A Village Celebration on the Erie Canal
Spencerport Canal Days returns July 25 and 26, welcoming visitors from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day for a weekend packed with fun, discovery, and community spirit. With so much to see and do, this year’s festival is sure to be a hit for the whole family.
From scenic canal boat cruises, lively entertainment, and the NYS Spirits Tasting Tent, to all‑new children’s activities and our ever‑popular Canaligator Race, the excitement will fill your day from start to finish. Our talented arts and crafts vendors and diverse food offerings will delight your senses as you explore the Village.
To make your visit even easier, free shuttle buses will run throughout the weekend between Spencerport High School and the village.
We invite you to gather your family and friends and join us on July 25 and 26 for a celebration full of charm, community, and summertime fun. Please note: No pets are allowed except for service animals.
Arts and Craft Vendors: Talents Abound
Festivals bring together remarkable artisans, each offering their own blend of creativity, craftsmanship, and passion—and Spencerport Canal Days is no exception. With more than 70 talented vendors joining us this year, visitors can explore an exciting world of artistry, handmade goods, and unique finds that make our festival such a beloved community tradition.
Spencerport Canal Days is delighted to welcome back Yahaya Alhassan, whose stunning beadwork is crafted from recycled glass, clay, bone, agate, and shells. Each piece reflects both beauty and purpose, as Yahaya donates a generous portion of the proceeds to education projects in Ghana.
We are also thrilled to introduce several new artisans to our festival family. ROC Paper Silhouettes, created by artist Sharon Hammill, brings the timeless charm of free‑hand silhouette cutting. In just three to four minutes, Sharon transforms specially designed paper into elegant keepsakes that fit perfectly in a 5×7 frame—ideal gifts for yourself or someone special.
Another new addition is Arielle Strange of Whipped Up Cosmetics. Arielle’s handmade skincare line celebrates the healing benefits of Shea Butter, with Whipped Body Butter as her signature product. Visitors can enjoy a variety of nourishing items including body oil, fragrance oil, body wash, lip balm, and hair oil—all made with 100% Shea Butter as the first ingredient.
We also welcome Sue Passe of Bricks, Sticks and Gifts, offering an eye‑catching selection of décor crafted from metal, wood, and glass. From welded flowers and birdhouses to planters and fall décor, Sue’s booth is full of outdoor treasures. Her humorous signs add a playful touch that are sure to bring a smile.
Beyond our artisan booths, visitors can enjoy specialty foods from our dedicated food crafters, along with commercial vendors and community groups who help round out the festival experience. Each vendor brings something meaningful to share, creating a vibrant marketplace filled with creativity, flavor, and community spirit.
Spencerport Canal Days is proud to host such a diverse and welcoming group of artisans, makers, and organizations. We invite you to stroll, explore, and connect—there’s something wonderful waiting for everyone.
Passport Around Canal Days
There’s so much to enjoy at Spencerport Canal Days, and moving through the festival truly feels like a mini adventure within our community. This year, we’re thrilled to partner with The Spencerport Depot & Canal Museum to bring visitors a brand-new experience: Passport Around Canal Days.
Festivalgoers can pick up a Passport and collect stamps as they explore five featured locations—the Spencerport Depot & Canal Museum, the Information Booth, the Children’s Tent, the Tasting Tent, and the Entertainment Tent. After collecting all five stamps, visitors can return their completed Passport to either Information Booth to be entered for a chance to win a $100 Tops Friendly Market Gift Card. No purchase is required.
We’re excited to offer this engaging activity that celebrates community spirit, encourages exploration, and adds a fun new way to enjoy Canal Days.
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A Taste of Spencerport: Foodies, This One’s for You!
One of the most beloved parts of Spencerport Canal Days is the mouthwatering aroma that fills the air and the incredible variety of foods served by our friendly local vendors. This year, festivalgoers can look forward to an even bigger selection of delicious eats—each one crafted by businesses that help make our community special.
From comfort food favorites to fresh, creative bites, here’s what visitors can enjoy throughout the weekend:
- Agatinas — Starters, chicken parm sandwich, Buffalo chicken crunch rolls, chicken French bites, cannoli
- Benny’s Chop Shop — Smash burgers, cheese steaks, lobster rolls, acai bowls
- Eat Greek — Gyros, Greek salad, Greek bowls, Greek fries, baklava, spanakopita
- House of Whacks — Mac & cheese, cake, banana pudding, boba, iced coffee
- Kettle Corn Shoppe — Kettle corn and lemonade
- Kiwanis Club — Hot dogs, hamburgers, drinks
- Love Fern Lemonade — Fresh‑squeezed lemonade and limeade, cold brew coffee, “dirty” sodas—all made to order
- Melt Food Truck — Assorted melts, chicken fingers, mozzarella sticks
- McColley’s— Full menu available indoors
- RNR Merchandise — Hot dogs, nachos, ice cream, shaved ice
- ROC dilla — Quesadillas, rice & bean bowls, loaded nachos, French fries
- Texas BBQ Joint — Pulled pork sandwiches, famous house‑recipe corn muffins, plus their full indoor menu featuring smoked brisket, ribs, and more
- Union Street Coffee House — Outdoor event display with full menu available indoors
Food vendors will be located on South Union Street and in the Firemen’s Field on Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Whether you’re craving something sweet, savory, refreshing, or indulgent, Spencerport Canal Days has a flavor for everyone. Come hungry, explore proudly, and enjoy the tastes of our community all weekend long.
All-New Children’s Tent Activities
Families attending Spencerport Canal Days are in for a full weekend of excitement at the Children’s Tent, where hands-on fun, creativity, and community spirit come together to engage kids of all ages. Under the leadership of Julie Vella, this year’s Children’s Tent features a new lineup of interactive play, imaginative activities, and family-friendly attractions offered throughout both Saturday and Sunday.
Saturday’s big highlight (10 a.m. to 5 p.m.) is a special visit from Lollypop Farm. Children can enjoy lively games, engaging demonstrations, and opportunities to learn about animal care and kindness. Lollypop Farm will also share educational materials and kid-friendly giveaways, adding even more joy to the day.
Young festivalgoers can dive into a variety of free activities all weekend long. Craft stations with multiple project options invite creativity, while hair tinsel (while supplies last) adds a touch of festival flair. Active play areas—including sports nets and cornhole—keep kids moving, and a sensory play table ensures an inclusive, hands-on experience for children of all abilities.
Scheduled interactive games, including fun “Minute to Win It” challenges, will bring bursts of excitement throughout the weekend. Families can also stop by the themed selfie station, complete with props and frames, to capture memorable moments together.
Every activity in the Children’s Tent is offered free of charge, thanks to the generous support of the Spencerport Rotary. Their commitment to our community helps make this vibrant, family-centered experience possible.
We can’t wait to welcome families to a weekend filled with creativity, laughter, and community pride at Spencerport Canal Days.
Get Ready for the 2026 Canaligator Race!
The beloved Canaligator Race returns for Spencerport Canal Days, bringing fun, friendly competition, and community spirit to one of the festival’s most anticipated traditions. The race begins when Canaligators splash down in the canal on Sunday, July 26, at 4:30 p.m.
Tickets will be available at both Information Booths for $5 per ticket or 5 tickets for $20 (cash only) on Saturday, July 25, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday, July 26, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Prizes & Sponsors
This year’s race features over 35 exciting prizes, generously donated by community partners and regional attractions, including:
- Bill Gray’s Gift Card
- Colonial Belle Boat Cruise Tickets
- Date Night Package from Home 2 Suites by Hilton
- Dunkin’ Gift Cards
- GEVA Theatre Tickets
- Genesee Country Village & Museum Passes
- Hometown Barber Gift Certificates
- Rochester Americans Tickets
- Rochester Knighthawks Tickets
- Rochester Museum and Science Center Passes
- Rochester Red Wings Tickets
- Spencerport Ghost Walk Tickets
- Strong National Museum of Play Passes
- Suave Kitchen Basket
- Texas BBQ Joint
- Tops Friendly Market Gift Cards
- Wegmans Gift Cards
How to Win
The first 18 and last 18 Canaligators pulled are the winners — Finish Fast or Float in Last! You do not need to be present to win, so please ensure your name and phone number are clearly written on each ticket.
Join us for this fun, family‑friendly tradition that brings our community together in the heart of Canal Days. Whether your Canaligator races ahead or takes its time, every ticket supports the spirit and success of Spencerport Canal Days.
2026 NYS Spirits Tasting Tent:
Sip, Learn & Enjoy New York’s Finest
Discover the rich flavors of New York’s craft beverages at this year’s Spirits Tasting Tent. Designed as an educational tasting experience, the event invites guests to explore, learn, and purchase exceptional products from some of the state’s most celebrated breweries, wineries, and distilleries.
Admission & Guidelines
- Guests must present valid government-issued proof of age (21+) at the entrance. A bracelet will be placed on each verified guest and removed upon exit.
- Admission is $5.50 via Square or $5 cash.
- Hours: 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. both days. Entry closes at 4:30 p.m.; tastings may continue until 5 p.m.
- Items may be purchased on-site. Complimentary holding is available for Tasting Tent purchases.
- This tent is dedicated to tasting and education—taste, learn, and purchase.
Participating Vendors
Bones and Barley Brewing Company – Spencerport, NY
A hometown favorite, Bones and Barley Brewing Company brings a selection of their micro‑brewed beers crafted right here in Spencerport.
Casa Larga Winery – Fairport, NY
Casa Larga will showcase a variety of white and red wines ranging from dry to sweet, including CLV Chardonnay, Lilac Hill, and their popular blends, Pallido and Tramonto.
Springbrook Hollow Farm Distillery – Queensbury, NY
Springbrook Hollow offers an impressive lineup of spirits made with water from their natural spring. Guests can sample Vodka, Apple and Maple Moonshine, Straight Rye Whiskey 95%, Apple Whiskey, Honey Whiskey, Blended Bourbon, Barrel Blended Bourbon, Cowboy Coffee, High Rye Bourbon, Limoncello, Orangecello, and Sly Fox Gin.
Thousand Islands Winery – Alexandria Bay, NY
Featuring red and white New York farm wines, Thousand Islands Winery highlights grape varieties developed by the University of Minnesota, including Frontenac, Frontenac Gris, Marquette, and La Crescent.
Victorianbourg Wine Estate – Wilson, NY
Victorianbourg Wine Estate will present its handcrafted wines made exclusively from grapes grown on its own estate.
We invite you to stop by, explore these exceptional New York producers, and discover something new to enjoy. Whether you’re a longtime supporter of local craft beverages or simply curious to learn more, the Spirits Tasting Tent offers a welcoming place to sip, connect, and celebrate the flavors that make our state unique. We look forward to sharing this experience with you at Spencerport Canal Days.
The Riverie Visits Spencerport Canal Days
The Spencerport Depot & Canal Museum is delighted to welcome the Riverie to Spencerport Canal Days on July 25 and 26. In partnership with Rochester By Water (formerly Corn Hill Navigation), families and visitors will have the chance to enjoy fun, scenic, and educational cruises along the historic Erie Canal.
Step aboard in one of New York’s most iconic canal towns and enjoy a relaxing journey that brings history to life. As you travel the Erie Canal, live narration shares the bold vision, engineering triumphs, and remarkable stories that transformed a once‑unlikely idea into a waterway that opened the American West. You’ll also learn how the canal shaped the growth and character of Spencerport—our charming Canalside community.
Sit back, take in the scenery, and enjoy a cruise where history unfolds all around you. All cruises are 90 minutes.
Canal Cruise Schedule
Saturday, July 25
- 11:30 AM Canal Cruise
- 1:30 PM Canal Cruise
- 3:30 PM Canal Cruise
- 7:30 PM Sunset Cruise
Sunday, July 26
- 9:30 AM Canal Cruise
- 11:30 AM Canal Cruise
- 1:30 PM Canal Cruise
- 3:30 PM Canal Cruise
Tickets & Information
Visit RochesterByWater.org for full schedules and ticketing. Tickets are already selling quickly—grab yours soon and join us for a memorable ride on the Riverie during Spencerport Canal Days.
Canal Days Gives Back to Our Community
At Spencerport Canal Days, the fun may wrap up after two unforgettable festival days, but the spirit of community continues all year long. The festival celebrates everything that makes Spencerport special, and that sense of pride and togetherness doesn’t have to end when the tents come down.
We invite you to join the Spencerport Canal Days Committee, an all‑volunteer group dedicated to planning, creating, and showcasing the events our community loves. Every person brings something unique to the table, and giving back is a wonderful way to share your talents while helping our festival grow. Many hands make light work—but this isn’t work at all; it’s a labor of love.
If you’re interested in becoming part of the fun, sign up at any information booth during the festival or contact us at spencerportcanaldays35@gmail.com. Join us throughout the year—your involvement makes a lasting impact, and the rewards are truly great.
Volunteering with Canal Days offers meaningful ways to contribute your time, creativity, and energy. Along the way, you’ll build friendships, enjoy the satisfaction of creating something special, and help support the community we all call home. Thanks to the efforts of our volunteers, Canal Days proceeds proudly support organizations such as the Spencerport Ecumenical Food Shelf, Ogden Special Police, and many others who make a difference locally.
Proceeds from Spencerport Canal Days are used to support many local organizations, including Ogden Special Police.
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