Upcoming Events at Barber National Institute

Barber Beast on the Bay

September 6, 2025 | Presque Isle State Park

Barber Beast on the Bay is an obstacle course challenge at Presque Isle State Park (USA Today’s ‘Best Pennsylvania Attraction’) in Erie, PA.  The event covers 10 miles of sand, water, and trails – it’s the nature of the Beast! 

Participants run, jump, climb and crawl across more than 30 natural and manmade obstacles on the shores of Lake Erie at the biggest obstacle course race in Erie, PA.  While they are tackling their own challenges during the Beast, they are also helping children and adults with autism, intellectual disabilities, and behavioral health challenges at the  Barber National Institute who take on their own obstacles every day, as the event supports the non-profit and the more than 6,300 individuals it serves annually.

A  one-mile adapted course is also offered for those ages 12+ with physical or intellectual disabilities at Waldameer, a theme park in Erie, PA next to Presque Isle State Park. The 10-Mile Course and Adapted Course come together for the final obstacles and all participants cross the finish line together!

Includes team of 10:
Participant Shirt Sponsor - $12,000 - TAKEN
Participant Medal Sponsor - $10,000
10-Mile Course Map Sponsor - $10,000

Includes team of 7:
Adapted Course - $7,500  - TAKEN
Beast Crew Sponsor - $7,500 (2 AVAILABLE)
Cheer Zone Sponsor - $7,500

Includes team of 5:
Power Up Electrolyte Sponsor - $5,000
Photo Booth Sponsor - $5,000 
‘The Beast’ Sponsor - $5,000 - TAKEN
Beast Builder Sponsor - $5,000

General Sponsorship:
Supporting Sponsor - $2,500 (UNLIMITED AVAILABLE)
Water Station Sponsor - $2,000 (6 AVAILABLE)
Friends of the Beast- $1,000 (UNLIMITED AVAILABLE)

These must be committed by August 1st.

Sponsorship Opportunities Learn More

Barber Christmas Ball

December 13, 2025 |  Bayfront Convention Center

Ring in the holiday season with family and friends at the annual Barber Christmas Ball. Join us for a night that glitters with the spirit of the season as we come together to make this holiday season truly shine!

The event features live music, delicious food, and spectacular decorations in a beautiful setting on Erie’s bayfront.  Plan now to celebrate with friends, family, and neighbors to ring in the holiday season for a great cause.

The Barber Christmas Ball is a community event open to all!  You do not need a formal invitation to attend, but if you would like to receive one, please send your name and address to events@barberni.org

Reservations include an array of heavy hors d’oeuvres, desserts, two cocktails, and complimentary valet parking.

Many sponsorship opportunities are available for this longstanding Erie event tradition.

Diamond Sponsor - $10,000
A table of ten at the event, website promotion, inclusion in the program, recognition at the event, and  featured sponsorship (choice of band, centerpieces, food, dessert table) .

Gold Sponsor - $5,000
A table of ten at the event, website promotion, inclusion in program, and recognition at the event.

Emerald Sponsor - $2,500
Includes four reservations, website promotion, inclusion in the program, and recognition at the event.

Garnet Sponsor - $1,000 
Includes two reservations, website promotion, inclusion in the program and recognition at the event.

2024 Ball Photobooth Gallery