The Waterford Canal and Towpath Society present the 40th Annual Waterford Canal Festival, a tradition that celebrates the history, culture and community spirit of the Village of Waterford, located at the confluence of the Erie & Champlain canals and the Mohawk and Hudson Rivers.
Celebrating history, culture and community spirit Erie and Champlain Canal lock system gateway, The Waterford Canal Festival is one of the Capital Region’s signature canal-based celebrations, where you’ll enjoy children’s programs, live music, boating, kayaking, bicycling, fishing, sightseeing and support local businesses, retailers, artisans, musicians and food & drink vendors.
The Waterford Canal Festival honors Waterford’s unique identity as the gateway to the canal system, with Waterford an integral canal site for 203 seasons as of 2026.
Beyond a celebration, the Festival is intended to preserve local history and pride, drawing thousands of residents and visitors to the historic waterfront, as well as those traveling by water and entering the canal system in their travels.
2025 saw the Canal Festival highlighted by the observance of the Erie Canal’s Bicentennial year, but for 2026, a significant and memorable event is on tap, as the Buffalo Maritime Center’s construction of the Erie Canalboat 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 Tugboat Alley for this year’s festival.
The Seneca Chief completed the trip of its namesake, and is spending the Winter in Waterford, and expected to make a return trip to Buffalo when the canal opens this year. 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 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.
Waterford Canal Festival Events
LIVE MUSIC
FUZZY
When: Saturday, May 16 (10 AM – 12 PM)
Where: Visitor’s Center, 1 Tugboat Alley, Waterford (Promenade, river side)
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.)
THE WORD
When: 1 PM – 3 PM
Where: Visitor’s Center, 1 Tugboat Alley, Waterford (Promenade, river side)
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.
Live DJ
When: 10 AM – 6 PM
Where: atop Lock E2 Park
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!
ERIC PETER
When: 4 PM – 6 PM
Where: Visitor’s Center, 1 Tugboat Alley, Waterford (Promenade, river side)
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.
Festival Tour of Erie Canal Boat Seneca Chief
When: Saturday, May 16 (10 AM – 6 PM)
Where: docked on the canal at Lock 2
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 (11:30 PM – 12:30 PM)
Where: Meet at entry to Lock E2 Park
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.
Garden Photo Area
When: 10 AM – 6 PM
Where: atop Lock E2 Park
Face Painting
When: 10 AM – 2 PM
Where: atop Lock E2 Park
Bounce Around Obstacle Course
When: 10 AM to 6 PM
Where: Lock 2 (upper)
WFD Obstacle Course
When: 10 AM – 6 PM
Where: atop Lock E2 Park
Touch-A-Truck
When: 10 AM – 6 PM
Where: at the entry to Lock E2 Park
Boat Rides
When: 10 AM – 6 PM
Where: Front of the visitor center
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: 11 AM
Where: Meet in parking area at Lock E2 Park
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.
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