America’s River Roots Festival announced the full 12-act lineup of the River Roots Concert Series at Smale Park.
As part of its inaugural celebration, taking place from Oct. 8 to 12 on the riverfronts of Cincinnati, Covington and Newport, the free five-day event is Ohio River’s largest music festival to date, featuring more than 100 acts that celebrate the energy and spirit flowing from the shared musical heritage of our region.
Each night of the River Roots Concert Series will feature a headliner, with a nationally known artist performing immediately before them, and a rising act opening the evening. This curated lineup of stars is set to bring the “heart of rock, R&B and country to the banks of Greater Cincinnati,” per a press release from the festival.
Full Main Stage Lineup:
Thursday, Oct. 9: Janelle Monáe, with Digable Planets and Cimafunk
Friday, Oct. 10: Mt. Joy, with Band of Horses and Dogs In A Pile
Saturday, Oct. 11: Weezer, with The Marvelous 3 and Grace Bowers
Sunday, Oct. 12: Maren Morris, with Walker Hayes and Trousdale
“This lineup reflects the energy, diversity and spirit of America’s river cities,” said Executive Director of America’s River Roots Susan Fischer in the release. “From global icons to Americana standouts and stars on the rise, there’s truly something for every music fan.”
In addition to the ticketed main stage shows at the ICON Festival Stage at Smale Park, the festival will feature more than 90 free performances, showcasing genres such as blues, jazz, country, R&B, Americana, Latin and more. These acts will perform across seven free stages located in Cincinnati, Newport and Covington, offering audiences a chance to discover local and regional talent in intimate settings.
The festival’s riverside setting will also have bourbon tastings, riverboat cruises and cultural experiences celebrating the heritage of America’s waterways.
Tickets are available here. Many of the events at the festival, including free music stages, are open to the public. Watch for those schedules coming soon.