7-05-2025 8:29pm

RIVER ROOTS Festival Will Be The First Event Commemorating America's 250th

Beth Callahan Editor

Story and video courtesy of Game Day Communications

CINCINNATI, OH --The Ohio River has been central to America’s story, from its days as a strategic waterway during the Revolutionary War, acting as a beacon of hope for freedom seekers on the Underground Railroad, and the main route for westward expansion. This October, the riverfront in Cincinnati, Covington, and Newport will honor this history and look to the future with the America’s River Roots Festival, Oct. 8–12, a signature event to kick off America’s 250th celebration.

America250 is the bipartisan organization charged by Congress to lead the commemoration of the signing of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 2026. As part of its national initiative, it aims to spark imagination, honor the rich tapestry of our American stories, and inspire service in our communities. As a Supporting Partner of America250, America’s River Roots brings that vision to life by celebrating the Ohio River’s lasting influence on our nation’s cultural, culinary and musical heritage.

With fewer than 100 days to go before the America’s River Roots Festival, organizers are launching the countdown with a playful video homage to the 70s and 80s classic "The Love Boat," featuring riverboat captains, that memorable theme music - and a splash of throwback charm.

America’s River Roots is a signature event to kick off America’s 250th celebration. This free, five-day festival will take place from Oct. 8-12, along the banks of the Ohio River in Cincinnati, Covington and Newport. More than one million people are expected to attend, soaking in the music, cuisine, culture and cruises that celebrate our nation's river cities and the Cincy Region.

An exceptional cast of community leaders and sponsors have assembled to host America’s River Roots to mark the Ohio River Valley’s pivotal role in shaping the country in advance of its upcoming 250th birthday on July 4, 2026. The event has been designated by the America250-Ohio Commission with a request to the national commission for America’s River Roots to be the official kick-off signature event in October 2025.

“As part of the America250 celebration, America’s River Roots will focus attention on the rich heritage and vibrant communities of the Ohio River Valley, showcasing their impact on the nation over the last 250 years,” says Rick Greiwe, co-chair of the America's River Roots committee. “The festival is a meaningful way for each of us to connect with our common roots. Through the exploration of roots music, river cuisine, and cultural experiences along our world-class riverfront, including cruises on nine riverboats highlighting cuisine and music from seven river cities, we will share how the Ohio River has shaped diverse cultures, not only in our region, but across the country.”

The goal of America’s River Roots is to inclusively engage and showcase the diverse cultures of our communities as we share the cuisine and music of America’s inland waterways that distinctly shaped our nation through this verdant ecological region. Festival attendees will celebrate the origins of roots music with national, emerging and local artists across multiple stages, enjoy river cuisine presented by celebrated chefs and local restaurateurs, and highlight our unrivaled river culture through educational and engaging experiences.

“America’s 250th anniversary is about more than reflecting on our past, it’s about honoring the contributions of individuals who built this country, the innovations that put this country on the map and a man on the moon, and imagining what the next 250 years might look like for our children and the generations to come,” says Rosie Rios, chair, U.S. Semiquincentennial Commission.

During the America’s River Roots Festival, the cities of Cincinnati, Covington and Newport, Cincinnati Museum Center, National Underground Railroad Freedom Center, Cincinnati Parks, and Cincinnati Parks Foundation are partnering with America's River Roots Experience, a nonprofit corporation, formed to develop and promote the culture, cuisine and music of America’s inland rivers in the Ports of Cincinnati, and Newport and Covington, Ky.

Like the video and the riverboats it celebrates, America’s River Roots is grounded in history, fueled by the present and built for fun. To learn more visit.https://www.americasriverroots.com/