locate the proper entrance. Confirm badge pickup, attendee check-in, accessible routes and any designated event entrance.
  5. For exhibitors: Obtain the loading dock and move-in information before transporting booths or equipment.
An event floor plan can differ from the general building plan. Tables, stages, booth aisles and accessible routes may be arranged differently for every show.
Tickets & visitor rules

Bayfront Convention Center Tickets, Bag Policy & Box Office

Tickets are determined by the event organizer. Erie Events uses AXS Mobile ID for supported ticketed events, while certain conferences and private functions use separate registration systems.

Where Is the Box Office?

Erie Events lists its regular in-person box office at Erie Insurance Arena, 809 French Street, Erie, PA 16501, which is a different location from Bayfront Convention Center.

Box office detailPublished information
LocationErie Insurance Arena, 809 French Street, Erie
Monday–Friday10:00 AM–5:00 PM
Saturday10:00 AM–2:00 PM
Box office phone814-452-4857
TicketingAXS Mobile ID for applicable events

Published standard box office hours may change. Event-day onsite ticket arrangements are not guaranteed.

Bag Size & Security Policy

Erie Events publishes the following general bag limits for its venues:

  • Regular bags: Smaller than 6 × 8 × 2 inches.
  • Clear bags: Up to 12 × 12 × 6 inches.
  • Exceptions: Medically necessary items and diaper bags may be allowed after inspection.
  • Security screening: Attendees and bags may be screened at entrance checkpoints.

Event organizers can apply additional restrictions, so check the specific show before arriving with a backpack, camera equipment, costume props or luggage.

Payment Methods

Erie Events identifies Bayfront Convention Center as a cashless venue. Bring a credit or debit card or another supported contactless payment method. This applies to venue transactions; individual event ticketing and exhibitor arrangements may have their own instructions.

Entry reminder: A digital ticket does not guarantee that an event allows late entry, re-entry or unrestricted photography. Read the organizer’s rules before leaving home.
Accessible visits

Accessibility, ADA Parking & Visitor Assistance

Accessible parking is listed in the free on-site lots, convention center garage and Sheraton garage. The venue provides meeting and event facilities with services that can be arranged through its event-planning team.

Accessibility Planning Checklist

  • Confirm the accessible parking area closest to your assigned entrance.
  • Ask your event organizer whether reserved accessible seating or special ticket arrangements apply.
  • Contact the venue before arrival for hearing assistance, accessible meeting-room requirements or other accommodations.
  • If staying overnight, request an accessible hotel room directly from the hotel.
  • For wheelchair-friendly transfer planning, check the hotel-to-venue indoor connection before the event.

Venue contact: 814-455-1260

Email: info@bayfrontlanding.com

Food & nearby attractions

Restaurants and Things to Do Around Bayfront Landing

Bayfront Landing has dining choices within the same waterfront campus. This can be useful for conferences with short breaks, wedding guests or families visiting for festivals.

RestaurantLocationUseful detail
Shoreline Bar & GrilleCourtyard, 2 Sassafras PierWaterfront hotel restaurant serving regional dishes
Two45 Waterfront GrilleSheraton, 55 West Bay RoadWaterfront dining convenient for Sheraton guests
Bay House Oyster Bar & Grille8 Sassafras PierSeafood-focused restaurant near the venue
Pier 6 Rooftop6 Sassafras PierRooftop views; seasonal operation typically April–September
The Cove2 State StreetBayfront dining; seasonal operation typically April–September

Nearby Places to Explore

  • Presque Isle State Park: Well-known Erie destination for lake beaches, trails and outdoor recreation.
  • Downtown Erie: Shops, restaurants, cultural attractions and nearby entertainment venues.
  • Erie Maritime Museum: Regional maritime history and waterfront heritage.
  • State Street corridor: Useful for dining and exploring the downtown area.
Local planning tip: In warmer months, allow extra time to enjoy waterfront views. In colder months, plan a shorter outdoor route and use the hotel’s indoor connection when possible.
For organizers & exhibitors

How to Book Bayfront Convention Center for a Wedding, Conference or Trade Show

Bayfront Convention Center offers meeting, banquet and exhibition spaces with catering, audiovisual and event-management services. The final rental price depends on the room, dates, layout, service requirements and contract terms.

Information to Prepare Before Requesting a Quote

For Weddings & Banquets

  • Preferred date and alternative dates
  • Approximate guest count
  • Reception, ceremony or both
  • Catering and beverage needs
  • Indoor/outdoor space preference
  • Hotel room requirements

For Conferences & Trade Shows

  • Expected attendees and exhibitors
  • Required hall or ballroom size
  • Event setup and teardown dates
  • Booth and utility requirements
  • Internet and AV requirements
  • Registration and security needs

Step-by-Step Booking Process

  1. Choose the event format. Determine whether you need Great Hall, Grand Ballroom, smaller meeting rooms or outdoor space.
  2. Prepare your event requirements. Have dates, expected guests, catering preferences, room layout and technical needs ready.
  3. Request venue availability. Call 814-455-1260 or open Bayfront Landing Event Planning.
  4. Review the proposal. Check room rental, deposits, cancellation terms, catering, labor and technical services.
  5. Confirm logistics. Discuss loading access, parking allocation, signage, guest registration and the detailed floor plan.
  6. Finalize directly with the venue. Sign the contract and make any required payment only through authorized venue arrangements.

Exhibitor Logistics

Trade-show exhibitors should confirm the designated loading dock, move-in and move-out windows, freight handling, utility orders and safety procedures. The venue’s planning materials indicate that overnight parking is restricted and RV parking needs prior approval.

Do not assume an attendee parking entrance can be used for freight or oversized vehicles. Contact the organizer or event coordinator before bringing a trailer, display booth or large shipment.

Common visitor questions

Bayfront Convention Center: 10 Frequently Asked Questions

1. Where is Bayfront Convention Center located?

Bayfront Convention Center is located at 1 Sassafras Pier, Erie, Pennsylvania 16507, on the waterfront of Presque Isle Bay. The main phone number is 814-455-1260.

2. Is parking free at Bayfront Convention Center?

Yes. Official venue information lists free on-site outdoor parking for convention center visitors. Paid garage parking is available separately, and space may be limited during busy events.

3. How much does Bayfront Convention Center garage parking cost?

The venue’s published daily rate is $16 for the Bayfront Convention Center parking garage. The Sheraton Erie Bayfront Hotel garage also lists $16 per day. Always confirm posted rates before parking.

4. What events are happening at Bayfront Convention Center in 2026?

Published upcoming events include the Employment Symposium and Job Fair on October 22, Holiday Craft and Gift Festival November 7–8, Bayfront Brawl 19 on November 25, Festival of Trees November 27–29 and Barber Christmas Ball on December 12, 2026.

5. Which hotels are connected to Bayfront Convention Center?

Sheraton Erie Bayfront Hotel at 55 West Bay Road and Courtyard Erie Bayfront at 2 Sassafras Pier both connect directly to the convention center. Together they offer 392 guest rooms.

6. Where can I buy tickets for Bayfront Convention Center events?

Start with the official Erie Events website and select your event. Supported ticketed events use AXS Mobile ID. In-person box office services are generally listed at Erie Insurance Arena, 809 French Street, Erie, subject to operating hours.

7. What is the Bayfront Convention Center bag policy?

Erie Events allows regular bags smaller than 6 by 8 by 2 inches or clear bags up to 12 by 12 by 6 inches. Medically necessary and diaper-bag exceptions may be allowed after inspection. Individual events may have additional restrictions.

8. Is Bayfront Convention Center wheelchair accessible?

The venue lists accessible parking in its free outdoor lots, convention center garage and Sheraton garage. Contact the venue or event organizer in advance to confirm accessible entrances, seating and specific assistance needs.

9. How large is Bayfront Convention Center?

The Bayfront Landing complex includes more than 128,000 square feet of event space. Within the convention center, the Great Hall is approximately 28,800 square feet, the Grand Ballroom is 13,500 square feet, and there are 15 meeting rooms.

10. How do I book Bayfront Convention Center for an event?

Call 814-455-1260 or use the official Bayfront Landing event-planning page. Prepare your dates, estimated attendance, room requirements, catering needs and technical specifications before requesting a proposal.

Verified venue resources

Official Links for Final Tickets, Parking & Booking

Bayfront Convention Center
1 Sassafras Pier, Erie, PA 16507
Phone: 814-455-1260
Email: info@bayfrontlanding.com