The 49th Annual Sternwheel Festival Marietta is set to be a highlight of the year, celebrating the region’s rich riverboat heritage. This highly anticipated three-day event, a cornerstone of Marietta events, will take place from Friday, September 5th to Sunday, September 7th, 2025, along the scenic Ohio River Levee in downtown Marietta. The beloved Sternwheel Festival Marietta promises a vibrant mix of live entertainment, maritime displays, family activities, and spectacular fireworks, all offered with free admission, making it a premier Ohio festival.
Established in 1976 by visionary founders Harry Robinson, Captain Gene Fitch, and Captain Bob Limle, the Sternwheel Festival Marietta was conceived to encourage tourism and preserve the historical significance of sternwheel boats that once navigated the mighty Ohio River. Over its nearly five-decade history, this cherished event has grown into a major regional attraction, drawing an estimated 100,000 visitors annually to experience the magic of the Sternwheel Festival Marietta. The riverfront will once again be lined with 30 to 35 authentic sternwheel boats, offering a captivating visual spectacle and a tangible connection to a bygone era of riverboat heritage.
A Diverse Soundtrack for the Sternwheel Festival Marietta Weekend
The heart of the Sternwheel Festival Marietta beats with a dynamic live music lineup, showcasing a variety of local, regional, and national acts. Attendees can expect a diverse range of musical genres to keep the atmosphere lively throughout the weekend of this fantastic Ohio River Festival.
Kicking off the festivities on Friday evening at 8:00 PM, Division Street will take the stage, delivering high-energy rock hits from the 80s, 90s, and 2000s, including popular radio rock anthems and remixed pop hits. Following them at 9:30 PM, Ian Harrison, a Nashville-based artist with roots in country and folk music, will present his unique sound and songwriting style, honed through experiences like competing on “The Voice.”
Saturday’s musical offerings for the Sternwheel Festival Marietta include Cryin’ Out Loud at 5:00 PM, a band known for their soulful blend of rock and blues, drawing inspiration from legends like Albert King and Eric Clapton. Later in the evening, Journey from the Heart, a tribute band celebrating the iconic sounds of Journey and Heart, will perform at 9:00 PM, with a second set resuming after the fireworks at 10:00 PM. Their performance will feature Ryan Christopher and Shareen Ann, capturing the essence of these legendary rock bands.
Sunday’s schedule at the Sternwheel Festival Marietta features Cold Shot at 11:00 AM, reuniting after a 15-year hiatus to play classic rock, southern rock, and alternative hits from the 70s, 80s, and 90s. Rick K. Road Trip will offer a rock ‘n’ roll review with two sets at noon and 2:00 PM, spanning various genres from Motown to contemporary hits. The festival will conclude with Clint Carsey and the Tracklayers at 2:30 PM, who are set to deliver a powerful performance blending blues, rock, southern rock, and country music with original songs and covers.
In addition to these headliners, the Sternwheel Festival Marietta will host a wealth of local talent, including Steve and Beverly Pottmeyer, Marietta High School’s Wall of Sound band and Vocal Point choir, the Stone Quillen Band, Gypsy River Band, 3M Acoustic Trio, Jake Binegar, Evie Schaffer, Harry and Cathy Beall Christian Music, and Charlie Brewer, ensuring a rich tapestry of live music for all tastes at this premier community event.
Pageantry and Classic Races Add to the Sternwheel Festival Marietta Excitement
The Sternwheel Festival Marietta is also renowned for its traditional pageants, which add an element of elegance and community pride. The Queen Genevieve pageant will be held on Saturday at the Lafayette Hotel, with the coronation ceremony taking place later that evening on the entertainment barge. Amanda Rauch, the 48th Queen Genevieve, will pass on her title. Furthermore, the popular Little Miss and Mister Sternwheel Pageants will crown the festival’s youngest ambassadors. Adding to the weekend’s thrills are the classic boat races, including the James E. Sands Memorial Race on Sunday afternoon, where these majestic sternwheel boats will showcase their power and speed.
A Beloved Community Tradition: The Sternwheel Festival Marietta
Beyond the stage and the river, the Sternwheel Festival Marietta offers a comprehensive family fun Ohio experience. A vibrant art stroll will be featured on Saturday, alongside numerous food vendors offering a variety of culinary delights. Children’s activities, a photo contest, and a Rollin’ Oldies Car Show provide entertainment for all ages. As a not-for-profit organization, the Sternwheel Festival Marietta relies on the support of corporate sponsors, souvenir sales, private donations, and fundraising events. The organizing committee, comprised entirely of dedicated volunteers, works tirelessly to ensure the event remains a highlight for Marietta and the surrounding Mid-Ohio Valley region, showcasing true community events.
This annual festival serves as a powerful reminder of Marietta’s maritime history and its enduring community spirit. The 2025 Sternwheel Festival Marietta is poised to be another memorable celebration, offering a compelling blend of entertainment, history, and community engagement for all who attend. This news serves as an exciting preview for what promises to be another spectacular event, solidifying its place as a must-attend among Ohio festivals.
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