At The Ohio River Sternwheel Festival
For 50 years, the Ohio River Sternwheel Festival has celebrated the rich heritage of river travel while welcoming visitors to Marietta for one of the region’s largest and most beloved festivals. What began as a community celebration has evolved into a nationally recognized event, attracting nearly 100,000 visitors each year to Ohio’s first city and the scenic banks of the Ohio River.
Held this year from Friday, September 11, through Sunday, September 13, the festival is preparing to celebrate its golden anniversary. Visitors can look forward to a weekend filled with the traditions they have come to love, along with exciting new attractions and expanded family entertainment.
The Ohio River Sternwheel Festival has long been known for its gathering of authentic sternwheel boats, a tribute to the vessels that once served as the lifeblood of commerce and transportation along America’s inland waterways. Seeing these majestic boats docked along Marietta’s riverfront is a highlight for many visitors, creating a scene that reflects the city’s deep connection to the Ohio River.
For those who want more than a view from shore, Marietta offers a unique opportunity to experience river travel firsthand. Visitors can board authentic sternwheel boats, including the Valley Gem Sternwheeler and the Major/Riviera, for memorable cruises along the Ohio and Muskingum rivers. These excursions provide a rare chance to experience the sights, sounds, and slower pace of traditional river travel while enjoying some of the most scenic views in the Mid-Ohio Valley. Information and tickets for riverboat cruises are available at ValleyGemSternwheeler.com.
While the boats remain at the heart of the festival, the event has grown into a full weekend celebration offering something for every age. Throughout the weekend, festival-goers can enjoy live entertainment featuring local, regional, and nationally known performers. Music fills the riverfront as families gather to enjoy delicious festival food, shopping, activities, and the welcoming atmosphere synonymous with the Sternwheel Festival.
One of the highlights of this year’s celebration will be the 50th Anniversary Sternwheel Fireworks Super Show on Saturday at 9:30 p.m. More than just a fireworks display, this spectacular production will feature aircraft, synchronized drones, lasers, special effects, and a breathtaking fireworks finale over the Ohio River, including a stunning waterfall display from the Williamstown Bridge. Widely regarded as one of the region’s premier fireworks events, this enhanced presentation promises to be an unforgettable centerpiece of the festival’s golden anniversary celebration.
Adding a new dimension to this year’s event is the inaugural Travel Showcase, taking place on Saturday, September 12, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Armory in downtown Marietta. The showcase will feature exhibitors from Ohio, West Virginia, and Indiana, offering visitors an opportunity to discover destinations, attractions, museums, parks, lodging, entertainment venues, and unique experiences throughout the tri-state region.
Whether planning a fall foliage getaway, a winter retreat, a family vacation, or next summer’s road trip, visitors will find plenty of inspiration and travel resources while enjoying one of the Midwest’s most celebrated festivals.
Families will also discover an expanded lineup of children’s activities throughout the weekend. Young festival-goers can enjoy bounce houses, face painting, coloring stations, outdoor games, tie-dye T-shirt activities, and appearances by the popular Highland Cows. Families won’t want to miss demonstrations by the High Performance Canines, showcasing incredible agility and obedience skills.
Designed especially for younger children, the Little Pioneer Zone provides a dedicated space with water play, sand activities, bubbles, and hands-on fun in a safe, engaging environment. A Mother & Children’s Tent will also be available throughout the weekend, offering families a comfortable place to nurse, change diapers, and care for little ones while enjoying the festival.
Additional Sunday attractions include the exciting Captain James E. Sands Memorial Boat Races, where powerful paddle boats take to the Ohio River in tribute to one of the festival’s longtime supporters. Car enthusiasts can also enjoy the Annual Car Show on Sunday from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., featuring a wide variety of classic, antique, and custom vehicles along the scenic riverfront.
The addition of these family-friendly attractions reflects the festival’s ongoing commitment to creating memorable experiences for visitors of every generation.
Beyond the entertainment and attractions, the Ohio River Sternwheel Festival remains a celebration of community. Generations of volunteers, sponsors, local businesses, and community leaders have contributed to its success, helping transform a hometown festival into a destination event recognized throughout the Midwest and beyond.
As Marietta welcomes visitors for this milestone year, the 50th Ohio River Sternwheel Festival promises to honor its rich history while creating new memories for generations to come. With authentic sternwheel boats, unforgettable river cruises, live entertainment all weekend, the spectacular 50th Anniversary Sternwheel Fireworks Super Show, the inaugural Travel Showcase, expanded children’s activities, the Captain James E. Sands Memorial Boat Races, the Sunday Car Show, and family-friendly experiences throughout the weekend, there has never been a better time to experience this iconic celebration on the banks of the Ohio River.
For festival schedules, event information, entertainment lineups, and updates, visit Sternwheel.org.
