Bring your appetite—Old Canal Days serves up some of the most delicious fairground food in Illinois. From sizzling fried treats and classic hot dogs to sweet desserts, grilled specialties, and refreshing lemonade, our festival food court captures the best flavors of a county fair, summer food festival, and local Lockport favorites all in one place.
With an exciting mix of local restaurants, regional fair vendors, specialty food stands, dessert booths, and food trucks inspired by food truck festival Chicago flavors, this event feels like a mini lockport food fest for the whole family. Whether you're craving something sweet, fried, fresh, or boldly seasoned, you'll find it here.
A Delicious Lineup of Fairground Food & Festival Favorites
At Old Canal Days, the food court blends the nostalgia of state fair classics with modern street-food creativity. From fried chicken and crispy fries to gooey grilled cheese, bbq turkey, and sweet corn, there’s always something new to try each year.
Our lineup of fair food favorites and new specialties makes it easy to taste your way through the festival. Many visitors say this event feels like a “taste fair” where you can explore the very best in food for fair, including:
Corn dog baskets
Fresh-squeezed lemonade
Hand-dipped ice cream
Funnel cake with powdered sugar
Smoky bbq bowls
Buttery grilled chicken sandwiches
Crispy fried pickles
Cheese curds and cheese fries
Flavor-packed Mexican street corn
Sweet and crunchy caramel corn and candy apples
Whether you’re in the mood for something classic or something bold, this is the place to enjoy it.
What You’ll Find at the Food Court
Classic Fairground Favorites
Indulge in the fair food list that keeps people coming back each summer. From crispy, hot-from-the-kitchen treats to smoky, grilled meats, these staples are exactly what make a county fair special:
Funnel cake
Corn dogs
Hot dogs
Seasoned fries
Fried chicken strips
Sweet corn on a stick
Turkey legs
Fried pickles
Cheese curds
Fresh-cut fries
Deep-fried desserts
These classic fair flavors are festival staples and among the best-loved items each year.
Food Trucks & Specialty Vendors
Bringing the creativity of a food truck festival Chicago experience, this section features:
Smoked pork BBQ
Marinated beef bowls
Gourmet burgers
Grilled cheese sandwiches
Loaded fries
Specialty pizza
Cinnamon-dusted desserts
Fusion-inspired bowls & wraps
Some vendors even offer fried rice, spicy items, or modern takes on festival comfort foods, adding exciting flavors to your food festival experience.
Local Lockport Food Vendors
Celebrate Lockport’s culinary community with “local taste” offerings from neighborhood kitchens and family-owned businesses. You’ll find:
Specialty sandwiches (like chicken sandwich, turkey, or steak)
Fresh-baked items
Homemade sauces
Sweet festival treats
Unique “only in Lockport” flavors
Supporting local vendors means every purchase goes right back into the community.
Desserts, Sweets & Treats
Cool off or satisfy your sweet tooth with an irresistible lineup of festival desserts:
Ice cream cones & sundaes
Fried ice cream (vendor availability varies)
Shave ice & slushies
Hand-dipped chocolate treats
Deep-fried Oreos
Caramel corn
Candy apples
Gourmet cupcakes
Iced beverages
Sweet funnel cake combos
Cream cheese–filled pastries
Perfect for a hot festival day or a fun after-dinner treat.
Beverage Stations
Stay refreshed with:
Fresh lemonade shake-ups
Brewed sweet tea
Craft sodas
Bottled water
Festival beer selections
Hot chocolate (weather dependent)
Nearby seating allows guests to relax and enjoy food between events.
Featured Fair Vendors
Stay tuned! List of 2026 food & beverage vendors coming soon!
Must-Try Items at Old Canal Days
If you’re unsure where to start, here are crowd favorites you’ll want to find on the grounds:
Philly hot dog
BBQ pork or BBQ turkey
Corn dog baskets
Grilled cheese melts
Loaded cheese fries
Beef sandwiches
Fried Oreos
Cotton candy
Deep-fried sweets
Fresh fruit cups
Mexican street corn
Caramel apples
These treats combine the charm of a fairground with the creativity of a modern food fest.
Get Involved with Old Canal Days
Be a Vendor at Old Canal Days
If you're interested in joining our lineup of food festival vendors, we welcome:
Food trucks
Mobile kitchens
Local restaurants
BBQ teams
Dessert specialists
Booth Information, Vendor Fees & Deadlines
Stay tuned! More information about how to apply to be a vendor coming soon!
Stay Updated on Food Vendor Announcements
Watch for updates about:
New vendor arrivals
Menu previews
Seasonal treats
Daily specials
Featured fair food items
Follow us on social media for announcements:
Come hungry—and enjoy the best fairground food, festival treats, and Lockport favorites all weekend long!