9-13-2025 12:31pm

America’s River Roots Festival Celebrates Our Connection To The River

Beth Callahan Editor

Story courtesy of Game Day Communications

CINCINNATI, OH — America’s River Roots Festival, the region’s official kickoff to America’s 250th celebration, Oct. 8-12, celebrates the largest collection of riverboats in the country. Nine riverboats from seven cities will provide 175 cruises featuring regional music and cuisine, in addition to a robust schedule of free music, cultural programming and riverfront experiences across Cincinnati and Newport riverfronts.

Festival organizers emphasize that the heart of River Roots - riverboat cruises, free music, multicultural food, an artisan market, cultural showcases and one-of-a-kind riverfront events - is stronger than ever.

Historic Riverboat Reunions & Cruises

For the first time in 20 years, nine historic riverboats from across the country return to celebrate the river as they dock together on the Ohio River — including vessels from New Orleans, Memphis, Louisville, Pittsburgh, Moline, IL, St. Paul and Cincinnati. Visitors will enjoy more than 175 riverboat cruises over five days. From brunch, lunch and dinner, to parades and races, there are themed experiences that allow you to enjoy regional cuisine and music.

Steamboat NATCHEZ - New Orleans
Belle of Cincinnati and River Queen - Cincinnati/Newport
Belle of Louisville and Mary M. Miller - Louisville
Belle of Memphis - Memphis
Celebration Belle - Moline
Three Rivers Queen - Pittsburgh
Anson & Betsey Northrup - St. Paul

Bourbon, Beer & Culinary Experiences

The Kentucky Bourbon Experience: A 200-foot tent in Newport featuring curated tastings from top distilleries like New Riff, Angel’s Envy, Old Forester, and Woodford Reserve, plus a Bottle Shop & Bazaar and Merchant’s Club Speakeasy.
The Kentucky Boardwalk at Ovation: A festival hub, offering panoramic riverfront views alongside bourbon tastings, rotating restaurant favorites, a beer garden, and a hidden B-Line Speakeasy.
Craft Brewmaster Experience: Brewer-led tastings at sampling at Yeatman’s Cove spotlighting 18 local and regional breweries.
Food Vendors: A wide variety of local cuisine and food trucks line the festival footprint

Free Music Across the Riverfront

Artists will perform on free stages located in Yeatman’s Cove, Schmidlapp Lawn and Newport. From local favorites like Over the Rhine, Zapp, and Lauren Eylise to jazz, Americana and emerging regional acts, the festival delivers four days of music accessible to all.

Arts, Culture & Community

Good N’ Rooted Artisan Market: Featuring 50+ local makers, artisans, and creators, plus community art installations on the Purple People Bridge.
Spirit of America Gala (Oct. 7): A grand kickoff at Music Hall with John Morris Russell conducting the Cincinnati Pops, the Cincinnati Ballet, and the Cincinnati Opera celebrating America’s music and King Records.

Interactive Technology & Heritage Apps

Freedom Journey App: GPS-powered storytelling across 160 Underground Railroad sites with curated tours and interactive content.
Riverwalk App: Launching early October, guiding visitors along a 3.2-mile walking trail on the riverfronts of Cincinnati, Covington and Newport with stories of the people, places and events of our region.

Commitment to the River

The weekend before the festival the Ohio River Sweep will take place in partnership with ORSANCO and Ohio River Way. During the festival, river ecology exhibits, interactive displays and on-water activities highlight stewardship of the river that connects all participating cities.

America’s River Roots Festival takes place October 8–12, 2025, across Cincinnati and Newport. Musical performances are free and open to the public with elevated experiences on riverboat cruises and bourbon and beer tastings. For details, schedules and tickets for special experiences, visit americasriverroots.com.