As one of the oldest cities in Ohio, Steubenville is proud of its history and cultural heritage. With a diverse community founded at the gateway of the country’s westward expansion, Steubenville celebrates through music, art, food, and festivals.
Steubenville Celebrations
Fort Steuben Summer Concert Series
An annual Fort Steuben Summer Concert Series has drawn hundreds of music lovers to the Berkman Amphitheater in Fort Steuben Park each summer for the past 18 years.
Every Thursday evening from May 30 to August 1, there are free concerts in a variety of genres, from Appalachian country to the Big Band Sound. Overlooking the Ohio River, concertgoers bring picnic baskets or purchase hot dogs or ice cream from local food vendors. The popularity of the concert series has inspired neighboring towns to create their own programs so there are musical performances nearby almost any day of the week.
More music can be enjoyed at the monthly First Friday on Fourth, when Steubenville’s main downtown street is closed to traffic, and pedestrians can wander among the various artisan booths, try a local craft beer, taste some fresh baked goods, and listen to live entertainment. Interactive art projects, dance performances, and kids’ activities add to the fun at each month’s special event which will begin May 3 with a Street Music Fest theme.
Ohio Valley Frontier Days
History is celebrated at Ohio Valley Frontier Days, the first weekend in June, at Historic Fort Steuben. For two days, the reconstructed 18th-century fort is filled with reenactors and craftspeople demonstrating what life was like on the Ohio frontier.
Visitors can march with Baron von Steuben, toss a tomahawk with Frontier Day, dip candles, or watch the blacksmith with period music playing in the background. On Sunday, June 2, Ohio Artist of the Year Steve Free will perform original and classic Ohio Valley songs as well as share his Native American heritage. Other performers will present traditional early American instruments and music.
Ethnic Festivals
Ethnic celebrations are part of the fabric of life in Steubenville. The Holy Trinity Greek Fest is a highlight of the summer with the wonderful smells and flavors of traditional Greek dishes. Held June 12-14, the Festival also features the sights and sounds of Greece with music and dancing. The annual African American Heritage Festival on August 3 in the North End Ball Park welcomes everyone to experience the music, foods, traditions, and arts of Steubenville’s African American community.
The Arts in Steubenville
Public Art abounds in Steubenville, also known as the City of Murals for its 23 works of art displayed on city walls. Last year, a new project was unveiled by the Steubenville Cultural Trust, creators of the holiday-themed Steubenville Nutcracker Village.
The Catfish Crawl Art Walk is a collection of intricately painted giant catfish located throughout the downtown. From July 1 through September 1, visitors stroll around downtown to find the ten unique designs by local artists.
For more information on these and other events go to www.VisitSteubenville.com or call the Steubenville Visitor Center at 866-304-1787.
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