BOATS, BEERS & BANK HOLIDAY

Little Venice comes to life for London’s annual canal festival 

If you needed an excuse to head to Little Venice this May, this is it. The IWA Canalway Cavalcade is back for 2026, and for one weekend the canals come properly to life.

Running over the early May bank holiday (2–4 May), it’s one of those London events that still feels a bit under the radar — but once you’ve been, you’ll wonder why you didn’t go sooner. Think decorated narrowboats lining the water, live music drifting across the canal, street food, craft stalls, and a crowd that’s there purely for a good time.

At the heart of it all is the boat parade. Owners go all in, dressing up their boats with bunting, flowers, flags and, in some cases, full-blown themes. It’s part competition, part celebration, and very fun to watch as they glide (slowly) past. There’s also a pageant, where boats take to the water in formation, creating one of those moments that feels uniquely London — a bit eccentric, a bit chaotic, but completely charming.

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Off the water, it’s just as lively. Expect live bands and performances across the weekend, plus plenty of places to eat and drink as you wander along the canal. It’s the kind of event where you don’t need a plan — just turn up, grab something cold, and follow the atmosphere.

And if you’re already in Little Venice, you’re in exactly the right place to make a day of it.

Darcie & May Green sits right on the canal, putting you in the middle of the action and a short walk away, Beany Paddington is your go-to for a quick reset. If the festival gets a bit busy, it’s the place to grab a proper coffee, regroup, and head back out again. Or, just keep it simple and take your cup for a stroll along the water.

That’s really the beauty of Canalway Cavalcade. It doesn’t try too hard. It’s just London doing what it does best — bringing people together, adding a bit of colour, and giving you a reason to spend the whole day outside.

If the sun shows up, even better.