Fairport Canal Days 2026
Everything You Need to Know About One of New York’s Best Summer Festivals
If you’re looking for the perfect summer festival in the Rochester area, look no further than Fairport Canal Days. Set along the scenic Erie Canal in the charming Village of Fairport, NY, this beloved annual event draws visitors from across New York State and beyond. Whether you’re a longtime local or discovering it for the first time, Canal Days is a weekend you won’t want to miss.
This year marks the 49th anniversary of Canal Days — nearly five decades of art, music, food, and community spirit along the banks of one of America’s most historic waterways.
What Is Fairport Canal Days?
Fairport Canal Days is one of the most popular juried arts festivals in the Northeast, produced each year by the Fairport Perinton Merchants Association. The festival takes place right in the heart of the Village of Fairport — a “front-porch friendly” community nestled along the historic Erie Canal — and fills the streets and canal path with artisans, food vendors, live music, family activities, and community pride.
From nationally recognized artists to locally sourced cuisine, Canal Days has something for every age and interest. The festival has earned a well-deserved reputation as one of the region’s signature summer events, and in 2026 it kicks off its 49th year in style.
For full details, visit the official festival website: www.fairportcanaldays.com
Fairport Canal Days 2026 Dates, Times & Schedule
Festival at a Glance
Canal Days 2026 spans an entire weekend, with festivities beginning Friday evening and running through Sunday afternoon.
- Friday, June 5 – Chicken BBQ & Canal Nights: 4:30 pm – 10:00 pm
- Saturday, June 6 – Main Festival: 10:00 am – 6:00 pm / Canal Nights: 7:00 pm – 11:00 pm
- Sunday, June 7 – Main Festival: 10:00 am – 5:00 pm / Duck Race at 3:00 pm
Friday Night Kick-Off: Chicken BBQ & Canal Nights
The fun starts Friday evening at the Fairport Junction Festival Site on Liftbridge Lane East. This beloved kick-off event features delicious food, free live music, and good company — the perfect way to open the weekend.
Friday, June 5 | 4:30 pm – 10:00 pm
What’s happening Friday night:
- Chef’s Catering is back, serving up the fan-favorite chicken BBQ
- Eastman Youth Jazz Orchestra live in concert
- GateSwingers bringing their signature swing sound
- Zac Brown Tribute Band closing out the night
- 2026 Commemorative Poster signing by artist Bill Finewood
Best of all — the live concert performances are free.
Saturday & Sunday: The Main Festival
The full festival opens Saturday morning and stretches through Sunday afternoon across the Village of Fairport. Vendor booths, artisan galleries, food stalls, and five stages of live music fill the streets and canal path.
Saturday, June 6 | 10:00 am – 6:00 pm Sunday, June 7 | 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
Saturday Canal Nights
After the vendors close on Saturday, the party keeps going with Canal Nights at Fairport Junction.
Saturday, June 6 | 7:00 pm – 11:00 pm
Live Music at Canal Days: Five Stages of Rochester’s Finest
Canal Days is famous in the region for its exceptional music programming. With five stages running simultaneously across the village, the festival has been called the “jazz festival before the Jazz Festival” — and for good reason. Over 60 groups perform across the weekend, showcasing Rochester’s best talent from student ensembles to seasoned professionals.
Music Stages
Liftbridge West Stage features headline jazz and world music acts throughout both days.
Kennelley Gazebo (Eastman Community Music School) presents an eclectic mix from jazz ensembles and guitar duets to bagpipes, Brazilian percussion, and klezmer.
Fairport Junction Stage hosts jazz bands, Irish music, and evening Canal Nights performances.
Village Hall Stage showcases a diverse lineup of local and regional artists across multiple genres.
Fairport Brewing Co. Stage rounds out the weekend with an energetic mix of blues, jazz, and rock.
All music performances during the main festival hours are free with festival attendance.
Art, Artisans & Shopping
Fairport Canal Days is a juried art festival, meaning the artisan vendors are carefully selected for quality and originality. Visitors can browse and purchase original paintings, photography, jewelry, ceramics, glasswork, woodworking, and much more directly from the artists who created them.
In addition to artisans, local merchants and non-profit organizations are well represented throughout the festival footprint, making it a wonderful opportunity to discover what Fairport’s vibrant business community has to offer.
Food at Canal Days
Whether you’re craving something savory, sweet, or in between, Canal Days has you covered. A wide variety of food vendors line the festival, serving everything from festival favorites to unique local offerings. The famous Friday Night Chicken BBQ by Chef’s Catering is a long-standing tradition that draws hungry crowds to kick off the weekend.
Fun for Kids: Perinton Recreation KidZone
Families with young children will love the Perinton Recreation KidZone, a dedicated area designed with kids in mind. It’s a great way to keep the little ones entertained while the whole family enjoys the festival atmosphere.
The Fairport Duck Race
One of the most anticipated — and uniquely fun — events of the entire weekend is the Fairport Duck Race.
Duck Race Details
- When: Sunday, June 7 at 3:00 pm
- Where: The Liftbridge
- Sponsor: Orville’s Home Appliances
Hundreds of rubber ducks are released from the iconic Fairport Lift Bridge into the Erie Canal, and the crowd cheers them on to the finish. It’s as delightful as it sounds.
Duck Race Prizes
| Place | Prize |
|---|---|
| Grand Prize | $1,000 |
| 1st Prize | $500 |
| 2nd Prize | $500 |
| 3rd Prize | $250 |
| 4th Prize | $250 |
| 5th Prize | $250 |
| 6th–10th Prize | $100 each |
Duck Race tickets can be purchased every Saturday at the Fairport Farmer’s Market (May 9–May 30) or at the festival all weekend long, June 5–7.
All Duck Race proceeds benefit the FPMA Beautification Fund, supporting community enhancements and public art initiatives throughout Fairport.
The 2026 Commemorative Poster
Each year, Canal Days features a unique commemorative poster selected through a juried art contest. The 2026 official poster is “Tiny Tug Tilly at Fairport” by artist and educator Bill Finewood, whose distinctive style captures the vibrant waterfront energy of the village and its canal.
Posters are available for purchase during festival hours at the information booth on North Main Street in front of Village Hall. Bill Finewood will also be available to sign posters in his booth on Main Street in front of Village Landing.
Parking & Getting There
Free Public Parking
Getting to Canal Days is easy, with several free parking options available:
- Handicap Parking: Packett’s Landing
- On-Street: Throughout the village (one side only, as indicated by signage)
- Off-Street (park and walk): Minerva DeLand Middle School and Brooks Hill Middle School
Free Shuttle Service
New in 2026 — the shuttle is FREE, and now runs with three buses, including one accessible bus.
- Saturday: 10:00 am – 6:30 pm
- Sunday: 10:00 am – 5:30 pm
- Parking & Pickup: Minerva DeLand
- Drop-off: Perrin Street at the entrance to Village Landing, near the Dollar Tree
Private Paid Parking
If you prefer a closer lot, two private options are available for a small fee:
- First Congregational United Church of Christ – 26 East Church St. | $10 cash only
- Church of the Assumption – 20 East Ave. | $10 suggested donation
Frequently Asked Questions About Fairport Canal Days 2026
When is Fairport Canal Days 2026?
The festival runs Friday, June 5 through Sunday, June 7, 2026. The main vendor festival is open Saturday June 6 (10 am–6 pm) and Sunday June 7 (10 am–5 pm). Friday evening features the Chicken BBQ & Canal Nights from 4:30–10:00 pm.
Is Fairport Canal Days free to attend?
Yes! Admission to Fairport Canal Days is free. Live music performances during festival hours are also free. Some special events like private parking lots and paid food/vendor items have individual costs.
Where is Fairport Canal Days located?
The festival is held throughout the Village of Fairport, NY, centered along Main Street and the Erie Canal. The address for the festival organizers is 6 N. Main Street, Fairport, NY 14450.
Is Canal Days pet-friendly?
No. Fairport Canal Days has a no-pet policy. Please leave your furry friends at home for this one.
Is there parking at Fairport Canal Days?
Yes, there is free public parking available at several locations including Minerva DeLand Middle School and Brooks Hill Middle School (both park-and-walk), and a free shuttle service runs Saturday and Sunday. For full parking details, visit fairportcanaldays.com/about/parking-and-shuttle.
What is the Duck Race?
The Fairport Duck Race is a beloved Canal Days tradition where rubber ducks are released from the Lift Bridge into the Erie Canal. It’s held Sunday, June 7 at 3:00 pm and offers prize money up to $1,000. All proceeds go to the FPMA Beautification Fund.
Is there music at Canal Days?
Absolutely. Canal Days features five stages with over 60 live performances across the weekend, spanning jazz, blues, folk, world music, and more — all free to enjoy.
Are there activities for kids?
Yes! The Perinton Recreation KidZone is dedicated to family fun and activities for children throughout the festival weekend.
Can vendors apply to participate in Canal Days?
Yes. Artisans, food vendors, merchants, and non-profits can submit applications through the official festival site at fairportcanaldays.com/applications.
What is Canal Nights?
Canal Nights is an evening event held at the Fairport Junction Festival Site. It takes place Friday, June 5 from 4:30–10 pm (with the Chicken BBQ) and Saturday, June 6 from 7–11 pm with live music and entertainment after the main festival closes.
Living Steps Away from It All: Parker Place in Fairport, NY
One of the best things about Fairport is that events like Canal Days aren’t a day trip — they’re a walk out your front door. Parker Place is a luxury apartment and townhome community located right in Fairport, within easy walking distance of the Village and the Erie Canal. Imagine stepping out of your home and strolling straight to the festival grounds, stopping at local shops and restaurants along the way. At Parker Place, that’s simply a Saturday morning.
Whether it’s Canal Days in June or any of the other festivals and events Fairport hosts throughout the year, living in this community means you’re always at the heart of the action.
Discover the Village of Fairport All Year Long
Fairport Canal Days is just the beginning. The Village of Fairport is home to an active calendar of community events, farmers markets, local dining, boutique shopping, and outdoor recreation along the canal — all year round. Canal Days kicks off the season in style each June, but the warmth and character of this community are present every single day.
For everything you need to know about Canal Days 2026, head to the official festival website: www.fairportcanaldays.com
And if you’re dreaming of calling this wonderful community home, explore life at Parker Place — luxury living in the heart of Fairport, NY.