The Erie Canal Museum has teamed up with cultural sites and breweries across the state to develop a summer long cycling series along the Erie Canal titled “Beers, Bikes, and Barges.” The goal of this series is to showcase the Erie Canal’s diverse history, the Empire State Trail, and the unique breweries that are found throughout the state. Each event in the series will occur on Thursdays at 6pm and will consist of an approximately 60-90 minute guided cycling tour of that week’s highlighted community followed by a drink at the partner brewery or bar. The first drink will be covered as part of a $20 registration fee that will also provide a donation to the Erie Canal Museum and that week’s partnering cultural organization. Helmets are required.
2026 Schedule of Rides:
Thursday, June 26th, 6pm - Fairport
Join the Fairport Perinton Partnership, the Perinton Town Historian, and the Erie Canal Museum for an exciting 90-minute bike tour along the scenic Erie Canal in Fairport! As you roll past landmarks like the recently renovated historic lift bridge and the path where the Old Erie once flowed, you’ll hear stories that bring the past to life! Your adventure begins and ends at Donnelly’s Pub, where you’ll be treated to a beer included in your ticket price.
Thursday, July 23rd, 6pm - Fort Plain
TBA
Thursday, August 13th, 6pm - Syracuse
Join the Erie Canal Museum and Talking Cursive Brewing Company for this 90-minute cycling tour through Syracuse looking at its unique brewing and Canal history, including Greenway’s Brewing, which once occupied the same site as Talking Cursive today! The ride begins at the Erie Canal Museum and ends at Talking Cursive, right down the street, where you will be treated to a beer as part of your ride as well as a brief history of the brewery itself.
Thursday, September 10th, 6PM- Albany
Join the Historic Albany Foundation, Discover Albany, and the Erie Canal Museum for this 90 minute cycling tour through Albany looking at the city’s Erie Canal and brewing history. See sites like the location of the enormous John Taylor and Sons Brewery and Lock #1 on the Old Erie. The ride begins and ends at Common Roots Brewing Company, where you will be treated to a beer as part of your ride.
Past Rides in 2026
We thank our community sponsors for their support of our 2026 Beers, Bikes, and Barges series:
Date & Time
Jun 26 - Sep 10, 2026
Venue Details
Erie Canal Museum
318 Erie Boulevard East Syracuse, New York 13202
Erie Canal Museum
The Erie Canal Museum, located in Downtown Syracuse, NY, engages the public in the story of the Erie Canal’s transformative impacts on peoples and places in the past, present, and future. We are stewards and interpreters of Erie Canal related materials and heritage. The Museum is housed in the 1850 National Register Weighlock Building, the last remaining structure of its kind. Visit us for exhibits with interactive displays and original artifacts, and engaging programs. The Erie Canal Museum is a must-see for adults and children of all ages.
