The Beat

With Investment and vision for its next century of operation

Commitment to Waterway Ensures a Thriving Destination for Recreation, Tourism, Economic Development, Commerce and Culture

Official Erie Canal Bicentennial Commemorative Poster Available Here 

Governor Kathy Hochul today announced New York State is continuing to invest in the New York State Canal system through a $50 million allocation in the FY 2026 Enacted Budget as the Erie Canal’s Bicentennial navigation season begins. The capital funding secured through the state, the second in two years, builds upon the annual investment into the waterway’s core operation and maintenance by the New York Power Authority and New York State Canal Corporation, and supports the vision put forth by the Canal Recreationway Commission in the recently published Canal Recreationway 2050 Plan.

Full listing available on new online calendar

Waterford, N.Y. — As the NYS Canal System gets set to open for its bicentennial year, the Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor and the NYS Canal Corporation are pleased to announce major bicentennial events taking place throughout 2025. A full listing of events is available using the new online Bicentennial Events Calendar at https://eriecanalway.org/events.

Parade, Historic Reenactments, Music, Living History Displays and a Period Costume Ball to Take Place

Wurtsboro, NY (May, 13 2025) – Join the Village of Wurtsboro on Sunday, July 13, 2025, for a full day of festivities celebrating the 200^th anniversary of the Delaware & Hudson (D&H) Canal. This free, family-friendly event will include a parade, historic reenactments, music, living history displays, and a period costume ball.

Cayuga County, N.Y. (April 2025) – The Erie Canal, a defining feature of New York’s history and development, is celebrating its bicentennial in 2025, and Cayuga County is ready to welcome history enthusiasts eager to honor this milestone. With a rich canal heritage and a full lineup of engaging events and resources, visitors can immerse themselves in the stories, sights, and experiences that have shaped the region for two centuries.

101st Airborne Reenactors Create Realistic Paratrooper Experience for C-47 Passengers

Farmingdale, NY (April 6, 2025) -- American Airpower Museum (AAM) continues its popular C-47 D-Day Living History Flight Experience with four 2025 dates to commemorate the 80^th anniversary of the end of World War II.  AAM’s mission is to educate the public about aviation history and in particular, the important role that military aviation has played in defense of the United States during World War II and beyond.  Our flights are an excellent way to teach present day Americans what it was like to participate in an actual combat mission during WWII. …

Wurtsboro, N.Y. (March 11, 2025) – The Village of Wurtsboro will host a bicentennial celebration for the Delaware & Hudson (D&H) Canal, marking 200 years since this historic waterway transformed trade and transportation in the region. The event will feature a parade, historical exhibits, live entertainment, and family-friendly activities. The parade will end at the reenactment site where a portion of Philip Hone’s groundbreaking speech will be read.

With special exhibitions and programs throughout 2025
Saratoga Springs, N.Y. — The National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame is celebrating the 75^th anniversary of its 1950 founding with numerous special exhibitions, a variety of signature events, and expanded programming throughout 2025.

Shoshana Bean, Sofia Carson, Taylor Dayne, Micaela Diamond, and Angélique Kidjo Join The New York Pops for its 42nd Birthday Gala, “Words And Music: Diane Warren”

New York, N.Y. (February 19, 2025) — Notable guest artists including Shoshana Bean (GRAMMY Award winner and two-time Tony Award nominee), Sofia Carson (star of Netflix’s Purple Hearts and Carry-On), Taylor Dayne (singer of the number one hit “Love Will Lead You Back”), Micaela Diamond (Tony Award nominee for Parade and original Broadway cast member of The Cher Show), and Angélique Kidjo (five-time GRAMMY Award winner) will join The New York Pops to honor legendary songwriter Diane Warren at the orchestra’s 42nd Birthday Gala, Words and Music: Diane Warren, on Monday, April 28, 2025 at 7:00 p.m. in Stern Auditorium / Perelman Stage at Carnegie Hall. Additional guest artists to be announced.

Historic Gathering of International Tall Ships and Naval Vessels to Highlight the Nation's Semiquincentennial Celebration, July 3-8, 2026

New York, NY (January 28, 2025) – As the United States prepares to commemorate its 250th anniversary in 2026, plans have taken shape for a monumental celebration in the Port of New York and New Jersey. Sail4th 250, the non-profit organization leading the charge, today revealed more details about what’s in store for the region from July 3-8, 2026. 

Utica, N.Y. (January 23, 2025) – “Got an old mule and her name is Sal, 15 miles on the Erie Canal!” These famous lyrics from the classic song The Erie Canal remind us of the waterway’s rich history—and now, the canal is celebrating an incredible milestone: 200 years! 

To commemorate this bicentennial anniversary, Oneida County Tourism (OCT) is inviting you to share your love for the canal by entering the Oneida County Tourism Capture the Canal photo contest. This is your chance to showcase your talent, celebrate your community and make history right here in Oneida County. Winning photos will be featured in the OCT Destination Guide, on social media, and our website.