Ethnic Market Tours

Discover Erie’s Vibrant Cultures and Unique Businesses!

Ready to spice up your summer plans?

Join Erie Arts & Culture for an enriching and delicious journey through some of Erie’s most vibrant ethnic markets. These two-hour tours offer a unique behind-the-scenes look at businesses owned by New Americans, inviting participants to explore cultures, traditions, and flavors from around the world—right here in Erie.

Whether you're a foodie, an adventurous shopper, or simply curious about the people and stories that make our community special, these tours offer a fun and meaningful way to experience Erie through a different lens.

  • Niken Astari Carpenter brings a wealth of experience, curiosity, and community connection to Erie Arts & Culture's Ethnic Market Tours. Before moving to Erie, Niken served as a judge in her native Indonesia, building a distinguished legal career rooted in service and leadership.

    Drawing from her own experience as an immigrant, Niken has become a passionate advocate for individuals and families navigating the challenges of building a new life in a new country. She served as the City of Erie’s first Immigrant and Refugee Liaison under Mayor Joe Schember, helping strengthen connections between Erie’s growing New American communities and local resources.

    A dedicated foodie with a love for exploring cultures through cuisine, Niken enjoys sharing the stories, traditions, and flavors that make Erie such a vibrant and welcoming place. She remains actively involved in civic affairs and was honored with the 2025 Welcoming Trailblazer Award from the Multicultural Community Resource Center of Erie in recognition of her commitment to fostering belonging and opportunity for all.

  • Guided Exploration
    Niken will lead participants through a curated selection of local markets, sharing insights into the cultures, histories, and stories that make Erie such a diverse and dynamic community.

    Market Visits
    You'll visit 4–6 markets representing Erie’s Iraqi, Syrian, Congolese, Bhutanese-Nepali, and other New American communities. Markets may include Almadina Supermarket, Palace Life African Supermarket, Fadak International Food Market, UK Supermarket, and more.

    Samples and Stories
    Enjoy tastings of snacks, fruits, drinks, and other specialties while hearing firsthand from business owners about their journeys, traditions, and cultures.

    Shopping and Discovery
    Browse unique ingredients, spices, snacks, and household goods you won't find in a typical grocery store. Many participants leave inspired to try new spices and explore new recipes, and grow a deeper appreciation for Erie’s cultural richness.

    Tour Details

    • Duration: Approximately 2 hours

    • Combination of walking and driving

    • Visit 4–6 locally owned markets

    • Opportunity to meet shop owners and ask questions

    • Tour guide will contact all participants 24 hours before the tour. 

    • The tour will start at UK Supermarket, 1105 Parade Street.

  • Tickets are $40 per person and space is limited.

    Can't make these dates? Want a great outing for your team or family gathering? You can schedule your own private tour for up to 15 people. Cost is a flat fee of $400.

    https://tickets.evvnt.com/events/ethnic-market-tours-6-20-2026

    • Sampling: Enjoy samples of food and drinks from various cultures.

    • Q&A Sessions: Engage in Q&A sessions with store owners to learn about their experiences and cultures.

    • Shopping: Shop for unique products and support local entrepreneurs.

    • Cultural Insight: Gain a deeper understanding of the diverse cultures that make up our community.

Participants consistently tell us they're surprised by the incredible diversity they discover right here in Erie. From flavorful snacks and hard-to-find spices to inspiring conversations with business owners, these tours offer a meaningful way to connect with the cultures that help make our community unique.

Come learn, laugh, taste something new, and maybe even leave with a new favorite snack or, spice.

Space is limited, so reserve your spot today and get ready to snack, stroll, and shop your way around the world—without ever leaving Erie.

Ready to Join Us?

Don't miss this chance to explore hidden gems right here in our own community.

Book your tickets now and embark on a cultural adventure!

Coming 2026

For more information, please reach out to Folklorist in Residence Kelly Armor at kelly@erieartsandculture.org.

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