The Canal Dye Lottery offers community members a rare opportunity to participate in the exciting and colorful tradition of dyeing the Canal. This prized event transforms the Canal into a strikingly vibrant display, symbolizing unity, celebration, and local pride. Over the years, the Canal has been dyed for a variety of occasions, making it a centerpiece for important milestones, awareness campaigns, and festive celebrations.
How the Lottery Works
To keep the process fair and exciting, participants are chosen randomly through the Canal Dye Lottery. Once all entries are submitted, six winners are drawn at random. The selected participants will be contacted in the order they were drawn to confirm their preferred date for dyeing the Canal. If a winner is unable to confirm, individuals on the waiting list will be contacted in the order they were selected to fill any remaining spots.
How to Participate in the Canal Dye Lottery
Is your organization interested in dying the Canal for a special event? Fill out the form below!
Canal Dye Lottery Rules:
Starting in January 2022, the process to dye the Downtown Canal transitioned from a first-come, first-served system to a lottery format to ensure a fair and equitable opportunity for all participants.
Important Notes:
- All entries must be submitted by February 27, 2026. Entrants will be notified of the lottery result and all six canal dye event dates confirmed by March 6.
- Each organizer is allowed one submission only.
- An alternative date must be provided, as your primary date may not be available.
- Only cool colors (e.g., royal blue, turquoise, teal, bright green) are permitted.
- The Ohio Street Basin must be reserved for all Canal Dye events (fees apply). Canal is only dyed from Ohio St. Basin fountain and west to White River State Park.
- There is no cost to participate in the lottery. Only confirmed events will be charged. See FAQ for pricing.