UPDATE: Scheduling changes to the event occurred after we posted this story. Relevant lines have been edited.–LINK nky editorial, May 13, 2026.
The new Martin River Stage in Ludlow’s Memorial Park will celebrate a soft opening on Saturday at 7 p.m. The event will feature a performance from the band Dublin Defense. A grand opening, which will include a ribbon cutting, will occur on June 27.
The stage is meant to dovetail with the Ludlow Riverwalk, which is, in turn, part of the Riverfront Commons project. The Commons will see the region’s river cities – Ludlow, Bromley, Covington, Dayton, Bellevue, Fort Thomas, Newport and Silver Grove – connected by a 20-mile path along the banks of the Ohio River.
The grand opening on Saturday, June 27 will coincide with the Ludlow Fireworks Festival. Besides fire works, it will feature a ribbon cutting, music, food trucks, rides and other other activities.
Both events are open to the public.
The shelter’s name comes from the majority donor, Douglas Martin, who donated in the name of his father and mother: H. Gordon Martin and Thelma S. Martin. The Ludlow Community Center hopes to host movie nights, music, outdoor yoga and other activities in the future.
