America’s River Roots Festival has canceled its ticketed headline concerts – shows by Weezer, Maren Morris, Mt. Joy and Janelle Monáe – in a move organizers say will ensure most programming during the five-day celebration of Ohio River communities remains free.
Ticketholders will receive refunds from the point of purchase.
“America’s River Roots Festival was created to bring people together along our riverfronts – and that spirit of community remains at the heart of everything we do,” festival leadership wrote in a statement. “Like many festivals around the world, we’ve had to make difficult choices in a changing entertainment landscape. And while the festival continues, we’ve decided to cancel the paid stage concerts.”
Why the lineup change?
The festival, set for Oct. 8-12 along the Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky riverfronts, has long been billed as a free celebration of river city traditions. But tickets for the headlining shows had gone up in price, especially on resale sites. Some social media users voiced their surprise – and displeasure – that a festival billed as free required tickets costing $100 or more to see certain artists, according to a Fox19 report.
With the lineup change, the festival team says the event pivots toward what the community has asked for: a series of free, affordable experiences for visitors of all ages. That includes music.
Organizers stressed that the festival will continue to feature regional and local artists across genres including blues, jazz, indie rock, bluegrass, gospel, Latin, zydeco and more – plus a variety of other music-themed experiences throughout the weekend. Scheduled signature performers include Over the Rhine, Cincinnati Jazz All Stars, Band of Heathens, Noah Wotherspoon, Zapp and Lauren Eylise.
Overall, there are more than 40 acts across four stages in downtown Cincinnati and Newport.
The current lineup is below.
“Though the ticketed stage lineup will no longer move forward, America’s River Roots guests can enjoy free musical performances from multiple genres on stages on both sides of the river,” the statement reads.
More than just music
Beyond music, festivalgoers can experience bourbon tastings, chef demonstrations, regional food trucks and multicultural cuisine at venues along the river. The daily Good ‘n’ Rooted Artisan Market will feature dozens of local vendors on the Purple People Bridge. Other cultural programming includes the Freedom Journey exhibit, the Riverwalk Experience and a speaker series at the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center.
Cruises remain the centerpiece of the celebration. Nine riverboats from seven cities across the country will dock in Cincinnati, offering more than 175 themed trips, from brunch and dinner cruises to parades and races.
Some of those events, along with bourbon tastings and the Spirit of America Gala, require paid tickets.
“Our commitment to creating an unforgettable celebration of music, food, and culture remains unchanged,” organizers said. “We look forward to welcoming everyone to the riverfront… to honor our roots – together.”
Current signature music schedule
Thursday
- Cincinnati Jazz All Stars, 6-7:30 p.m., Newport
- Over the Rhine, 8:30-10 p.m., Yeatman’s Cove
Friday
- Band of Heathens, 9:30-11 p.m., Newport
Saturday
- Noah Wotherspoon, 9:30-11 p.m., Newport
- Zapp, 9:30-11 p.m., Yeatman’s Cove
Sunday
- Lauren Eylise, 3-5 p.m., Yeatman’s Cove
Overall lineup
More events details available at www.americasriverroots.com/
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