Hundreds of decorated canal boats will take over Little Venice.
London’s Little Venice is one of those pockets of the city that just feels like magic, from its cascading willow trees and scenic towpaths to floating cafés and colourful houseboats.
But this bank holiday weekend, the area is about to get even more enchanting as its waterways are taken over by over a hundred brightly decorated houseboats for the much-loved IWA Canalway Cavalcade 2026, London's most charming canal boat festival.
Everything You Need To Know About IWA Canalway Cavalcade 2026
This early May bank holiday, the IWA Canalway Cavalcade takes over Little Venice, bringing boats, music, and community spirit to one of the city’s most tranquil corners.
Set along the scenic junction of canals in West London, this annual festival transforms the water into a floating celebration of the city's vibrant canal community.
Here's what you can expect:
- Hundreds of beautifully decorated historic, residential, and working narrowboats
- The stunning illuminated boat parade on Sunday evening
- Live music, an ale bar, and a wide variety of food stalls
- A full programme of children’s activities, including face painting, puppet shows, and craft workshops
When Is IWA Canalway Cavalcade?
The festival runs across the bank holiday weekend:
- Saturday 2nd May: 10am–6pm
- Sunday 3rd May: 10am–6pm (with the illuminated procession at night)
- Monday 4th May: 10am–5pm
From Saturday, you can wander along the towpaths to watch the dazzling decorated boats—stay for an hour or spend the whole day exploring performances, canal markets, food stalls, and waterside viewpoints.
IWA
Canalway Cavalcade 2026 Tickets:
This is a free event with no tickets required.
Plan Your Visit:
Location: Little Venice, W9 2PF / W2 6NE
The canal festival is easily accessible by public transport, which we recommend as parking will be extremely tricky to find in this area:
- Tube: Warwick Avenue (Bakerloo) or Paddington (5-minute walk)
- Rail: Paddington Station is less than a 5-minute walk away
- Bus: Routes 18, 46, 332, 187, and 414 stop nearby (Bishop’s Bridge / Warwick Avenue)
Looking for more long weekend fun? Fill up your calendar with our list of events and parties for the May bank holiday weekend.
