(Photo by Bruce Wunderlich) Exploding fireworks illuminate the scene Saturday evening as festival participants gather in observation of the night’s finale during the 49th Ohio River Sternwheel Festival in 2025.

MARIETTA – The Ohio River Sternwheel Festival returns for its 50th year in September, celebrating the festival’s milestone as well as America 250. The festival is slated for Sept. 11-13.

Festival Executive Committee Entertainment Chairperson Kathy Albertson said the committee books a variety of headliners of different genres so there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

“We have several returning entertainers, some have been with the festival for 40 of the 50 years,” she said. “A lot of the entertainers and bands are new, too.”

She said Steve & Beverly Pottmeyer are the opening act because they’ve been performing at the festival for about 40 years.

With 16 acts total for this year’s lineup, there are a mix of returning and new artists. Albertson said they always have the Marietta High Schools choir and band as a way to support the district.

A few new entertainers to look out for are Luke Colombo, a Parkersburg High School student who appeared on a season of American Idol, and The Sternwheelers, who are based out of Nashville, and The Travellers.

“I’m super excited about Edwin McCain and Tequila Sunrise because the lead guitarist, Paul Sidoti, has been the lead guitarist for Taylor Swift (since 2007),” she said. “There’s a big mix and I’m excited to support our local groups who get to play for their friends and family and get some exposure on stage.”

Albertson said they designed the schedule and barge stage to allow for “rolling entertainment” and no breaks between sets. She said they’re able to do that with the help of so many volunteers.

“We have a great group of volunteers so we can have rolling entertainment,” she said.

Ohio River Sternwheel Festival 2026 lineup:

Friday, Sept. 11

*6 p.m. – Opening Ceremonies

*7 p.m. – Stever & Beverly Pottmeyer

*8 p.m. – Clint Carsey & The Tracklayers

*9:30 p.m. – Edwin McCain

Saturday, Sept. 12

*Noon – Marietta High School Wall of Sound

*1 p.m. – Marietta High School Choir-Vocal Point

*2 p.m. – The Sternwheelers

*3 p.m. – Evan Cunningham

*4 p.m. – Cyrin Out Loud Band

*5 p.m. – The Travellers

*6 p.m. – Luke Colombo

*6:30 p.m. – Jake Binegar

*7 p.m. – Queen’s Coronation

*7:30 p.m. – Jake Binegar

*8:30 p.m. – Tequila Sunrise

*9:30 p.m. – Harry J. Robinson Fireworks

*10:15 p.m. – Tequila Sunrise

Sunday, Sept. 13

*8:30 a.m. – Sunrise Service

*10 a.m. – The Johnny Staats Project

*11 a.m. – Dan Wallace

*Noon – Direct Energy

*1 p.m. – Captain James E. Sands Memorial Boat Races

*2 p.m. – Direct Energy

*2:30 p.m. – Evie Schaffer