The festival, which runs through September 27, features a diverse lineup of 14 performing arts troupes from 13 countries. The opening ceremony showcased a collaborative spirit, with acts ranging from China’s Rongxiang Sanxian Chamber Orchestra to Norwegian vocalist Maria Arredondo and New Zealand’s Luke Thompson. Over the course of the four-day event, attendees can experience 22 distinct performances designed to bridge cultural divides through the shared history of canal civilizations.

Beyond the stage, the festival has introduced a "Canal × Mid-Autumn" bazaar featuring 60 booths across three curated zones: Bites, Finds, and Vibes. This market offers a mix of international cuisine and artisanal crafts. To encourage deeper exploration of the site, officials also premiered a promotional film titled "The Canal in Beijing" and unveiled 10 themed walking tours. These routes invite visitors to traverse the millennia-old infrastructure at a slower pace, emphasizing the role of the canal as a living World Cultural Heritage site.