Cornwall Waterfest returns on Saturday, August 8th

July 6, 2026

Cornwall, ON – Cornwall Waterfest is back, and it’s bigger than ever. 

The annual event returns to the Cornwall Canal on Saturday, August 8^th, with a full slate of activities, food, and vendors. The event will run from 8 a.m. until 4 p.m. 

The dragon boat races are staged at the historic Cornwall Canal (south of Second Street West and Power Dam Drive) and feature teams of 20 – and a drummer – racing one another on majestic vessels along a 200-metre course. Spectators often line the canal banks to watch the races and cheer on the teams while enjoying the beautiful venue. 

In addition to the thrilling dragon boat races, the festival grounds will host a diverse array of vendors offering a delectable selection of food and drinks. Attendees can enjoy culinary delights from both local favorites and out-of-town specialties. Make sure to save some time to grab a bite and browse the different vendors on site. Vendor village is open from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on race day. 

Additional information 

For additional information on Cornwall Waterfest, check out their Facebook or Instagram page or the official Waterfest website. 

#ExploreCornwallON 

Looking for other fun things to do in Cornwall? Check out the Explore section of our website for other fun-filled activities to keep you busy. Better yet, consider extending your stay with a night at one of our great accommodations! 

Got a question? 

Got questions? Need recommendations? We’re here to help! Call or text us at 613-938-4748 or email us at tourism@cornwall.ca and we’ll be pleased to help you with any questions you may have! 

Also make sure to check us out on Facebook and Instagram for updates and more great reasons to visit Cornwall! 