Erie Canal Bicentennial
Water Music New York
SUMMER 2026
In partnership with NYSCC, these festivals celebrate the bicentennial of the completion of the Erie Canal with music and community along the historic waterway and bringing to life new commissions by renowned composers. Free community festivals return this summer to conclude the Erie Canal Bicentennial Season and launch the third century of New York's magnificent canal system.
Activities all day
Concerts Begin at 8pm
Three full-day FREE festivals culminating in Albany Symphony concerts will commemorate the Erie Canal Bicentennial through an inclusive celebration of New York State’s canal-side communities. The three-year Water Music NY: More Voices Festival (WMNY:MV), a partnership with the New York State Canal Corporation, is a multi-arts creative placemaking initiative that blends artistic expression, cultural heritage, and contemporary issues. Through collaborations with composers, local artists, educators, and community members, the project reimagines the past, present, and future of life along the historic waterway.
THIS SUMMER’S FREE EVENTS:
Thank you to the following sponsors for their generous support of Water Music NY.
AN ERIE CANAL BICENTENNIAL EVENT
PRESENTING SPONSORS
Empire State Sponsor
TUGBOAT SPONSOR
Marisa & Allan Eisemann
BARGE SPONSORS
COMMUNITY TOWPATH SPONSORs
Community Towpath Supporter
