Canal Street is a particularly charming part of New Smyrna Beach, rich with culture and history and full of plenty of things to do on land and by sea. Dubbed “Best Main Street” by the News Journal and 250 years old this year, Canal Street in New Smyrna Beach is a pedestrian-friendly blend of tree-lined streets, specialty shops, eateries, parks and historic buildings. Here are just a few of the delightful annual events Canal Street visitors love so well…

Souper Saturday, held Super Bowl weekend, offers a soup sampling from eateries along Canal Street. Reserve early because this annual event sells out quickly! The Downtown Music Festival, held every March, has 19 acts scheduled at various venues – including Christmas Park, art galleries, restaurants and the sidewalks – throughout Canal Street’s Historic District.

The Water Wise Garden Fair in April offers conservation tips, gardening vendors, beekeeping exhibitions, products for plant enthusiasts, a scavenger hunt and a kids zone. Spring Fest, in celebration of nature and wellness and taking place on the same day, offers Tai Chi, guided meditation and more!

In May, celebrate the Kentucky Derby with the Horse Races on Canal event, where you can make your own Derby hat, kids can participate in a stick pony race, adults will have their own (very amusing) table horse race, and then enjoy a live streaming of the real Kentucky Derby.

Blocktoberfest is a Canal Street block party in October where visitors enjoy art, food, shopping and our annual Pooch Parade.

Quite a few of these events are tied to the Canal Street Art Stroll – where a wonderful array of talented artists showcase their work – and the Craft Beer Walk – a self-guided tour of very cool venues along Canal where you can sample some great craft beers. These events are both held the first Saturday of every month.

For all you motor heads out there (and those people who are just looking for a good time), the Canal Street Classic Car Show is held the second Saturday of every month. This family-friendly event promises great food and entertainment, as well as some very cherry classic cars!

Once the holidays roll around, don’t miss Christmas on Canal the Friday after Thanksgiving. It brings the spirit of the holidays to life with an impressive tree lighting ceremony, live entertainment and Santa of course. Santa will also be attending the New Smyrna Beach Christmas Parade that runs along Canal Street and the Boat Parade that runs from New Smyrna Beach to Edgewater. Then, check out the fun and festive Girls Night Out along Canal Street – a holiday shopping event with Christmas music, food and wine tasting, a raffle and more!