Color Wayne Fun Run, Walk and Roll

T. Spencer Knight Canal Port, Newark

Take part in this colorful 2-mile run/walk/roll for people of all abilities. Wear white and travel the 2-mile course along the Erie Canalway Trail and return covered by a rainbow of colors. Registration required. Benefits the Arc of Wayne Foundation.

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Erie Canal Bicentennial Building Bricks Event

Sacred Heart Club, Medina

Honor our nation’s 250th birthday at a one-day, all-ages event where participants build brick creations that represent America’s founding. Compete for age-based and creativity awards on the eve of Flag Day, where builders may even recreate the American flag in bricks.

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Fairport Oktoberfest

Fairport Junction, Fairport

- Celebrate Oktoberfest in the canalside village of Fairport along the historic Erie Canal. - Enjoy authentic German music, dancing, and cultural traditions. - Savor bratwurst, pretzels, schnitzel, and craft beer. - Stroll scenic paths, explore local shops, and soak up small-town charm. - Fun for locals and visitors—raise a stein and say “Prost!” 🍻

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Fairport Plein Air Festival

Village of Fairport, Fairport

Spend the morning painting along the historic waterway and Village. Art lovers will observe the artists as they paint “en plein air” (out-of-doors). A public exhibition and art sale follows in the afternoon.

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History at the Weighlock

Erie Canal Museum, Syracuse

Learn all about canal history at this series of special after-hours events from the Erie Canal Museum, housed in the canal’s last remaining weighlock building. Presentations, live music, and hands-on experiences provide a fun environment to connect with other history lovers.

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Locktoberfest Fort Edward 2026

Canal Street Marketplace, Fort Edward

Celebrate the autumn harvest and the Champlain Canal Bicentennial on the grounds of a renovated nineteenth century canal barn. The festival features regional farm and artisan products, educational booths, fabulous food, free horse and wagon rides, a local beer tasting tent, and live music.

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Locktoberfest

Canal Street, Lockport

Explore Lockport during this annual celebration along the canal. The event features an expanded Lockport Community Farmers Market, a Family Fun Zone with free games and activities, food, music, and local brews in the Beer Garden, and the season’s final demonstration of the historic Flight of Five Locks.

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Montgomery County Kayak-a-Thon

Village of Fonda Park, Fonda

Paddle thirteen scenic miles of the Mohawk River from Canajoharie to Fonda, then head to Fonda Park for a meal, live music, and celebration of America's 250th.

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Red Flannel Festival

Middleport, Middleport

Convene with canal boaters in Middleport for a traditional fall festival that celebrates autumn on the canal. Family-friendly activities such as pumpkin games and an apple pie contest complement educational programs about the history of Middleport, its canal connections, and America’s 250th.

Roc River Ride

Genesee Waterways Center, Rochester

Explore Rochester’s history and culture on a guided bicycle ride along the scenic Erie Canalway and Genesee Riverway Trails. Choose from three, seven, or 10-mile options with stops along the way for cultural presentations. All routes are accessible to wheelchairs. Riders ages eight to 13 must be accompanied by an adult.

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Waterford Tugboat Roundup

Waterford Harbor, Waterford

Celebrate maritime history at this annual waterfront festival. Step aboard historic tugboats and browse an eclectic marketplace with crafts, food, and maritime memorabilia. Enjoy family-friendly activities and a spectacular fireworks display.

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