River Town Festivals Along the Susquehanna: Marietta, Columbia, and Wrightsville

The Susquehanna River has long been the lifeblood of the towns that line its banks, and nowhere is that more apparent than in Marietta, Columbia, and Wrightsville. These three river towns celebrate their history, culture, and community spirit with lively festivals throughout the year. Whether you're into classic cars, cherry blossoms, or Civil War history, there's something here for you. Check out these popular festivals when you stay with us at B.F. Hiestand House Bed & Breakfast.

Marietta Cherry Blossom Festival (April)
Each spring, Front Street in Marietta transforms into a pink wonderland as 150 cherry trees burst into bloom. To celebrate this breathtaking scene, the town hosts the annual Marietta Cherry Blossom Festival. On April 12, 2025, a section of Front Street will be closed to traffic from 1 to 6 p.m., allowing festivalgoers to take in the mile-long stretch of blossoms while enjoying live music, food, and local artisan vendors. With four stages featuring eight different musical acts and more than 40 unique vendors, there’s plenty to see and do. A $10 wristband unlocks discounts at participating restaurants, including Marietta Tavern on Market and McCleary’s Pub, with proceeds supporting the preservation of these beloved trees.

Marietta Day (May)
Marietta Day is a staple of this river town’s calendar, bringing together a community-wide yard sale, artisan fair, and street festival all in one. Held on the third Saturday in May, Market Street is closed for seven blocks, giving visitors the perfect opportunity to meander through vendor stalls, shop for one-of-a-kind crafts, and grab some delicious festival food. From fresh-squeezed lemonade to the Lions Club’s famous roast beef sandwiches, there’s no shortage of tasty bites to fuel your shopping spree. With live music, kids’ games, and plenty of local charm, Marietta Day is a can’t-miss tradition.

Thunder on the River Car Show (June)
Car lovers, get ready! Every third Saturday in June, Columbia’s Locust Street is lined with over 400 vintage automobiles for the Thunder on the River Car Show. Whether you’re a fan of sleek ’50s Cadillacs or powerhouse ’70s muscle cars, this event showcases the best of automotive history. Sponsored by the Columbia Lions Club, the event not only brings together classic car enthusiasts but also raises money for local charities. Visitors can enjoy great food, live classic rock music, and the excitement of trophy presentations, all while soaking in the small-town charm of Columbia.

RiverFest (June)
History buffs and outdoor enthusiasts alike will love RiverFest, a three-day celebration in June that commemorates a pivotal moment in Civil War history—the burning of the Columbia-Wrightsville Bridge. With activities spread amongst all three River Towns, the festival features Civil War reenactments, guided tours, live music, and a riverside market. One of the highlights is the Bridge Burner Challenge, a race that combines running and kayaking along the Susquehanna River, symbolizing the town’s historic stand against Confederate forces in 1863. The festival wraps up with an awe-inspiring fire show, lighting up the old bridge piers as storytellers recount the dramatic event.

Pig Iron Fest (September)
Celebrate Marietta’s iron heritage at the Pig Iron Fest, held on the last Saturday in September at the historic Musselman-Vesta Furnace. In the 19th century, Marietta was a major center for iron production, with its furnaces supplying pig iron to industries throughout the region. This festival honors that legacy with a mix of history and fun, featuring antiques, arts and crafts, food, live music, hayrides, a car show, and guided history tours. It’s a great opportunity to explore the region’s industrial past while enjoying a festive autumn day. Don’t miss this unique Marietta tradition!

Columbia Rivertown Retro Fest (September)
Step back in time at Columbia’s Rivertown Retro Fest, a celebration of vintage fashion, music, and culture! Held in September at the Columbia Market House, this event is a haven for collectors and retro lovers alike. Dozens of vendors bring a treasure trove of clothing, home goods, vinyl records, and memorabilia from the 1950s through Y2K. Beyond the shopping, attendees can enjoy live music, food, coffee, wine, and even tattoos. Columbia has established itself as Central PA’s vintage hub, boasting nearly 75 small businesses dedicated to antiques and retro finds. Whether you’re hunting for 1960s Pyrex, 1970s bell-bottoms, or early 2000s nostalgia, Rivertown Retro Fest offers a day packed with unique finds and lively entertainment.

Blues, Brews, and Boos (October)
The Blues, Brews and Boos Festival in Marietta is the perfect way to welcome fall. This open-air street festival showcases electric and acoustic blues music on multiple stages along Front Street, which is closed to traffic for the event. Artisans and vendors offer unique crafts, art, and collectibles, while a variety of food trucks ensure there’s something delicious for everyone. Attendees can enjoy adult beverages from four beverage stations or visit Marietta’s breweries and brewpubs, including River Trail Brewing, McCleary’s Pub, and Shank’s Tavern. For a festive twist, dress up for the Ghost Costume Contest and show off your Halloween spirit. Admission is free, though a $5 donation supports Marietta Beautification Projects and gets you discounts on select drafts and cocktails. Come enjoy great music, great food, and great fun!

Experience the Best of the River Towns
Each of these festivals offers a unique way to experience the charm and community spirit of Marietta, Columbia, and Wrightsville. Whether you're drawn by the beauty of cherry blossoms, the nostalgia of classic cars, or the rich history of the region, there’s a festival waiting for you along the Susquehanna. Spend a getaway with us at B.F. Hiestand House and experience the best of these historic river towns.