Celebrate, Learn, Enjoy!
Hundreds of thousands of residents and visitors celebrate their canal heritage at a variety of canal-related festivals and events each year. Join the fun!
Please note: Event dates in 2020 are highly subject to change due to evolving conditions related to the COVID-19 pandemic. Please check with event organizers for the most up-to-date information.
2020 Corridor-wide Events:
Featured Community Events
These events will give you reasons to head to the water and to canal communities again and again. In addition to this listing, please visit the NYS Canal Corporation for a complete canal calendar.
Canal Fest at Sylvan Beach
August 9 - 11 >> Lakefront Park, Sylvan Beach
Celebrate the Erie Canal on the shores of Oneida Lake at this exciting family-friendly event. The three-day festival includes circus performances, fireworks, a water ski show, and a historical presentation.
More > 16th Annual Cardboard Boat Race
August 8 >> Fort Hardy Beach, Schuylerville
Join Hudson Crossing Park for the 16th Annual Cardboard Boat Races! Will your boat have what it takes to stay afloat? Join the fun or just watch from the shore, the Cardboard Boat Races are not to be missed!
More > Doors Open Buffalo 2020
August 8 >> Buffalo
Tour many of Buffalo's most significant historic and architecturally significant buildings during this day of free public access. More than 50 different locations are included.
More > 33rd Annual Little Falls Canal Celebration
August 10 - 16 >> City of Little Falls
This family-friendly festival offers a variety of fun-filled recreational, educational, and creative programs and entertainment. Celebrate our heritage while exploring our City's charm and beauty.
More > Equality Weekend
August 21-23 >> Seneca Falls
Celebrate the 19th Amendment's Centennial in the birthplace of the women's rights movement with the Susan B. Anthony Boat Naming, Corning Museum's all women glass blowing demonstrations, and speeches including Elizabeth Cady Stanton's relative.
More > Old Timers Fair
September 12 >> The Cobblestone National Historic Landmark District, Albion
The Cobblestone Museum will come alive with artisan demonstrations and reenactors recreating life in 19th century Orleans County.
More > Virtual Color Wayne- *An official 1st Mile Challenge event*
September 5 - 12 >> VIRTUAL EVENT
A virtual run/walk/bike open to people of all abilities.
More > Kayaking 4 Meso
July 1 - September 12 >> Corridor-wide
Register online for this free virtual event and help reach the collective goal of 2,500 miles! Miles paddled along the NYS Canalway Water Trail count toward your Canalway Challenge goal.
More > Montezuma Birding & Boating Event
September 19 - 20 >> Montezuma Audubon, Savannah
Step aboard a cruise through the Montezuma Wetlands Complex and explore the unique habitats while learning about bird migration and the Erie Canal's influence on regional wildlife.
More > Locktoberfest Lockport
September 26 >> Canal Street, Lockport
Join the celebration of summer’s harvest and life on the Erie Canal with lock demonstrations, guided tours, music, food, and entertainment. This event will include the dedication of the newest phase of the Flight of Five Locks.
More > Locktoberfest Phoenix
October 3 >> Phoenix
Celebrate fall at Locktoberfest with 100 craft and unique vendors, complete beer and wine garden with a food court of over 30 food trucks and vendors. Live music, helicopter rides over the lock, children's activities, and fireworks.
More > Locktoberfest Rome
October 3 >> Bellamy Harbor Park, Rome
Enjoy the Erie Canal at Rome’s Bellamy Harbor Park with a youth fishing derby, canoeing, and live landscape paintings. Local vendors offer craft beer and wine, as well as live entertainment and art.
More > Locktoberfest Fort Edward
October 17 >> Fort Edward
A fall harvest festival celebrating Fort Edward and the Champlain Canal, featuring the best of local breweries, music, and artisanal products.
More >