Old Canal Days 2025: A Weekend of Community, Celebration, and Tradition

Old Canal Days 2025 was one for the books! From June 5–8, Lockport came alive with four full days of celebration, community spirit, and hometown pride. The festival kicked off Thursday with Friends with Disabilities Day, a special tradition that creates an inclusive carnival experience for individuals with disabilities and their families. As night fell, Glow Night lit up the midway with glow sticks, music from DJ Jon Wise of JPW Productions, and keepsake Old Canal Days mugs to mark the start of an unforgettable weekend.

Friday brought even more excitement with the annual parade, drawing crowds from across the area to cheer on local organizations, businesses, and community groups. The evening continued with Country Music Night on the Main Stage, filling the festival grounds with great music, dancing, and plenty of hometown energy.

Saturday was a packed day with something for everyone to enjoy. The Artisan Market, sponsored by the Lockport Woman’s Club, showcased dozens of local makers and businesses. Families flocked to the petting zoo, caricature station, White Sox Speed Pitch, and the always-popular Duck Races, while history lovers explored the Historic Trolley Tours, sponsored by Old National Bank. Live music kept the energy high throughout the day with performances from School of Rock Mokena, Funk’d Up, Sparks Fly, The Boy Band, and Journey Recaptured.

Sunday wrapped up the festival in grand style, beginning with a community worship service hosted by Cross Point Church and a moving Tribute to Veterans from the American Legion Band. The afternoon was filled with cultural performances, including Mariachi De Joliet and Ballet Folklorico Quetzalcoatl, leading up to headlining bands Strung Out, Class of ’68, and Hairbangers Ball. As the final notes faded, the Lockport sky lit up with a spectacular fireworks show, a perfect finale to an incredible weekend.

This beloved annual tradition would not be possible without the generous support of our sponsors, hardworking volunteers, vendors, musicians, and the entire community who came together to make it happen. A special thanks to Bettenhausen of Lockport for sponsoring the Main Stage, Edward Jones Financial for illuminating the festival with decorative lighting, and our Beer Tent sponsors: Old National Bank, Jackie’s Pub, Christopher B. Burke Engineering, McMahon Transport Group, and Soterra Insurance Group for keeping the celebration lively.

Thank you to everyone who joined us to celebrate Lockport’s history, culture, and community. We’re already counting down to Old Canal Days 2026, see you next year!