America's River Roots

America's River Roots River Roots is a free festival from Oct 08-12, 2025 in Cincy along the Ohio River. A River Cities Expo Pavilion will promote their cultural tourism assets.

Soak into Music, Cuisine and Culture that shares our unique American stories and celebrates the distinct contributions and experiences that make Cincy, Cincy. An exceptional cast of community leaders and sponsors have assembled to host a national signature event that celebrates our nation’s 250th birthday in 2026. The event has been designated by the America 250-Ohio Commission with a request to t

he national commission for America’s River Roots to be the official kick off in October 2025.

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Our goal is to showcase this region of America and the pivotal role of the Ohio River in shaping our nation's growth and diverse cultures. We will celebrate the origins of roots music with national and emerging artists on multiple stages, river cuisine presented by celebrity chefs, and our unique river culture. Eight cities are sending 12 tall stack riverboats themed with the food and music of their region. Regional cultural tours including Freedom Journey, Kentucky Bourbon Trail, World Heritage Hopewell Ceremonial Earthworks and Ohio River Recreational Trail will be featured. The event gives area residents an opportunity to explore their heritage and connect with our common river roots. The eclectic mix of music, culture, and culinary experiences along the Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky world-class riverfront will attract regional/national visitors and international media attention to the region. 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, OH, Newport and Covington, KY.

We ❤️ the Roebling Suspension Bridge! This view from BB Riverboats reminds us of the amazing boats, beautiful cruises, a...
10/15/2025

We ❤️ the Roebling Suspension Bridge!

This view from BB Riverboats reminds us of the amazing boats, beautiful cruises, and wonderful people we met during the Festival.

10/13/2025

🚢 🎶✨ What a weekend!

From soulful tunes that moved us, to the incredible flavors that brought our community together, to every handcrafted cocktail that sparkled with creativity and those majestic riverboats — this festival was a celebration of everything that makes our river roots strong.

To every riverboat captain, musician, chef, mixologist, and festival-goer who shared in the festival's joy — Thank you! You helped create great memories that will keep flowing through the region. 💙

10/12/2025

🎶✨ As we wind down an amazing weekend along the river, we're still enjoying the rhythm of the America’s River Roots Festival!

As the final notes fade, the last glasses raised, and the riverboats roll to their concluding cruises, don't forget we're going out with a BANG tonight!

10/12/2025

On the last day of the festival, head down to the river for
🚢 Boats, as nine majestic riverboats cruise the beautiful Ohio
🥃 Bourbon, with sampling and shopping at the Kentucky Bourbon Experience
🍔 Burgers and all your other favorite foods
🍺 Beer in the Craft Brewmaster Experience
🛍️ Bazaar of shopping at the Good n' Rooted Market
🎶 Blues and other tunes across four stages
🎆 Bang, when we end the evening with a spectacular fireworks display in honor of America 250!

Live Culture This Weekend. Chapel Hart, Kathy Wade - Jazz Entertainer, and The ZAPP Band are taking over your Saturday! ...
10/11/2025

Live Culture This Weekend.

Chapel Hart, Kathy Wade - Jazz Entertainer, and The ZAPP Band are taking over your Saturday! Experience music, cuisine, and culture all down on the Riverfront.

Plus, did you know the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center is FREE today? This is your chance to bring the whole family to experience the exhibits, themed docents, speakers, and more!

🏁 Don't miss the races today between Three River's Queen (Gateway Clipper Fleet) vs River Queen (BB Riverboats) and Ans...
10/11/2025

🏁 Don't miss the races today between Three River's Queen (Gateway Clipper Fleet) vs River Queen (BB Riverboats) and Anson & Betsey Northrup (Padelford Riverboats) at 1:45 p.m. and the Belle of Cincinnati (BB Riverboats) vs. Belle of Louisville (Belle of Louisville Riverboats) at 4:30 p.m.

🍻 Sample beer and bourbon, grab a coney, taco, or just about anything else at the Culinary Experience.

🎸 Enjoy a great lineup of FREE music in Newport, plus the Public Landing, Schidlapp Event Lawn, and Yeatman's Cove on the Cincinnati side.

🔥 Visit the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center, FREE today, with special programming from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

🌉 Have a great day on the riverfront!

10/11/2025

We were cruising into the weekend this Friday!

Riverboat races, beer and bourbon tastings, and food and fun along the riverfront in Cincinnati and Newport. Plus, the Good n' Rooted Market welcomed shoppers on the Purple People Bridge.

10/10/2025

At the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center this weekend, docents, historic interpreters, and speakers offer thoughtful and engaging programs for all ages.

With free admission today and tomorrow, it's a great time to (re)visit and learn something new!

Live Culture! This Weekend! Kick off your Friday night plans with DJ Vader (Vadermixx) on the Schmidlapp Stage beginning...
10/10/2025

Live Culture! This Weekend!

Kick off your Friday night plans with DJ Vader (Vadermixx) on the Schmidlapp Stage beginning at 6 p.m. Follow that up with your favorite food staples at food trucks and retail before settling in for The Soul Pocket Band beginning at 9:30 p.m. on the Yeatman's Cove Stage.

🚢 Don't miss the Riverboat Race today at 1:15 p.m. between the Celebration Bellee and Steamboat Natchez! 🎙️ Plus a great...
10/10/2025

🚢 Don't miss the Riverboat Race today at 1:15 p.m. between the Celebration Bellee and Steamboat Natchez!

🎙️ Plus a great musical lineup across four stages with the Comet Bluegrass All-Stars, The Band of Heathens, DJ Vader (Vadermixx), Ricky Nye, The Soul Pocket Band, and Dudley Taft Music.

Plus
🥃 Kentucky Bourbon Experience
🍺 Craft Brewmaster Experience
🛍️ Good n' Rooted Market
🍽️ Foodie favorites
🔥 FREE admission to the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center

Come down to the river for fun all day, and all night!

10/10/2025

🎶 We were rollin' on the river all day long!

The majestic Parade of Riverboats was the highlight of the day, which also included the start of the Kentucky Bourbon Experience in Newport, the Craft Brewmaster Experience at Yeatman's Cover, great music on the riverfront, and delightful dishes on both sides of the Ohio River!

😍 What was your favorite thing today?

🎶 Beloved indie icons Over the Rhine take the stage tonight at Yeatman's Cove, sharing their evocative, Americana sound...
10/09/2025

🎶 Beloved indie icons Over the Rhine take the stage tonight at Yeatman's Cove, sharing their evocative, Americana sound.

This year marks three decades of singers/ongwriters and multi-instrumentalists Karin Bergquist and Linford Detweiler writing, recording and touring together. In that time, the duo has built a vivid, emotionally-charged body of work that has won them a deeply devoted following and critical acclaim.

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