Canal Fest 2025: What to Know About the Tonawandas’ Signature Summer Celebration

The Tonawandas are getting ready to host one of Western New York’s most beloved summer traditions - Canal Fest of the Tonawandas 2025 - bringing together the cities of North Tonawanda and Tonawanda for a week of family fun, food, and festivities.

Now in its 41st year, the annual celebration will run from July 13th to July 20th in North Tonawanda, and from July 15th to July 20th in Tonawanda.

The festival featured events and attractions on both sides of the Erie Canal.

“It’s a great way for the Tonawandas to come together,” said North Tonawanda Mayor Austin Tylec. “They’re going to be highlighting new features, but we can all look forward to the favorites. We’re going to have a lot of great food and a lot of great vendors.”

The festival promises a full lineup of live entertainment, rides, games, crafts, and daily activities for all ages.

From parades to art shows, here's a look at what’s happening throughout the week:

Grand Parade: Tuesday, July 15th at 6:30pm the traditional kickoff parade begins at Grove and Minerva Streets in Tonawanda and travels across the canal to Goundry and Webster Streets in North Tonawanda.

Car Cruise: Wednesday, July 16th at 3pm at Gratwick Park. Attendees are encouraged to bring donations for the Tonawanda Salvation Army and North Tonawanda Inter-Church Food Pantries.

Diaper Derby: Thursday, July 17th at 6pm on Tremont Street (between Webster and Main) in North Tonawanda. One of the festival’s cutest traditions, this race features crawling toddlers competing for fun prizes.

Bike Cruise: Friday, July 18th at 5:30pm starting on Main and Tremont Streets in North Tonawanda. Like the car cruise, this event also supports local food pantries with requested donations.

Arts & Crafts Show: Saturday and Sunday, July 19th and 20th, featuring local artisans and vendors along Broad and Main Streets in Tonawanda and continuing to Goundry and Webster Streets in North Tonawanda.

Chalk Art Contest: Sunday, July 20th from 8am to 5pm on Main at Niagara Street in Tonawanda. Artists of all ages are welcome to turn the pavement into a gallery of colorful creations.

In addition to the scheduled events, Canal Fest will offer a wide selection of classic fair food, carnival rides, live music, and games throughout the week.

For more information, updates, or a festival map, visitors can check the official Canal Fest website or follow the event on social media: https://www.canalfest.org

Canal Fest 2025: What to Know About the Tonawandas’ Signature Summer Celebration