Five PA Cities Get Free America250PA Concert: Erie Headline with The Fray

Pennsylvania's 250th anniversary celebrations feature diverse musical lineup across the state.

Apr. 10, 2026 at 8:54am

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An extreme close-up of luxurious, glittering textures in shades of gold, silver, and deep red, conceptually representing the glamour and energy of a music festival celebrating Pennsylvania's 250th anniversary.The vibrant weekend celebration of Pennsylvania's 250th anniversary will bring a diverse array of musical talent and creative energy to communities across the state.Erie Today

Pennsylvania is pulling out all the stops for its 250th anniversary celebrations, including a series of free concerts in five cities across the state. The lineup features a diverse range of artists, from rock band The Fray headlining in Erie to country group Lady A and R&B icons En Vogue performing in Wilkes-Barre. These concerts aim to engage communities statewide and showcase the state's musical talent and appreciation for different genres.

Why it matters

The America250PA concert series is more than just a musical event; it's a celebration of community, diversity, and shared history. By hosting concerts in various cities, Pennsylvania is ensuring the festivities are accessible and inclusive, allowing residents across the state to participate in the 250th anniversary celebrations.

The details

The concert series features a diverse lineup of artists, including The Fray in Erie, The Avett Brothers in Hershey, and Lady A and En Vogue in Wilkes-Barre. Organizers have prioritized giving Pennsylvania residents first access to the free tickets, emphasizing the state's commitment to its citizens. However, this also raises questions about ensuring the events are truly inclusive, regardless of residency status.

  • The concerts will take place throughout 2026 as part of Pennsylvania's 250th anniversary celebrations.
  • The Fray will headline the Erie concert on August 15, 2026.

The players

The Fray

An American rock band with a solid fan base that will be headlining the concert in Erie.

Gus Pine

The executive director of Erie Events, who highlighted the strategic importance and unique character of Erie in hosting the concert.

First to Eleven

A local band that will be performing alongside The Fray in Erie, adding a layer of community pride and engagement to the event.

The Avett Brothers

A folk rock band that will be performing in the concert series in Hershey.

Lady A

A country music group that will be performing in the Wilkes-Barre concert.

En Vogue

An R&B vocal group that will be part of the Wilkes-Barre concert lineup.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee

What’s next

The concerts will take place throughout 2026 as part of Pennsylvania's 250th anniversary celebrations, with the Fray headlining the Erie concert on August 15, 2026.

The takeaway

The America250PA concert series is a unique way for Pennsylvania to celebrate its 250th anniversary, showcasing the state's diverse musical talent and bringing communities together through the power of music. While ensuring accessibility for residents is a priority, the organizers must also consider ways to make the events truly inclusive for all.