The Ohio River Sternwheel Festival is a great event for the Marietta area, receiving The Marietta Times “Readers Choice Award” for best festival three years running. This festival brings an estimated 100,000 people to downtown Marietta in just one weekend, boosting tourism and the local economy.
The Ohio River Sternwheel Festival is a not-for-profit organization operating on a budget of approximately $140,000 annually. These funds are raised through corporate sponsorships, private donations, souvenir sales, concessions, program sales and fundraising events.
The Ohio Rivers Sternwheel committee has a membership of approximately 100 dedicated volunteers, making up an executive committee, board of trustees, and 36 sub-committees.
To become a member of the Sternwheel Festival team of volunteers fill out the form below.
Each year, the Ohio River Sternwheel festival draws crowds of up to 100,000 people to Ohio’s oldest city for a party in the streets. At the confluence of the Ohio and Muskingum rivers, festival-goers enjoy paddle-wheelers, events, and the famous fireworks display. Our sponsors and volunteers are essential for the continuation of this beloved festival tradition in our riverboat town.
Help new generations fall in love with historic Marietta by supporting the area’s biggest annual celebration.
The Ohio River Sternwheel Festival in Marietta, Ohio takes place the weekend after labor day. Enjoy a weekend of family fun, fireworks and more. Admission is free.