Seneca Falls Canal Fest will bring three days of free music to People's Park over Independence Day weekend, with performers ranging from classic rock and bluegrass to Latin jazz, funk, soul and country.
The festival is scheduled for July 3-5, 2026, with all entertainment free and open to the public at the People's Park Gazebo, organizers said.
Friday night's entertainment will feature the Frank & Julie Band from 6 to 9 p.m. Guitarist Frank Stepanek, who recently toured with Black Uhuru, will return to central New York with a set mixing classic rock, reggae, blues and funk.
Saturday's lineup begins with Annie Ol' Thyme from 1 to 3 p.m. The trio performs bluegrass, country, original songs and three-part harmonies.
The Witches of the Water's Edge will perform a 30-minute dance show at 3 p.m. Organizers said the troupe also advocates for survivors of domestic violence and works to raise community awareness.
Cisco PL and The Soul Benders, an Ithaca-based band, will perform from 4 to 6 p.m. with roots rock, blues and southern rock.
Saturday's headliner will be the NEO Project, a six-piece dance band known for funk, soul and R&B. The group will perform from 7 to 10 p.m.
Sunday's music begins at 12:30 p.m. with Ben Gordner and John Schulte performing country favorites. At 3 p.m., Jorge Cuervas & The Caribe Jazz All-Stars will bring Latin-influenced jazz, including merengue, salsa, samba, cha-cha and bachata.
The Noble Rebels will close the festival from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m., giving visitors time to move into position for the 10 p.m. fireworks display. The five-piece band plays roots, rock, rockabilly, country and blues, with Michael George Gonzalez on acoustic guitar and vocals, Doug Henrie on upright bass, James Ralls on drums, Perry Cleveland on electric mandolin and vocals, and Mark Nanni as a special guest on keyboard.
The 2026 Seneca Falls Canal Fest is supported in part by the 2026 Canal System Grant Program, administered by the Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor and the New York State Canal Corporation. Additional support comes from the Bonafiglia Family Foundation, the Nelson B. Delavan Foundation, the Town of Seneca Falls and community sponsors.
More information is available at senecafallscanalfest.com, by emailing senecafallscanalfest@outlook.com or by calling 315-215-1610.
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