Canal Fest of the Tonawandas

Entertainment, rides, games, and food along the Erie Canal.

History of the Canal Fest of the Tonawandas

Hailed as the largest festival of its kind along the Erie Canal, the Canal Fest of the Tonawandas is jam-packed with fun activities and overflowing with events, music, food, and rides! The Canal Fest is shared by the Twin Cities of Tonawanda and North Tonawanda. This eight-day festival’s mission is three parts: 1.) to promote the community of the Tonawandas — in particular its downtown business, 2.) provide fundraising for nonprofit community organizations, and 3.) offer fun and entertaining opportunities for citizens from both cities.

In the spirit of the opening of the Erie Canal on October 26, 1825, during the Canal Fest’s opening ceremonies, a commemorative cannon is fired to signal the cities of Tonawanda and North Tonawanda that the Fest has officially begun.

Entertainment at Canal Fest of the Tonawandas

This exciting festival is free and open to the public, granting everyone access to the festivals full-day events. With over twenty different musicians playing live for all to hear, dance, and sing along to, every day there will be a different lineup. 

Events at Canal Fest of the Tonawandas

Along with all-day music and rides, the Canal Fest also hosts plenty of events, suited for children and adults. The Canal Fest has one of the largest parades in all of New York State and is great for families. 

One of the biggest events during the festival is The Canal Fest Bike Cruise. Guests can bring their own custom, antique, or show bike to enter into the Bike Show and win awards such as Best Paint, Best Custom, and Best Original. The Bike Cruise will take place on July 19 from 5:30pm – 10:00pm. 

Looking for something more hands on? The Canal Fest offers an Arts and Craft Show, along with a street art competition called Chalk-It-Up Street Art Contest. The Arts & Crafts show will take place on July 20 & 21 from 10:00am – 5:00pm. The Chalk-It-Up Street Art Contest will take place on July 14 from 1:30pm – 4:30pm. 

Want to be more physically involved in the day’s events? Well, look no further as the festival hosts competitions such as the Canal Fest Pageants, a Golf Tournament, The Diaper Derby, and a 4-Mile Run.

To close this event, be sure to stick around for the fireworks display! With plenty to do and endless activities to keep parents and kids busy, the Canal Fest offers eight fun-filled days to remember!

Take Amtrak to The Canal Fest of the Tonawandas

Experience this eight-day festival via Amtrak to the Niagara Falls Station or the Buffalo Station —Don’t forget to use the Amtrak See New York and Save 15% discount!

Get picked up from either the Niagara Falls or Buffalo Station and taken to your reserved NYTRAIN Enterprise Rent-a-Car. Click here to reserve your car for the Niagara Falls Station or here for the Buffalo Station. Call the Niagara office today at: 716-298-1000 or the Buffalo office at: 716-884-6666.