The Mohawk Valley Garlic and Herb Festival returns to Canal Place in Little Falls, NY on Saturday, September 12, 2026. It is one of the longest-running food festivals in Central New York, drawing thousands of visitors each year for fresh garlic, herb-infused everything, prepared foods, crafts, and live music. If you are coming from out of town, Grand Colonial Bed and Breakfast in Herkimer is the closest full-service B&B, about a 15-minute drive west on Route 5.
Festival quick facts
- Date: Saturday, September 12, 2026
- Hours: 9:00 am to 5:00 pm
- Location: 410 Canal Place, Little Falls, NY 13365
- Admission: Free, with a small parking fee at the lot
- Distance from Grand Colonial: About 15 minutes by car
What to expect
The festival fills the restored 19th-century mill district at Canal Place with vendor booths from garlic farmers, herb growers, prepared-food makers, craft producers, and artisans from across upstate New York. Live music runs throughout the day. Food highlights typically include garlic ice cream, garlic fudge, herb-infused honey, and a Bloody Mary garden built around regional garlic. Demos from local chefs are scheduled throughout the day.
It is a rain-or-shine outdoor event, so plan accordingly. Comfortable walking shoes are a must, since you will be moving across uneven mill-era brick walkways.
Why stay at Grand Colonial for the Garlic Festival
Hotel rooms in Little Falls itself are extremely limited, and they fill up months in advance for festival weekend. Grand Colonial in Herkimer is one of the closest options outside the festival town:
- Four guest rooms each with a private bath, queen or king bed, and air conditioning
- All four rooms are pet-friendly so your travel partner can come along
- Full hot homemade breakfast each morning, scheduled with you at check-in so you can get to the festival early
- Private off-street parking, with room for SUVs and trucks if you plan to haul a case of garlic or pottery home
- Quiet residential setting on Route 5, an easy 15-minute drive east to Canal Place
Make a weekend of it
The Garlic Festival sits in a busy weekend for the Mohawk Valley. With Grand Colonial as a base you can pair the festival with:
- Antiquing at the Canal Place antique district, where 100+ dealers occupy the same restored mills as the festival
- A walk along the Erie Canalway Trail or a stop at Lock 17
- Dinner at Beardslee Castle, 12 minutes away, for a special-occasion Saturday night
- A Sunday brunch in Herkimer before you drive home
For the full picture of how Grand Colonial fits a Little Falls visit, see our Lodging Near Little Falls page.
Check Festival Weekend Availability
Or call (315) 982-5004 to book by phone. Festival weekend books out fast, so plan early.
Frequently asked questions
How far is Canal Place from Grand Colonial?
About 15 minutes by car. Take Route 5 east from Herkimer directly to Little Falls. Festival shuttle parking is well marked from the highway.
What time does the Garlic and Herb Festival start?
9:00 am Saturday, September 12, 2026. The festival runs until 5:00 pm.
Is parking available at the festival?
Yes. A small fee is typically charged at the main Canal Place lot. Additional parking is available a short walk away.
Can I bring my dog to the festival?
Leashed dogs are generally welcome at the outdoor festival, but check current year guidelines before traveling. All four rooms at Grand Colonial are pet-friendly so your dog can join the trip.
When should I book my room for the festival?
As early as possible. Festival weekend is one of the busiest in Little Falls each year, and lodging within 20 minutes of Canal Place books months ahead.