Over 20 sternwheelers lined up on the bank of the Ohio River for the kickoff to the Ohio River Sternwheel Festival Friday evening. (Photo by Gwen Sour)

MARIETTA — The 49th Annual Ohio River Sternwheel Festival kicked on Friday evening with music, food and sternwheelers lined across the levee front.

Festival director general Lisa LaDu said residents and visitors can expect familiar favorites, including live entertainment, a fireworks display and Sunday’s sternwheel boat races. Children’s activities also return, which she said are expected to be “better than ever before.”

A new addition to the festival is Saturday’s art stroll on Second Street. Organizers hope the stroll will bring more local creativity into the weekend’s events.

With the 50th anniversary approaching next year, organizers are working to expand the festival’s reach. LaDu said efforts are underway to increase fundraising so the milestone celebration can bring even larger entertainment acts and experiences to the riverfront.

Festival schedule:

Hundreds of people gathered in downtown Marietta to enjoy the first day of the 49th Annual Sternwheel Festival on Friday. (Photo by Gwen Sour)

SATURDAY

* 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. – Art Stroll

* 12 p.m. – Marietta High School Wall of Sound

* 1 p.m. – Marietta High School Choir – Vocal Point

* 2 p.m. – The Stone Quillen Band

Sternwheelers lined up Thursday prior to the start of the Ohio River Sternwheel Festival in Marietta. (Photo by Art Smith)

* 3 p.m. – Gypsy River Band

* 4 p.m. – 3M Acoustic Trio

* 5 p.m. – Cryin Out Loud Band

* 6 p.m. – Jake Binegar

* 7 p.m. – Queen’s Coronation

* 7:30 p.m. – Evie Schaffer

* 8:15 p.m. – Jake Binegar

* 9 p.m. – Journey From the Heart

* 9:30 p.m. – Harry J. Robinson Fireworks

* 10 p.m. – Journey From the Heart

SUNDAY

* 8:30 a.m. – Sunrise Service

* 9:30 a.m. – Harry and Cathy Beall Christian Music

* 10 a.m. – Charlie Brewer

* 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. – Car Show (Second Street)

* 11 a.m. – Cold Shot

* 12 p.m. – Rick K. Road Trip

* 1 p.m. – Captain James E. Sands Memorial Boat Races

* 2 p.m. – Rick K. Road Trip

* 2:30 p.m. – Clint Carsey and the Tracklayers