Old Canal Days 2026: A Community Weekend to Remember

Lockport Chamber
2 days ago
4 min read

By Lockport Chamber of Commerce | Old Canal Days Festival

Some weekends you don't forget. Old Canal Days 2026 was one of them.

From the opening parade to the final night's fireworks, this year's festival reminded us why Lockport, Illinois shows up for Old Canal Days every single year. Smiling faces, family traditions passed down through generations, live entertainment that filled the streets, food worth coming back for — and the kind of community energy that you can't manufacture. It just happens when the right people come together in the right place.

Scroll through the gallery below and relive the moments that made 2026 special.

The Weekend in Highlights

Whether you came for the parade, the live music, the carnival, the artisan market, or simply the chance to see old friends and neighbors, Old Canal Days 2026 had something for every corner of the community.

One of the most talked-about additions this year was the drone show — a brand-new experience for Old Canal Days that drew a crowd and gave everyone something to look up at. It was the kind of moment that reminded us there's always room to make this festival something people haven't seen before.

Entertainment stretched across the weekend, with performers drawing crowds to the main stage from afternoon into the evening. The food vendors kept lines moving and plates full. Families with young children carved out their own traditions, while longtime attendees reconnected over shared memories of festivals past. And through it all, the spirit of Lockport — rooted in this community's deep connection to the historic Illinois & Michigan Canal — ran through every corner of the grounds.

Thursday's weather had other plans. Rain forced us to cancel opening day, and we know that was a disappointment for everyone who had already planned their evening around it. But what happened over the rest of the weekend told us everything we needed to know about this community: you showed up anyway. Friday, Saturday, and Sunday brought the crowds, the energy, and the heart that make Old Canal Days what it is. Lockport doesn't quit, and neither does this festival.

Through Your Eyes: Community Photos from Old Canal Days 2026

One of the things that makes Old Canal Days so special is how the community takes ownership of it. This year, so many of you shared your own photos and videos in the comments on our social media posts — and seeing the festival through your eyes was something we genuinely loved.

The photos in this gallery are a mix of those community-submitted moments and images captured throughout the weekend by our staff. Together, they tell the story of Old Canal Days 2026 better than any single photographer could.

Thank you to everyone who shared your favorite moments with us. Keep tagging us with #OldCanalDays on Facebook and Instagram — we read every one.

Thank You, Donna Nevels

A festival this size doesn't get documented without someone committed to getting it right. Donna Nevels, our staff photographer, was there throughout the weekend capturing the moments that made 2026 worth remembering — from the quiet in-between scenes to the big crowd moments that defined the festival.

Photographing Old Canal Days is one of my favorite assignments every year. There's so much happening at once, and every corner of the festival has its own story. My goal is always to make sure people can look back at these photos and feel like they're right back there. — Donna Nevels, Staff Photographer

It Takes a Village — And This One Shows Up

Old Canal Days doesn't happen without people. Hundreds of them.

To everyone who attended: thank you for making this festival what it is. To the volunteers who gave their time — setting up, directing traffic, running booths, and keeping things moving — you are the backbone of this event. To the vendors, performers, and participants who brought your best: the festival is richer because of you. And to our sponsors, whose support makes it possible to put on a festival of this scale for the Lockport community: we are genuinely grateful.

Every year, the Lockport Chamber of Commerce is proud to be part of bringing Old Canal Days to life. And every year, you remind us why it matters.

See You at Old Canal Days 2027

We hope you're already looking forward to next year as much as we are. Mark your calendars: Old Canal Days 2027 runs June 10–13, 2027. Follow us on social media and check oldcanaldays.com for updates as we get closer.

In the meantime, if you want to be part of making Old Canal Days even better next year, visit our Volunteer page or Sponsor page to find out how you can get involved. There's always room for more community.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: When is Old Canal Days 2027?

Old Canal Days 2027 takes place June 10–13, 2027 in downtown Lockport, Illinois. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram and visit oldcanaldays.com for the latest lineup and event details.

Q: How can I volunteer for Old Canal Days?

We rely on community volunteers to make Old Canal Days possible. Visit the Volunteer page on our website to sign up and find out how you can help.

Q: How do I become a sponsor of Old Canal Days?

Sponsorship opportunities are available each year for businesses and organizations that want to support the Lockport community. Visit the Sponsor page on our website for current packages.

Q: Where was Old Canal Days 2026 held?

Old Canal Days 2026 took place in historic downtown Lockport, Illinois, along the Illinois & Michigan Canal — the same location that has hosted the festival for decades.

Q: Will there be a drone show at Old Canal Days 2027?

The drone show made its Old Canal Days debut in 2026 and was one of the highlights of the festival. Stay tuned to our social media and oldcanaldays.com for the full 2027 lineup — we'll announce entertainment and special events as details are confirmed.

Q: How can I share my Old Canal Days photos?

Tag us on Facebook and Instagram using #OldCanalDays and share your photos in the comments on our posts. We love seeing the festival through your eyes, and we may feature your photos in future content.

Photos by Donna Nevels and community members. Used with permission.