On behalf of the Village of Waterford, The Waterford Canal and Towpath Society and our Planning Committee, we are proud to present to you our 40th Annual Waterford Canal Festival – a cherished tradition that celebrates the history, culture and community spirit of the Village of Waterford.

The Waterford Canal Festival is one of the Capital Region’s signature canal-based celebrations that takes place in May each year on the waterfront of the Village of Waterford. The celebration honors Waterford’s unique identity as the gateway to the canal system, with its location at the confluence of the Erie & Champlain canals and the Mohawk and Hudson Rivers. The Champlain Canal had opened two (2) years prior to the Erie Canal, making Waterford an integral canal site for 203 seasons as of 2026.

Beyond a celebration, the Festival is intended to preserve our local history and pride, as it draws thousands of residents and visitors to our historic waterfront; not only locally, but many water travelers waiting to enter the canal system on their travels. It also serves as an important economic and cultural driver for our Village, as we showcase and support our local businesses, retailers, artisans, musicians and food vendors with foot traffic and overnight tourists. The festival provides an excellent opportunity to explore the Waterford Canal System’s rich history and enjoy a fun-filled day with family and friends.

Last year’s canal experience was highlighted by the observance of the Erie Canal’s Bicentennial year.  But perhaps the most significant and memorable of its many events happens this year, as the Buffalo Maritime Center’s construction of the Seneca Chief, a historic replica of the first canalboat to navigate the Erie Canal from Buffalo to New York City, will be available for tours at Towpath Alley for this year’s festival! The Seneca Chief completed the trip of its namesake, and is spending the Winter in Waterford. It is expected it will make its return trip to Buffalo when the canal opens this year. The Canal Corporation proudly initiates the opening of the NYS Canal Season this year on May 15, 2026. The Seneca Chief will be on display and available for boarding and interpretation both Friday during the opening of the Canal, and Saturday, May 16, 2026 during the festival. Many dignitaries are expected to attend as the canal system opens its third century, and will include a presentation from the Albany Symphony Orchestra. 

Our generous, community-centered Sponsors directly support and sustain free family-centered programs and entertainment, such as live music, historical tours, boating, kayaking; as well as our children’s fishing clinic, obstacle course, scavenger hunt and bounce house fun. And of course, we have our delicious food and beverage vendor provisions, and so much more. Visitors can take a stroll on the promenade along the canal, go for a boat/kayak/bike ride and take part in one of the historical tours and witness the impressive workings of the locks system in operation.

It is also a great support to our local businesses, retailers, artisans, musicians and food & drink vendors with foot traffic and overnight tourists. Visitors can take a stroll on the promenade along the canal, go for a boat ride, take part in historic tours, even paddle the flight and witness the impressive workings of the locks in operation.

We hope you will JOIN US for one of the Capital Region’s most valued community events, as we celebrate the history, culture and community spirit of the Village of Waterford. Come on down and share a meal with us, shop until your heart’s content and enjoy a fun-filled day with family and friends while celebrating the canal’s important role in the region’s history. Your attendance not only supports the festival, but you are helping preserve history, support tradition, promote local economic vitality and reinforce the sense of connection that defines Waterford.

Together, we continue to celebrate our history while building a vibrant future for our community. Come enjoy a fun-filled day with family and friends, while celebrating the canal’s important role in the region’s 203 year history. See you there!

A huge thank you to all of our consistent sponsors for your generous support over the past four (4) decades, making this the festival’s 40^th season! Thank you for your continued courtesy and commitment to our region. Your support is so greatly appreciated.