Events

⭐ Featured: Erie Canal Village — Rome, NY

Mohawk Valley Heritage Railroad at Erie Canal Village

2026 Season  |  Erie Canal Village, Rome, NY (off Route 49 / Erie Blvd)

The Mohawk Valley Heritage Railroad is reviving the spirit of the most historically significant spot on the Erie Canal — where workers broke ground on July 4, 1817, launching “Clinton’s Ditch.” Enjoy family-friendly heritage train rides and special events throughout the 2026 season at this landmark site. Visit mohawkvalleyheritagerr.com for the full 2026 schedule.

Canal Clean Sweep — 21st Annual

April 17–19, 2026  |  Statewide along the Erie Canalway Trail

New York’s largest Earth Day cleanup event, organized by Parks & Trails New York in partnership with the NYS Canal Corporation. Over 100 cleanup events engage 2,500+ volunteers along the 524-mile Canal System — removing litter and preparing the Canalway Trail for the busy season. Sign up at ptny.org/canal-clean-sweep.

Erie Canal Museum — Spring Volunteer Workday & Season Opening

April 19, 2026  |  Erie Canal Museum, 318 Erie Blvd E, Syracuse, NY

Annual garden volunteer workday at the Erie Canal Museum, coinciding with the opening weekend of the outdoor season. The museum’s 2026 “Rooted” theme explores the canal’s connections to the American Revolution. Featured exhibit: Enterprising Waters (produced by the NYS Museum). eriecanalmuseum.org

NYS Canal System Opening Day 2026

Friday, May 15, 2026  |  New York State Canal System

The 2026 navigation season officially opens on May 15 — the 201st year of operation following the Erie Canal Bicentennial. All locks and waterways open for recreational and commercial boating. Info: canals.ny.gov.

Colonial Belle Canal Cruises — Season Opens

May 15 – October 30, 2026  |  400 Packett’s Landing, Fairport, NY

2–3 hour Erie Canal cruises covering 14–16 miles with historic narration by the Captain, themed dining, and live entertainment. Season runs May 15 through Oct 30 with special themed cruises all summer. Reservations: (585) 223-9470  |  colonialbelle.com

Sam Patch Canal Boat Tours — Season Returns with a Makeover!

May 2026 onward  |  Schoen Place, Pittsford, NY

The beloved Sam Patch — a replica 19th-century packet boat — returns to Schoen Place with a fresh new look for 2026. 90-minute public cruises depart daily featuring Erie Canal history, live music, birding, arts & culture, and environmental science themes. Operated by Rochester By Water. cornhillnav.org

Fairport Canal Days — 49th Annual

June 5–7, 2026  |  Village of Fairport, NY

One of the Northeast’s premier juried art festivals, set along the scenic Erie Canal for 49 years. Friday June 5 kicks off with a Chicken BBQ preview; full festival with vendors opens June 6–7. Canal Nights (12th year) brings headliner bands under the big tent at Fairport Junction. fairportcanaldays.com

Seneca Chief “Back to Buffalo” Bicentennial Voyage

June 6–27, 2026  |  16 ports along the Erie Canal (22-day voyage)

After its historic 2025 Bicentennial journey east to New York City, the Erie Canal Boat Seneca Chief makes its triumphant return west to Buffalo — stopping at 16 canal ports over 22 days. Features public events, hands-on demonstrations, and school programs reaching 5,000+ students. Known stops include Holley (June 24) and Medina (June 25). Full itinerary: buffalomaritimecenter.org/backtobuffalo

33rd Annual Waterfront Festival & Cardboard Boat Regatta

Saturday, June 20, 2026  |  Seneca Harbor Park, 11am–7pm

Local food and craft vendors, nonprofit organizations, and the beloved cardboard boat races on the canal. Free family zone noon–4pm with live music throughout the afternoon and evening.

Colonial Belle — Live Music Themed Cruises

June 25 & June 30, 2026  |  400 Packett’s Landing, Fairport, NY

Two special evenings on the canal: Cool Club & the Lipker Sisters Live Music Cruise (Thu. June 25, 6:30–8:30pm) and Caribbean Sunset Dinner & Music Cruise (Tue. June 30, 7:00–9:00pm). Book: (585) 223-9470  |  colonialbelle.com

Canalside Buffalo — Rubber Duck Festival

July 3–5, 2026  |  Canalside, Buffalo, NY

“Mama Duck” and baby duck Timmy return to Canalside Buffalo for the holiday weekend! Find 25 golden ducks hidden around the waterfront, enjoy food trucks, family activities, duck-themed movies, and live music. Free admission. Part of Canalside’s summer-long Thursday concert series. buffalowaterfront.com

Cycle the Erie Canal Bike Tour 2026

July 11–19, 2026  |  Buffalo to Albany — 400+ miles over 8 days

Fully-supported, 8-day bike tour from Buffalo to Albany along the Erie Canalway Trail — now 85%+ off-road. Covering 40–60 miles/day with campsites, meals, gear transport, and guided tours of the Erie Canal Museum, Fort Stanwix, Women’s Rights National Historic Park, and a Lockport Locks boat tour. Reduced-cost tickets available. Register: cycle.ptny.org

Albany Symphony “Water Music NY” — Free Concert Series

July 2026  |  Medina, Seneca Falls, Utica, Fort Plain & Schuylerville

A free five-part concert series by the Albany Symphony, presented in partnership with the NY Power Authority and NYS Canal Corporation. Live performances in five historic canal communities — free and open to the public at all locations.

Erie Canal Museum — Sloan Lecture: “Revolutionary Waterway”

Thursday, July 16, 2026  |  Erie Canal Museum, 318 Erie Blvd E, Syracuse, NY

Part of the 2026 “Rooted” Sloan Lecture Series, exploring the Erie Canal’s connections to the American Revolution and America’s 250th anniversary. The museum’s Enterprising Waters exhibit runs through summer. Tickets: eriecanalmuseum.org

Lockport Locks & Erie Canal Cruises — Peak Summer Season

Mid-June through Early September (Peak Season)  |  210 Market St, Lockport, NY

Watch boats navigate the famous Lockport Locks on a narrated 2-hour cruise. Summer departures daily at 10am, 12:30pm, and 3pm. Spring/Fall: 12:30pm & 3:30pm (10am Saturdays). Reservations suggested: (716) 433-6155  |  lockportlocks.com

“On the Canals” — Free Recreation Program

Summer & Fall 2026  |  Multiple locations along the NYS Canal System

FREE recreational adventures sponsored by the NYS Canal Corporation and NY Power Authority. Activities include kayaking, cycling, fishing (standard + adaptive), outdoor painting, birding, nature hikes, ecotours, plant ID walks, and pollinator garden strolls. Designed to be accessible for all abilities. Find events: onthecanals.com

Colonial Belle — Fall Foliage Cruises to Downtown Rochester

Sunday, October 4 & Sunday, October 11, 2026  |  400 Packett’s Landing, Fairport, NY — 12:30–4:30pm

A stunning 4-hour fall cruise from Fairport to Downtown Rochester and back, with brilliant autumn foliage lining the canal banks. These popular cruises sell out — book early! colonialbelle.com

Middleport Fall Canal Festival

Fall 2026  |  Middleport, NY

A traditional fall festival celebrating autumn on the canal with pumpkin games, an apple pie contest, and educational programs about Middleport’s canal connections and America’s 250th anniversary.

Oktoberfest in Fairport

Fall 2026  |  Village of Fairport, NY

A beloved autumn tradition in the canal village of Fairport, with food, music, and community festivities along the Erie Canal.