America's River Roots - October 2025

In 2026 The United States of America will be having a milestone birthday and the Cincy Region is ready to Celebrate

On the cusp of America's Semiquincentennial, or 250th anniversary, comes a celebration of the Ohio River and how her culture helped shape our Nation

America's River Roots, October 8 though 12, 2025 is a signature event that celebrates our unique river heritage, the origins of roots music, river cuisine, and how they all play a part in the fabric of American culture.

The Ohio River runs vertical up the photo and bends to the right at the top. Covington is on the left and Cincinnati is on the right. Three bridges are seen spanning the river.

The Festivities

October 8-12, 2025 the America’s River Roots Festival will entertain, educate, and delight attendees with a showcase of the Ohio River’s influence in shaping the diverse culture of America. Held on the shores of the Ohio River in Cincinnati, Ohio and Newport and Covington, KY, will highlight key elements of music, culture, and cuisine. Regional tours featured will include River Freedom Journey Tour, Kentucky Bourbon Trail®, World Heritage Hopewell Ceremonial Earthworks, and Ohio River Recreational Trail.

Riverboat Cruise Tickets

Some 200 cruise experiences will be offered during America’s River Roots on the following:

•    Steamboat NATCHEZ from the port of New Orleans
•    Belle of Louisville and the Mary M. Miller from the port of Louisville
•    Celebration Belle from the port of Moline, Illinois
•    Belle of Memphis from the port of Memphis
•    Three Rivers Queen from the port of Pittsburgh
•    Anson & Betsey Northrup from the port of Minneapolis/St. Paul
•    Belle of Cincinnati and River Queen from the port of Cincinnati

Eight cruise options include a Brunch Cruise, Lunch Cruise, Dinner Cruise, Late Night Cruise, Riverboat Race Cruise, Parade Cruise, Sight Seeing Cruise and Family Sight Seeing Cruise. Entire boat charters for companies and non-profit fund-raisers are also available. Tickets for cruises are now on sale here and start at $40 per person.

River Culture

A red paddlewheel on a red and white boat. Steam and mist churn up around the wheel. The port cities of Cincinnati, Newport, and Covington will be home to a bustling waterfront when 8 steamboats from seven cities arrive in our local waters. These boats will be themed with the music and food of the region they are from. A pavilion will be set to showcase each of these regions and what makes each of them an unique and exciting place. An expo on the Steamboat Age and river industry will provide historical information, and the “Sounds of the River '' education program will be available. Riverboat cruise tickets are on sale now.

Roots Music

A person in a suit plays an instrument. They are shrouded in fog and the lights make the rest of the photo pink. American Roots Music genres include folk, blues, country, Gospel, jazz, Zydeco, bluegrass, and more. Multiple stages will be set across the region to highlight national and emerging artists from every American Roots genre. Included in these performances will be some unplugged acts and a River Roots Gospel revival. River Roots will shine a light on local influence with King Records’ contributions to Roots Music and the Cincinnati Black Music Walk of Fame.

River Cuisine

A plate of fried chicken, mashed potatoes, and green beans. Out of focus in the foreground is a cocktail. Celebrity Chefs will present regional food and culture from America’s river cuisine at Anderson Pavilion in Cincinnati and Metropolitan Club in Covington. Ohio craft Brewmasters and Kentucky Bourbon Distillers will host tasting sessions. The Purple People Bridge, a pedestrian bridge spanning the Ohio River from Newport to Cincinnati, will be converted into a bazaar of small business dining and shopping opportunities. The 12 steamboats will offer cuisine based off the river city theme of the boat.

A Momentous Celebration

America’s River Roots has been endorsed as an official event of the Ohio 250 and Kentucky 250 Commissions to celebrate America’s 250th in 2026. Rob Portman is working with the U.S. America 250 Commission, established by Congress, to secure designation as a national signature event.

Additional programming will be announced throughout 2025 and will include: nationally-recognized and emerging artists who will perform on multiple stages on both sides of the river. A River Roots Gospel Revival and education programs will put a spotlight on The Freedom Journey, the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center and the Cincinnati Black Music Walk of Fame. Culinary attractions will include celebrity chef presentations, bourbon and craft beer tastings, multicultural food vendors, and regional food artisans.

Plan your visit to the Cincy Region and be a part of our shared history.