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America 250
2026 Events Calendar
April 2026
Tuesday, April 7, 2026
Pioneer Dinner Celebrating Marietta’s 238th Birthday
📍 American Legion, 9 Wooster Street, Marietta, OH 45750
⏰ Doors open at 4:00 PM
⏰ Dinner served at 5:00 PM
The Washington County Historical Society will celebrate Marietta’s 238th birthday with its annual Pioneer Dinner honoring the 48 pioneers who settled Marietta and opened the Northwest Territory.
The program will feature WCHS Archivist Mindy Cayton, highlighting the 1938 Northwest Territory Sesquicentennial Celebration, including:
• The recreated journey from Ipswich, Massachusetts, to Marietta
• Parades and pageants from the celebration
• Presidential dedication of the Start Westward Monument
• Historic photographs and film reels
🎟 Tickets
$50 Members
$60 Nonmembers
Reservations required by March 28.
Register at wchshistory.org
📞 Information: CJ Smith — 740-516-2258
Hike and Hangout Event
April 11th -8am-12pm
Hot food and beverages, hiking on the trails, disc golf lessons and games, a campfire, and a chance to meet great people—come hang out and have some fun!
Whether you want a short walk or a serious workout on the hills, it’s up to you. Kids are welcome, so bring the whole family and explore the trails together.
Call Bruce at 740-629-1277 for more details or questions.
Bring your friends and family and join us!
Friday, April 17, 2026
Discovering History — Ric S. Sheffield
“False Promises: The Struggle for Black Voting Rights in 1800s Ohio”
📍 Campus Martius Museum, 601 Second Street, Marietta, OH 45750
⏰ 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM
Free and open to the public.
Livestreamed and recorded on YouTube: @CampusMartiusMuseum
PUBLIC READING – YOU’RE INVITED
Sunday, April 19 • 2:00 PM
(Doors open at 1:00 PM)
Come and get the real deal — no spin.
We should all know what is really in our American Declaration of Independence and United States Constitution… right? Here is your chance.
A team of four readers will read the documents OUT LOUD while you follow along with your very own copy of the actual text — plain English, clear, and readable.
No politics. No interpretation.
Just the original words of the Founding Fathers.
This isn’t just for students — this is for every adult American citizen who wants to truly know and understand these historic documents.
📍 Marietta Elks Lodge #477
414 Colegate Drive
✔️ Free admission
✔️ Free booklet of both documents
✔️ Free parking, easy access, comfortable seating
✔️ Iced tea, water, and snacks provided
📞 Questions? Call 740-629-1277
This FREE public service is brought to Washington County by your neighbors at:
• Marietta Elks Lodge #477
• AMVETS Post 1788
• Disabled American Veterans Chapter 52
We appreciate your support and are honored to give back to our community.
🌳 Join Us for Arbor Day in Belpre! 🌳
📅 April 24, 2026
⏰ Time: TBD
📍 Belpre, Ohio
The Belpre Tree Commission invites you to celebrate Arbor Day with a special community program dedicated to conservation, history, and the future of our urban forest.
🌿 Event Highlights:
• Official Arbor Day Proclamation
• Planting of a White Oak as part of the America 250 initiative
• Continuation of Belpre’s Historical Tree Line
• Presentation on our current historical trees
• Unveiling of our new QR Code & America 250 Historical Tree Website
While Washington County’s commemorative White Oak will be planted in Marietta, Belpre is proud to plant our own White Oak in our park—symbolizing strength, resilience, and our shared commitment to preserving natural heritage for generations to come.
Come be a part of this meaningful celebration and help us grow a legacy rooted in history and conservation 🌱
May 2026
Friday, May 1, 2026
Discovering History — Mark Holbrook
“Photography During the Civil War”
📍 Campus Martius Museum, 601 Second Street, Marietta, OH 45750
⏰ 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM
Free and open to the public.
Livestreamed and recorded on YouTube: @CampusMartiusMuseum
Thursday, May 21, 2026
Wilder’s Lightning Brigade
Presented by Scott Diezman
📍 Blennerhassett Museum, 137 Juliana Street, Parkersburg, WV
⏰ 7:00 PM
Marietta Chapters; Daughters & Sons of the American Revolution
invite you to a
Memorial Service Honoring the Revolutionary War Patriots of the Northwest Territory
Thursday May 21, 2026 at 10:00 AM
at Mound Cemetery, Fifth and Scammel Streets, Marietta, OH
Followed by a Patriots tour of Mound Cemetery.
For more information www.mariettasar.com
Saturday–Sunday, May 23–24, 2026
Historic Marietta Tour of Homes
📍 The Castle Museum, 418 Fourth Street, Marietta, OH 45750
⏰ 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM each day
Tour 11 historic homes in the first established settlement of the Northwest Territory.
Saturday: 6 homes including The Castle
Sunday: 5 different homes
🎟 Passes
$30 Single-Day Pass
$50 Weekend Pass
Reservations available through The Castle website, the Castle Carriage House, or day-of sales at the Carriage House from 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM.
📞 Information: 740-373-4180
June 2026
Red, White, and Bluegrass Show (Dinner Included!)
June 6 at 6 p.m.
Ohio Valley Opry House
1944 Washington Blvd., Belpre, OH 45714
(740) 525-9218
[email protected]
Join the Ohio Valley Opry for an evening of great music, good food, and hometown fun at the Red, White, and Bluegrass Show on Saturday, June 6. The evening begins at 6 p.m. with an all-American meal featuring hamburgers, hot dogs, and all the trimmings — perfect for gathering with friends and family before the music starts.
At 7 p.m., enjoy the lively sounds of the OVO Bluegrass Band as they perform classic bluegrass favorites and high-energy tunes. Your ticket includes both dinner and the show, making it a full evening of entertainment in Belpre.
Website: ohiovalleyopry.com
Ohio Valley Opry Salutes America Dinner Show
June 12 & 13
Ohio Valley Opry House
1944 Washington Blvd., Belpre, OH 45714
Join the Ohio Valley Opry in Belpre for a powerful celebration of America’s 250th anniversary with an unforgettable evening of music, storytelling, and hometown pride.
“Opry Salutes America” brings the spirit of our nation to life through songs that have shaped generations—from Americana and gospel to beloved patriotic favorites that honor the heart of America. Featuring The Clark Family of the Ohio Valley Opry, this special production blends live performances with meaningful moments that pay tribute to our history, our heroes, and our shared American story.
Guests will also enjoy a delicious homestyle American dinner inspired by classic favorites and comforting traditions, making this a complete evening of entertainment and celebration.
Website: ohiovalleyopry.com
Friday, June 12, 2026
Wilder’s Lightning Brigade
Presented by Scott Diezman
📍 Blennerhassett Museum, 137 Juliana Street, Parkersburg, WV
⏰ 7:00 PM
FREE COMMUNITY CONCERT BROUGHT TO YOU BY American Flags and Poles
Join us Friday, June 26 at 7PM for a special America 250 celebration concert at the Ohio Valley Opry Theater!
Featuring organist Dave Calendine
Classic favorites + patriotic music
Family-friendly & FREE!
Doors open at 6PM
No tickets needed – general admission seating
1944 Washington Blvd, Belpre (behind Celebration Center Church)
Donations will support Washington County America 250
Come celebrate with us!
Saturday, June 27, 2026
Cemetery Tours: Patriots Tour at Mound Cemetery
📍 Mound Cemetery, Fifth and Scammel Streets, Marietta, OH 45750
⏰ 10:00 AM – 11:15 AM
Reservations available at MariettaCastle.org/Events
Belpre Kick-Off of July 4th Week
Howes Grove
Date: June 27
Time: 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM
The Belpre community is invited to kick off July 4th week with a day of food, fellowship, and patriotic celebration at Howes Grove.
Day’s Events
9:00 AM – Flag Retirement Ceremony
Hosted by Belpre Area Veterans
11:00 AM – 3:00 PM – Free Community Picnic
Served by Belpre Area Veterans and the Boy Scouts
Menu
Hot Dogs
Chips
Dessert
Beverages
Activities
Face Painting
Cornhole
Music
Antique Car Exhibit – America Through the Years
Special Patriotic Features
America – Proud to Be an American
Recognition of the oldest veteran
Honoring those who have participated in Honor Flight
Students sharing what America means to them
Sons of the American Revolution
A recruiter
Picnic Logistics / Support
Fire truck displaying a large American flag
Hot dog sauce provided by Belair’s
Watermelon provided by Bob’s Market
Ice cream cups provided by Belpre Royalty
July 2026
Thursday–Saturday, July 2–4, 2026
Beverly–Waterford Homecoming 250th Celebration
📍 Beverly & Waterford, Ohio
Join Washington County as Beverly and Waterford celebrate 250 years of community, heritage, and hometown pride.
Activities include:
• Community fun and activities
• Family activities
• Patriotic celebration
• Children’s rides
• Fireworks at dusk on July 4
All events are being organized and presented by American Legion Post 389 (Beverly, Ohio).
More details to come.
Saturday, July 4, 2026
Independence Day Celebration
📍 Marietta and Washington County
Parade, live music, kids activities, food vendors, and fireworks at dusk. More information to come.
Saturday, July 4, 2026
Beverly Fire Department Pancake Breakfast
📍 400 Seventh Street, Beverly, OH
⏰ 8:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Saturday, July 4, 2026
Third Annual Community Picnic
📍 Washington County Fairgrounds
⏰ 12:00 PM
Includes free food: hamburgers, hot dogs, sweet corn, potato salad, and dessert; plus free musical entertainment.
The 4th of July parade happens right before and ends at the Washington County Fairgrounds.
This year will also include celebration of local heritage and 250 years.
Monday–Friday, July 6–10, 2026
History Camp: Expansion and Change (1820–1840)
📍 The Castle Museum, 418 Fourth Street, Marietta, OH 45750
⏰ 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM
A five-day hands-on camp for students entering Grades 3–6 exploring early industry, canals, abolition, education, music, and crafts.
Registration:
$30 per day or $125 for the week
Pre-registration required by June 19.
After June 20 call 740-373-4180 for availability.
Saturday, July 11, 2026
History in the Park
📍 East Muskingum Park, Marietta, OH
⏰ 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Join us on a captivating journey through time. Visitors can learn from historical organizations from across Ohio and West Virginia through displays, demonstrations, and educational presentations.
📞 Information: Nancy Arthur — 740-525-7479
🌐 Website: www.cwrtmov.org
Monday, July 13, 2026
Northwest Ordinance Celebration
📍 Details to be announced
Saturday, July 18, 2026
Battle of Buffington Island Commemoration
📍 Buffington Island Battlefield Memorial Park
⏰ 10:00 AM
Free and open to the public.
Part of the Washington County America 250 commemorations.
Saturday, July 18, 2026
Cemetery Tours: Service and Sacrifice
📍 Mound Cemetery, Fifth and Scammel Streets, Marietta, OH
⏰ 10:00 AM – 11:15 AM
Reservations available at MariettaCastle.org/Events
Friday–Sunday, July 24–26, 2026
Harmar Days — “250 Years of History: A West Side Story”
📍 Harmar District, Marietta, OH
August 2026
Saturday–Sunday, August 15–16, 2026
America 250 Festival of Living History
📍 Muskingum Park, Marietta, OH
An early American encampment and family-friendly historical event featuring:
• Period demonstrations
• Musket and cannon firings
• Field artillery
• Vintage traders and goods
• Historical reenactments
• Family activities
📞 Information: 740-885-8151
📧 [email protected]
Saturday, August 29, 2026
Mound Cemetery Coming Alive
📍 Mound Cemetery, Fifth and Scammel Streets, Marietta, OH
⏰ 10:00 AM – 11:15 AM
Reservations available at MariettaCastle.org/events
September 2026
Friday, September 4, 2026
Discovering History — Tanner O’Connor
“Catch to Finish: The World of Competitive Rowing”
📍 Campus Martius Museum, Marietta, OH
⏰ 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM
Free and open to the public.
Livestreamed and recorded on YouTube: @CampusMartiusMuseum
Friday–Sunday, September 11–13, 2026
50th Annual Ohio River Sternwheel Festival
📍 Ohio River Levee, Marietta, OH
Thursday, September 17, 2026
The Yellow Fever Plot to Kill Lincoln
Presented by Matthew Lively
📍 Knights of Columbus #478, 312 Franklin Street, Marietta, OH
⏰ 7:00 PM
October 2026
Saturday, October 17, 2026
Cemetery Tours: Bringing Forth Those Pioneers
📍 Mound Cemetery, Fifth and Scammel Streets, Marietta, OH
⏰ 11:00 AM – 12:15 PM
Reservations available at MariettaCastle.org/Events
November 2026
Friday, November 13, 2026
The Year that Made America
Presented by Tom McMillan
📍 Knights of Columbus #478, 312 Franklin Street, Marietta, OH
⏰ 7:00 PM
Planning your next Marietta adventure? Request a free copy of our visitor guide, packed with even more helpful details on where to dine, shop, stay and play across Marietta, Washington County and the surrounding region.
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