2023 Waterford Canal Festival

About this event

Celebrate the beginning of the 2023 canal season at the Waterford Canal Festival!

The Waterford Canal Festival is a yearly celebration that takes place in May in the Village of Waterford, NY. The festival marks the opening of the NYS canal season. The event features various activities, including local vendors, live music, delicious food, and much more.

Visitors can take a stroll along the canal, take part in tours, and witness the impressive workings of the locks in operation. Children's activities, such as face painting and bounce houses, are also available to entertain the little ones.

The festival provides an excellent opportunity to explore the Waterford's rich history and enjoy a fun-filled day with family and friends while celebrating the canal's important role in the region's history.

Festival Hours

• Saturday, May 20th: 10 AM - 6 PM
• Sunday, May 21st: 10 AM - 3 PM

Saturday, May 20th

• 10 AM - 4 PM: Kids Fishing Clinic
  • Hosted by the Hudson River Fishermen's Association on Peebles Island. Open to children of all ages. Fishing poles, bait, and instruction will be provided.
• 10 AM - 4 PM: Children’s Bicycle Safety Rodeo (Ages 4 to 12)
  • Located in front of the Hurst Harbor Center building.
  • Learn fundamentals of safe bicycle riding and test your skills through an obstacle course.
  • Free bicycle helmets will be given to replace ill-fitting or defective ones, and free bicycle bells and T-shirts are available while supplies last.
  • Participants must bring their own bicycle and helmet.
• 10:30 AM - 12 PM: Walking Tour of the Champlain Canalway Trail (CCT) (2 miles Round Trip)
  • The tour will start at Lock 2, end at Old Champlain Canal Lock # 5 (aka lower 2 Lock), and return.
  • Town of Waterford Historian Russell Vandervoort will narrate the tour.
• 10 AM – 3 PM: Face Painting
  • Located at Lock 2.
• Throughout the day: Bounce House and Boat Rides
  • The bounce house will be at Lock 2.
  • Boat rides will be available throughout the event.

Sunday, May 21st

• 10 AM - 2 PM: Kids Fishing Clinic
  • Continuation of the clinic hosted by the Hudson River Fishermen's Association.
• 10 AM - 12 PM: Bicycle Ride along the Champlain Canalway Trail (CCT) (11 miles Round Trip)
  • The ride will start at Lock 2, end at Upper Newtown Road in Halfmoon, and return.
  • Albany Bicycle Coalition members will lead the ride.
  • Participants must bring their own bicycle and helmet.
• 10 AM - 3 PM: Face Painting
  • Located at Lock 2.
• Throughout the day: Bounce House and Boat Rides
  • The bounce house will be at Lock 2.
  • Boat rides will be available throughout the event.

We look forward to seeing you at the Waterford Canal Festival 2023! Don't miss out on this exciting celebration of New York's waterways!

https://waterfordcanalfestival.com/