Marietta Sternwheel Festival

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Cultural & TraditionalMarietta
Dates11–13 September 2026Confirmed listing
Duration3 daysListed event span
CrowdLargeAbout 100,000 people
Best forLiving tradition, ritual symbolsWhat sets this festival apart is the boats
LanguageLocal language; English access variesCurrency: USD
CategoryCultural & TraditionalFestival type
The story

Marietta Sternwheel Festival in Marietta

Held on the Ohio River levee in Marietta every weekend after Labor Day, this free festival lines the riverbank with 30 to 35 authentic sternwheel boats, live music, a car show, and fireworks. Founded in 1976 by Harry Robinson and Captains Gene Fitch and Bob Limle to promote riverboat tourism, it now draws roughly 100,000 visitors and is officially branded the Ohio River Sternwheel Festival.

Its riverboat identity and fireworks make it a strong southeast Ohio row.
Your trip starts here
What is special

The part that makes it specific.

01

The place changes

What sets this festival apart is the boats themselves: three dozen authentic paddle-wheel vessels dock along the levee where the Muskingum River meets the Ohio, turning Marietta's waterfront into a working museum of riverboat heritage for one weekend a year

02

The mystery stays covered

The event began in 1976 as a grassroots effort by a local promoter and two riverboat captains who wanted to draw tourism to Marietta while keeping its sternwheeler history visible, and that founding link to real boat captains still shapes the festival's identity

03

The city starts moving

Marietta itself is Ohio's oldest permanent settlement, so the festival's riverboat focus connects directly to the town's founding story on the Ohio-Muskingum confluence

04

The water draws everyone in

Traditions like Queen Genevieve's coronation and the Little Miss and Mr

05

The old stones answer

Sternwheel Pageant have run for decades as the festival nears its 50th anniversary

Traditions & symbols

The language of the festival.

What moves first

Living ritual

The signature tradition is the lineup of 30 to 35 authentic sternwheel boats docking along the Ohio River levee for public viewing

Water and renewal

Living ritual

a direct link to the festival's founding purpose of preserving riverboat heritage

The sacred route

Living ritual

The coronation of Queen Genevieve and the Little Miss and Mr

The local code

Living ritual

Sternwheel Pageant have run since the festival's early years

Tradition 5

Living ritual

and a Sunday sunrise worship service and closing fireworks display have become fixed points on the weekend's schedule

Before you go

Essential information

When to go

11–13 September 2026

Getting around

Driving is typical.

What to wear

Casual, weather-ready clothing works best since the entire festival takes place outdoors on the open river levee. September afternoons in southeast Ohio can still be warm while evenings cool...

Safety

Keep valuables light, follow local instructions, and watch how residents use the space before joining in.

Where to stay

Marietta

Tickets/cost

Check official or local sources for ticketed areas, paid stands, and same-year access rules.

Language/currency

USD

Family friendly

unknown

Interactive map33.95 N, 84.55 WOpen in Google Maps

Marietta, OH

TransportDriving is typical.
Stay areaMarietta

Your Trip Starts Here

External travel services to turn the plan into a trip — each opens in a new tab.

How to get thereRoutes, times and prices to Marietta via local transport.Search routesFind a place to stayStays near Marietta, close enough for the event-day route.Browse staysFind flightsCompare fares into the nearest practical airport for September.Compare faresFestival gearCasual, weather-ready clothing works best since the entire festival takes place outdoors on the open river levee. September afternoons in southeast Ohio can still be warm while evenings cool off quickly, so a light layer for the fireworks finale is worth packing, along with sturdy shoes for walking the length of the levee.Shop the kitCheck visa requirementsSee whether you need a visa for United States and apply online.Check entry rulesTravel insuranceCover for trip hiccups, gear and health on the road.Get covered

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FAQ

Quick answers.

When is Marietta Sternwheel Festival?

Marietta Sternwheel Festival is listed for 11–13 September 2026. Always re-check the official or local source close to travel.

Where does Marietta Sternwheel Festival take place?

The festival is listed in Marietta, United States. The map coordinate is a planning reference, not a guarantee of a ticket gate or exact venue.

How long should I plan for?

3 days is the listed festival span. Add time for arrival, local transport, queues, and any route changes during the event.

Is a source linked?

Official source linked. Eventisimus separates source confidence from travel suggestions, so check final details before booking.

Where exactly is it?

Marietta, OH

How big is it?

Large: 100000

Sources and editorial review

About this guide

This guide is independently written by Eventisimus using publicly available information, official event and organiser sources where available, local tourism references, and additional editorial research. Eventisimus is not the official organiser of this festival and is not affiliated with it unless explicitly stated.

Festival dates, schedules, ticket conditions, access rules, and local arrangements can change. We aim to present useful and accurate information, but travelers should confirm important details with the official event source before booking transport, accommodation, or tickets.

Found something inaccurate or outdated? Email hello@eventisimus.com with the festival page link and the correction.

Official URLsternwheel.org
Organizer accessAre you the organizer? Claim this listing →
SourceSource link available
Listed dates11–13 September 2026
Source statusOfficial source linked
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