Enjoy Events and Festivals

Discover all things canal in the charming community of Little Falls. Choose from a variety of activities that showcase recreation, historic landmarks, geological wonders, heritage, attractions, and businesses.

Enjoy jazz music from world-renowned artists and the very best in local talent in a free, festival-style atmosphere.

Head to the lively summer community of Sylvan Beach for a celebration of summer and our location on the historic Erie Canal and the East Shore of Oneida Lake. Events include a water ski show, fireworks, the Utica ZooMobile, helicopter tours, musical entertainment, presentations on the history of the Erie Canal and Oneida Lake, a large vendor show and more for families and guests of all ages.

Celebrate the history of the Erie Canal with live music, a variety of vendors and old fashioned crafts. Watch a blacksmith, crank your own ice cream, and engage with a steam engine exhibit and take a narrated boat ride over a restored aqueduct.

Try out adaptive cycles, participate in the Canalway Challenge, and connect with others in the inclusive recreation community. A pop up adaptive sport/recreation session in conjunction with Syracuse Parks paves the way for the main TRAID on the Trails day, a festival style inclusive recreation celebration with live music, adaptive equipment, and more.

Join the Oneida County Historical Center and the Erie Canal Museum for this hourlong cycling tour around Utica looking at the city’s Erie Canal and brewing history, as you ride along the historic Mohawk River. The ride begins and ends at Bagg's Square Brewing Company, where you will be treated to a beer as part of your ride as well as a brief history of the brewery itself.

This integrated educational arts program provides youth and families a hands-on exploration of the social, cultural, and historical significance of the Erie Canal.

Join Lockport Main Street for a day of family-centric activities including lock demonstrations.

Join the Erie Canal Museum and Talking Cursive Brewing Company for this hour long cycling tour through Syracuse looking at the its unique brewing and Canal history, including Greenway's Brewing, which once occupied the same site as Talking Cursive today! The ride begins at the Erie Canal Museum and ends at Talking Cursive, right down the street, where you will be treated to a beer as part of your …

Join the fun at this 2-mile disability awareness color run/walk on the Erie Canalway Trail. As an accessible race, this event invites individuals of all abilities to come together for a day of fun, food and friends in a way that promotes a healthy lifestyle.

Enjoy a parade, packet boat ride and day of musical performances, family-friendly activities, and beverage and food trucks.

Head to the waterfront for this annual celebration of New York’s canals and maritime community heritage. Step aboard new and historic working vessels, talk to crews, and get a glimpse into tugboat life. The festival features a tug parade, tug tours, boat rides, tug talks, live music, a kayaking event, 5k, competitions, fireworks, children's activities, vendors, food, and more.

Join the Seneca Falls Museum of Waterways and Industry and the Erie Canal Museum for this hour long cycling tour around Seneca Falls looking at the its unique Canal history! The ride begins at the Seneca Falls Museum of Waterways and Industry and ends at WT Brews, right down the street, where you will be treated to a beer as part of your ride as well as a brief history of the brewery itself.

Explore Rochester’s history and natural beauty on a bicycle ride along the scenic Erie Canalway and Genesee Riverway Trails. Experienced riders will guide cyclists to five stops along the route that showcase local art, history, and culture. Riders ages 8-17 must be accompanied by an adult; those under age 8 can participate in a bicycle rodeo at the Staybridge Suites Hotel at 1000 Genesee Street, w…

Head to the water for an open house with Corn Hill Navigation and learn about and experience CHN's programming and recreational opportunities along the Erie Canal and Genesee River.

Celebrate women's history and achievements through a weekend of storytelling, outdoor activities, the arts, fireworks, a flotilla parade, live music, and more. The remarkable class of 2022 includes: Octavia Butler, Judy Chicago, Becky Halstead, Mia Hamm, Joy Harjo, Emily Howland, Katharine Johnson, Indra Nooyi, and Michelle Obama.

Canaltown Days are back in Palmyra with food, crafts, car show, 5K, historic walks, music and more! Visit their website for a full lineup of events.

Ten bands on two stages; 75 vendors, crafters, and food trucks; pony rides; children's games; and a large fireworks display celebrate the NYS Canal System, arts, and waterfront recreation. Winner of the 2019 SAMMY People's Choice Award for Best Music Festival.

This statewide professional conference strives to create a deeper understanding of issues facing this national landmark and highlights the thoughts and activities of leaders in government, non-profits, history, tourism, economic development, engineering and education. Mobile workshops allow attendees to visit curated sites for in-depth exploration and hands-on experiences.

Music, boat rides, walks, cycling tours, displays, speakers and more celebrate the canal's vital role in Rochester past, present and future and the ongoing Roc the Roc the Riverway improvements.

Enjoy this moving performance of a youg girl's brave path from slavery to freedom along the Erie Canal to life on the 3500-acre Howland’s Island in the Seneca River near Montezuma. Based on a reporter's interview from 1896.

Celebrate the autumn harvest season and the Champlain Canal on the grounds of the Canal Street Marketplace, a recently 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.

Run two miles, bike 17 miles, then run another 2 miles through beautiful fall foliage, and conclude with a barbeque dinner. Participate as an individual or team and track your Canalway Challenge miles, or join the cheering section!