What to do at Lock 2…
The 40th Annual Waterford Canal Festival celebration will be bustling atop and along the promenade of Lock 2 to the Battery …
Check out what we have in store for you…
Opening of the Locks
When: Friday, May 15, 2026 (8:00 AM)
Where: Visitor’s Center
Details: Prepare for NY boating travels, from yachts to kayaks, with the 201st opening of the Erie Canal lock system travel season at Lock 2. Stay and enjoy hearing from our dignitaries, political figures, sponsors and the Albany Symphony Orchestra. Then, take a tour of the historic hand-built replica Erie Canal Boat Seneca Chief (replica of 1st canal boat to travel the locks across New York State), followed by the 40th Annual Waterford Canal Festival on May 16, 2026!
LIVE MUSIC
FUZZY
When: Saturday, May 16, 2026 (10 AM – 12 PM)
Where: Visitor’s Center, 1 Tugboat Alley, Waterford (Promenade, river side)
Detail: Fuzzy is a Waterford resident excited to be playing in his hometown! He has been playing professionally in the Capital Region for 10+ years and plays anything from originals to rock to country (Tom Petty, Chris Stapleton, Beatles, Led Zeppelin, etc.)
Festival Tour of Erie Canal Boat Seneca Chief
When: Saturday, May 16, 2026 (10 AM – 6 PM)
Where: docked on the canal at Lock 2
Details: Come celebrate the festival’s 40th Anniversary recognizing the historic value of the canals with tours of the Erie Canal Boat Seneca Chief, a hand-built, historic replica of the original, first canalboat to cross the State using the lock systems we celebrate.
Less Walking, More Talking Tour of the Champlain Canalway
When: Saturday, May 16, 2026 (11:30 PM – 12:30 PM)
Where: Meet at entry to 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 Van Dervoort. Tour from Lock 2 to Old Champlain Canal Lock 5 and back.
Live DJ
When: Saturday, May 16, 2026 (10 AM – 6 PM)
Where: atop Lock E2 Park
Description: WABY Radio will be on site with radio tunes and will have some FREE giveaways (10 AM – 1 PM). Then, come check out our local DJ John Hebert of Music Express, as he spins oldies, classic rock, country and pop music … and even takes requests in those genres!
Garden Photo Area
When: Saturday, May 16, 2026 (10 AM – 6 PM)
Where: atop Lock E2 Park
Description: When was the last time you had a family photo taken?! Picture this! A photo area for you to take pictures of your family and/or friends with your cell phone; donned with white fencing, florals and garden decor and the river as your backdrop!
THE WORD
When: Saturday, May 16, 2026 (1 PM – 3 PM)
Where: Visitor’s Center, 1 Tugboat Alley, Waterford (Promenade, river side)
Detail: Musical stylings of this young, up-and-coming local band that channels the spirit of the late 1960s and early 1970s, honoring the golden era of rock with a sound—and attitude—that’s far beyond their years.
Face Painting
When: Saturday, May 16, 2026 (10 AM – 2 PM)
Where: atop Lock E2 Park
Details: Get creative with your littles face (or hands, or arms,…) with paint by Shanti Payne of Creative Flare Face Painting from 10 AM – 12 PM and Barbara Arpante from 12 PM – 2 PM on Saturday for FREE! Be sure to tip your artist!
Bounce Around Obstacle Course
When: Saturday, May 16, 2026 (10 AM to 6 PM)
Where: Lock 2 (upper)
Details: Children of all ages, take the challenge in our 40′ Bounce Obstacle Challenge for FREE on the hill at Lock 2 park. Then, move straight into the …
WFD Obstacle Course
What: Obstacle Course
When: Saturday, May 16, 2026 (10 AM – 6 PM)
Where: atop Lock E2 Park
Description: Join in the challenge that the Waterford Fire Department put together for your children’s pleasure. Come try the challenge, and add the Bounce Around obstacle challenge too!
Tour-A-Truck
When: Saturday, May 16, 2026 (10 AM – 6 PM)
Where: at the entry to Lock E2 Park
Description: Have you ever wanted to sit in a firetruck?! Now’s your chance! Come get your firsthand tour of Waterford’s own firetruck and meet our local firemen.
Boat Rides
When: Saturday, May 16, 2026 (10 AM – 6 PM)
Where: At the confluence of the Mohawk and Hudson Rivers; end of the Promenade at the Battery
Details: Enjoy a leisurely boat ride on both the Mohawk and Hudson Rivers with the Mohawk Maiden Cruises along the canal. FREE for all visitors.
Champlain Canalway Trail Family Bicycle Celebration
When: Saturday, May 16, 2026 (11 AM)
Where: Meet in parking area at Lock E2 Park
Details: Join the ride for a family-friendly bike ride for all ages, with a midway stop at Upper Newtown Road, ending back at the Visitor’s Center (12 mi). Bring your own bike and helmet, as well as water to hydrate. Asphalt and stone dust terrain. Insurance Waivers will be required.
ERIC PETER
When: Saturday, May 16, 2026 (4 PM – 6 PM)
Where: Visitor’s Center, 1 Tugboat Alley, Waterford (Promenade, river side)
Detail: Eric Peter has been playing music and singing for decades in NY’s Capital Region and beyond. He is an accomplished and sought-after solo performer that has been a front man for numerous bands, including Rocky and the Moosemen, The Ultimates, Sons of Octomom, Uncle Wiggly & The Nightcrawlers, Whitehorse and Castle. Eric brings the fun to every performance, with music from a wide variety of genres, with songs performed on guitar, as well as banjo and harmonica.
Sweetie Pie the Clown
Keep an eye out for Sweetie Pie in the afternoon, as she spreads joy about the festival for the kiddos! She’ll be handing out bubbles and stickers too! No scary clowning, just some sweet cupcakey clowning.
CANCELED * Paddle the Flight (Erie Canal Waterford Flight) and Treasure Hunt * CANCELED
Waterford Canal Festival 