April 7th, 1788 is observed as the day when 48 pioneers arrived at the confluence of the Ohio and Muskingum Rivers to establish the first permanent settlement of the Northwest Territory. Many of the early settlers, such as Rufus Putnam, came to this new frontier as veterans of the Revolutionary War looking to start a new prosperous life.

230 years later, in 2018, the pioneer’s influence on our small river town can still be identified though the grid system of streets, as laid out by the Ohio Company, which continue to bear the names of Revolutionary War leaders like Greene, Putnam, and Washington.

This is just one of many examples of the tangible history that thrives within Marietta. One might say that it is because of the connection many feel to our very significant past that our downtown remains a historical thoroughfare to the enjoyment of locals and tourists alike.

To mark the occasion of Marietta’s 230th Birthday this April, in partnership with The Adelphia Music Hall, Marietta Main Street is excited to announce a brand new music festival in downtown Marietta on Saturday, April 7th: First Settlement Festival.

Brainchild of Nate Shahan, Entertainment/Bar Manager at The Galley & Adelphia Music Hall, First Settlement Festival is a daylong outdoor music festival that takes place all throughout downtown Marietta.

Festival Poster designed and printed by Bobby Rosenstock of Just-A-Jar Design + Press

The Adelphia Main Stage, located in the parking lot on the corner of 2nd and Butler Streets, will host acts from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m.. The Main Stage Lot will include a beer garden featuring craft beer by Marietta Brewing Co. as well as merchandise tents and more for the community to enjoy. What’s the best part? Enjoying music at First Settlement Festival is totally free and open to the public!

The line-up includes:

  • 1 p.m.: John Kunze
  • 2 p.m.: Jeff Ray
  • 3 p.m.: Tracy Allen
  • 4 p.m.: Cradle & Grave
  • 5 p.m.: Sour Mash String Band
  • 6 p.m.: Steve Hussey & Jake Eddy
  • 7 p.m.: The Hopewell

In addition to The Adelphia Main Stage, musicians will perform throughout downtown Marietta at a variety of different shops. Musicians scheduled to perform at the Main Stage will take turns busking throughout downtown. Restaurant goers and shoppers alike will get to enjoy live music as they explore downtown all day long.

Into the evening, once the Adelphia Main Stage closes after the final performance at 7 p.m., First Settlement Festival continues inside The Adelphia Music Hall. Kicking off at 8:30 p.m., ticket holders to the evening portion will get to enjoy the musical talent of Jake Dunn, Newfeather (9:30 p.m.), and Angela Perley & the Howlin’ Moons (10:30 p.m.).

First Settlement Festival is a brand new event that Marietta Main Street hopes to produce every year in partnership with The Adelphia Music Hall and other local supporters. This event celebrates Marietta’s 230th Birthday the same weekend as First Friday: Marietta’s Birthday Party on Friday, April 6th.
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