Schedule of Events

What to do at Lock 2

The Waterford Canal Festival Bicentennial Celebration will be atop and bottom of Lock 2 … check out what we have in store for you…

Opening of the Locks

When: Friday, May 16th, 8:00 AM

Where: Lock E2 (upper)

Details: Prepare for NY boating travels, from yachts to kayaks, with the 200th opening of the Erie Canal lock system travel season at Lock 2. Then, stay and enjoy hearing from our dignitaries, political figures and sponsors, followed by more from the Albany Symphony!

LIVE MUSIC

Opening Ceremony presenting the ALBANY SYMPHONY

When: Friday, May 16th, 7:30 AM – 10:00 PM

Where: Stage Tent, Lock E2 (upper)

Details: Come celebrate the locks 200th Anniversary with LIVE music from the music stylings from a showing of the Albany Symphony! and impressive musical stylings by a showing of the prestigious Albany Symphony.

HARMONY ROCKS

When: Friday, May 16th, 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM

Where: Stage Tent, Lock E2 (upper)

Details: Come celebrate the locks 200th Anniversary with LIVE music by Harmony Rocks, the Capital District’s favorite party band!

THE HEATERS

When: Saturday, May 17th, 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM

Where: Stage Tent, Lock E2 (upper)

Details: Come celebrate the locks 200th Anniversary with LIVE party music by The Heaters.

WABY RADIO presents acoustic stylings of… (thank you BMB Construction)

PETER ANNELLO ~ SHANNON ROY ~ MATTY D

When: Sunday, May 18th, 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM (DJ); 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM (LIVE acoustic)

Where: Stage Tent, Lock E2

Details: The party continues! Stop by to listen to music and win some prizes throughout the day!

The Village of Waterford presents up and coming music stylings of…

THE WORD

Walking Tour of the Champlain Canalway

When: Saturday, May 17th, 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM

Where: Lock E2 Park

Details: Discover the history and beauty of the Champlain Canalway on this FREE guided tour, hosted by Town of Waterford Historian, Russell Vandervoort. Tour from Lock 2 to Old Champlain Canal Lock 5 and back.

Paddle the Flight (Erie Canal Waterford Flight)

When: Saturday, May 17th at 10:00 AM – 12:30 PM

Where: Starts at Lock 6 through Lock 2, ending at Peebles Island

Cost: $40/person (registration required only for those renting kayaks and gear with Upstate Kayak Rentals)

Details: Experience the thrill of paddling through the locks on their 200th Anniversary, and explore the scenic beauty of the Erie Canal’s Waterford Flight.

Kayak rental available and equipment provided to those who register. This is a ONE WAY excursion and return transportation is not available. Please plan accordingly.

Lead by: Licia

Balloon Twisting at Lock 2

When:  Friday, May 16th, 3:00 PM – 6:00 PM -and- Saturday, May 17th, 10:00 AM – 1:30 PM

Where: Lock 2 (upper)

Details: Enjoy the balloon twisting stylings Balloon Gal Jenny and get your littles their FREE balloon animal (for kids up to age 14). Be sure to tip your artist!

Treasure Hunt by Kayak

When: Saturday, May 17th, 2:00 PM and Sunday, May 18th, 10:00 AM

Where: Meet at the Waterford Boat Ramp by 1:45 PM Sat and 9:45 AM Sun

Cost: $20/person (registration required at Upstate Kayak Rentals)

Details: Paddle out to discover some hidden treasures

Lead by: Licia

Face Painting at Lock 2

When: Saturday, May 17th, 3:00 PM – 6:00 PM

When: Sunday, May 18th, 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM

Where: Lock 2 (upper)

Details: Get your littles face painted by Fancy Faces on Saturday and Creative Flare on Sunday for FREE! Be sure to tip your artist!

Bounce Around Fun

When: Friday, May 16 (12p-6p); Saturday, May 17 (10:00 AM – 6:00 PM); & Sunday, May 18th (10:00 AM – 3:00 PM)

Where: Lock 2 (upper)

Details: Let your kids jump and play for FREE in our bounce house at Lock 2.

Kid’s Fishing Clinic

When: Saturday, May 17th (10:00 AM – 4:00 PM) & Sunday, May 18th (10:00 AM – 2:00 PM)

Where: Peebles Island

Details: Join us for a FREE fishing clinic. Poles, bait and expert instruction provided.

Boat Rides

When: Saturday, May 17th (10:00 AM – 6:00 PM) & Sunday, May 18th (10:00 AM – 3:00 PM)

Where: Front of the visitor center -and- at upper Lock 2

Details: Enjoy a leisurely boat ride along the canal. FREE for all visitors.

Champlain Canalway Trail Family Bicycle Celebration

When: Sunday, May 18th, 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM

Where: Visitor’s Center (1 Tugboat Alley, Waterford NY) on the river side

Details: Join the Albany Bicycle Coalition for a family-friendly bike ride with a midway stop at Upper Newtown Road, ending back at the Visitor’s Center. Bring your own bike and helmet, as well as water to hydrate. Asphalt and stone dust terrain. Insurance Waivers will be required.

Paddle Around Peebles Island

When: Sunday, May 18th, 1:00 PM

Where: Meet at the Waterford Boat Ramp by 12:45 PM Sunday

Cost: $20.00/person

Details: Get back out on the water and enjoy the beautiful views of Peebles Island. Learn what new adventures we have in store for the season!

Lead by: Licia