The Erie Art Museum is offering a chance for art lovers to explore various locales around dowtown Erie.: erieartmuseum.org photo

Downtown Erie is often overlooked by students, but it is actually a cultural hot spot filled with great things to do.

If you’re interested in art or just like going to free things, Sept. 26 is Gallery Night in downtown Eire.

From 7-10 p.m. all visitors will get in to a nice array of galleries and museums for absolutely free.

People of all ages are welcome at this event.

Many places have unique entertainment, beautiful and interesting exhibitions, or better yet: free food.

Meet-and-greets, live music, or Q&A’s will also be going on at various places throughout the night.

Some locations include the Bayfront Gallery, the Glass Growers Gallery, and the Erie Art Museum.

There are a total of 10 sites, so be sure to look online for the full list of participating venues.

Gallery Night aims at fostering excitment for the Erie art scene while immersing viewers in many of the unique galleries around downtown.

Visiting five or more sites, gets you in the running to win a $25 gift certificates for one of the participating venue.

After running around the city enjoying the culture and art, the Erie Art Museum is holding Art After Dark, an over 21 art party featuring a DJ, light food, and a cash bar.

The party starts at 9 p.m. and runs until 11 p.m.

Pop culture tours will be given, beginning around 10 p.m.

The goal for these tours is to have visitors look at art through a fresh lens, prevalent in today’s society.

The two tours available on the 26 are Star Wars and Harry Potter themed (lead by a Mercyhurst student).

Tickets for Art After Dark cost $10 and can be purchased in advance at the Erie Art Museum or during Gallery Night.

The ticket also includes one free drink and the ability to craft your own beverage koozie from repurposed fabric scraps.

For information on Art After Dark and Gallery Night (including a list of participating galleries/their events) visit erieartmuseum.org.