We’re so excited to welcome you to the home of the Erie Philharmonic!

If you like thrilling concerts, nights at the movies, Grammy winners and mac n’ cheese, boy have you come to the right place.

Our musicians and staff are members of the Erie and surrounding communities, and we all have one thing in common - creating the best musical experience for you each time you walk into the theatre.

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A few things to know to help you get started.

We perform 10 traditional concert series each year at the Warner Theatre. These include everything from Beethoven and Bugs Bunny to Shostakovich and Star Wars. Essentially…if it has music in it, we play it!

You’ll see these big purple buttons all over our website. Some take you directly to the page where you can pick your seat and purchase a ticket.

Others like this one take you to an info page about the specific concert you’re interested in. This page will then have a ticket purchase link, plus concert info, videos, etc.

Where do we perform?

For the remainder of the 2019-20 season, our home is the iconic Warner Theatre. The theatre is located at 811 State Street in the heart of downtown Erie.

Our theatre is actually one of the original Warner Bros. movie palaces, and is pretty darn cool. Certainly worth checking out.

Another question we get a lot…what is a Philharmonic? It’s just a fancy way to say “orchestra” or “symphony”. There’s a little more history here, but as far as we’re concerned, we’re an orchestra that plays music in Erie. That’s really all the name means.

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Keeping the question train moving…

What should I wear?

We’re not kidding when we say whatever is most comfortable for you.

• Jeans…totally acceptable and welcomed!

• Suit coat and khakis…yep!

• Shirt and tie…of course!

• Shredded jeans and Blue Oyster Cult t-shirt to match…maybe not, but we all love cowbell

How can I buy tickets?

Two points for another awesome question. The simplest way to buy tickets is through our website. This link will take you the main ticketing page where you can buy tickets for any of the remaining concerts in our 2019-20 season (our season traditionally runs from September to April). Tickets can also be purchased over the phone at 814.455.1375 or in person at 23 West 10th Street, Suite 3.

The above link shows you pictures and details about each of the concerts in our 2019-20 season.

This page is essentially one large scroll - as you’ll see, our concert season is broken down into two different series: Symphonic Series and Pops Series. What does that mean?

Pops Series = movie music, rock tribute shows, Broadway highlights, Christmas concerts, etc.

Symphonic Series = Beethoven, Mahler, Stravinsky, etc., along with solo performances from Grammy-winning violinists, piano players and more.

Behind-the-scenes

An exclusive look into a rehearsal at McDowell Intermediate High School from this past October.

If you have any more questions, please don’t hesitate to call or, better yet, stop by our office. Coffee and donuts are basically our 7th and 8th staff members. Hope to see you at the Warner soon!

Looking to learn more about coming to the Warner Theatre? Scroll down to see our Know Before You Go page!

Attending a Performance

What should i wear?

The time of coattails and gowns is over - please wear anything that you are comfortable in! The Warner Theatre temperature can vary, so we suggest dressing in layers.

When should i clap?

Traditionally, when a movement or section is completed, it is appropriate to applaud. Some audience members feel its natural to applaud when they like a piece of music - we encourage you to participate at whichever level is most comfortable for you! Feel free to follow the lead of your fellow audience members if you are unsure.

Can i use my phone?

What we DON'T like: Phones ringing or making noises during the concert, or your screen alerts lighting up so much that it distracts other patrons.

What we DO like: People having fun and sharing that fun experience with others! So post selfies on Instagram and check in on Facebook - just do so silently and without disrupting the performance.

are drinks or refreshments allowed?

No outside food or drink is allowed in the Warner Theatre. Beverages and refreshments can be purchased at multiple locations. Drinks, in a Warner-permitted cup, are allowed inside the auditorium for our Pops Series only. No drinks are allowed in during the Symphonic Series.

If you are unsure, please check in with the staff or ushers for clarification.

what happens if i come late?

We do offer late seating at an appropriate break in the performance.

How long is the performance?

Our concerts typically run 2 hours (including a 20 minute intermission).

can i learn more about the concert?

Sure! Follow this link to learn more about the program, hear song examples, and read posts on each concert by our Music Director.

Ticket Information

how do i get my tickets?

We offer two options to receive your tickets. At this time, e-tickets are not available.

Will Call: Will call is available one hour before each performance at the Warner Theatre. It is located at the State Street entrance only. If you’d like your tickets prior to this time, you are always welcome to stop by our administrative offices to have your tickets in hand the night of the concert.

Shipping: If you purchase online, during checkout a $2 shipping fee will be applied if you would like your tickets mailed. Over the phone, that fee is waived. Our mail typically takes 7-10 business days to reach the destination.

where should i sit?

The Warner Theatre was built as a movie theatre back in 1930, this allows us to offer optimal seating to enjoy the performance. The best seat is your preference - there is no bad seat in the house!

who can attend?

Anyone! We offer student discounts to anyone from pre-K to grad school. If a child needs a seat for themselves, a ticket must be purchased. Our programming includes matinees and some special performances as family-friendly options.

is recording allowed?

At this time, recording of any kind (video, photograph, or audio) is strictly prohibited.

Accessibility

There is ADA seating available throughout our seat map. We also offer seating for any patron that would like to transfer from a wheelchair or walker into a theater seat.

There are Assisted Listening Devices available at the Warner Theatre via the House Manager.

Lost and Found

All items misplaced or lost at the Warner Theatre are kept in the House Manager’s office. Please contact Erie Events at 814.452.4857.

Where to Park

Parking garages are available at:

• 8th Street between State and French

• 10th Street between State and French Streets

• 8th Street between French and Holland (accessible when there are events at Erie Insurance Arena)

Event parking fees range from $3 - $5 via Erie Parking Authority.

Handicap parking is available at the southeast corner of Eighth and French Streets.

On-street parking is available downtown.

If you’re an Erie Philharmonic Encore Club donor, click here to learn more about your parking benefits!

Where to Eat Downtown

Downtown Erie offers many varieties of cuisine, be sure to check out some of our season sponsors and Mac n’ Cheese Competition Winners!

Erie Phil stories and notes