Review: Marietta Sternwheel Festival
By Olivia Dement
If you are looking for something to do in September, the annual Ohio River Sternwheel Festival in Marietta is a great choice. Downtown Marietta shuts down for the weekend, and the whole place turns into a mix of live music, local shops, and nonstop food. Down by the river is where you will find a stage floating in the water with live music playing all day starting at noon taking a small break for an amazing firework show on the river and then ending at 10:00 pm.
You can enjoy the music from the levee but take my advice and bring your own seating or a blanket if you do not/cannot stand. On each side of the barge are sternwheel boats lined all the way down the levee, these boats are like no other.
A sternwheel boat is a type of riverboat powered by a large paddlewheel attached to the back, or stern, of the boat. Instead of modern engines or propellers, the wheel pushes the boat forward as it turns, which gives it an old-fashioned charm. These boats were once common on American rivers in the 1800s, carrying people and goods up and down waterways.
Ohio River Sternwheel Festival in Marietta Map / Source: sternwheel.org
Today, they are more traditional and even patriotic symbols, reminding people of the country’s river history, small-town pride, and classic Americana. Seeing them lined up at a festival feels like stepping back in time.
Front Street is packed with small businesses that are perfect for browsing between events. Jeremiah’s Coffee House, Wit & Whimzy, The Cook’s Shop, and Sugar Maple Boutique are just a few spots where you can grab a drink, shop for something unique, or just people-watch.
Greene Street is where you will find all the fair-style food like bucket fries, strombolis, corn dogs, and deep-fried Oreos. If you have a sweet tooth, do not miss Uncle Dan’s Old-Fashioned Ice Cream. It is personally my absolute favorite thing to spend my money on during the festival.
The real highlight happens down by the river. A giant barge turns into a floating concert stage with live music all day. The vibe is chill during the afternoon, but it builds up to a fireworks show over the Ohio River that easily rivals any Fourth of July display.
After the fireworks, the music keeps going until 10:00 pm with sternwheel boats lining the levee and adding to the scene.
The only downsides are the crowds and the parking. Expect long walks if you do not get there early, on the bright side you get a lot of steps in and walk off all those sweet and greasy treats. The energy feels like one big campus block party, just with way more food options.
For college students, the Sternwheel Festival is the kind of event you can enjoy with friends whether you are there for the food, the shopping, the music, or just the fireworks. It is a cheap,
fun night out that gives you a break from studying and a chance to experience a piece of local tradition. Overall, I would give the Marietta Sternwheel Festival a positive rating. It is one of those events that’s worth going to at least once but personally I will be there yearly and all weekend. Check out Home - Ohio River Sternwheel Festival for more information!