Steubenville Celebrates Dean Martins 30th-Anniversary Hometown Festival
Steubenville, Ohio, is reviving its hometown pride as it hosts the 30th‑annual Dean Martin Hometown Festival from June 18‑20, 2026. The free‑entry celebration—drawing thousands of visitors—honors the city’s most famous son and marks the 80th anniversary of his partnership with comedian Jerry Lewis.
The festival opens Thursday with a meet‑and‑greet at 7 Ranges in the Fort Steuben Mall, followed by a special edition of the weekly concert at the Berkman Amphitheater and the annual karaoke contest at the Spot Bar. Friday’s program features a charity golf tournament at the Steubenville Country Club, a presentation at the Jefferson County Historical Museum, a car cruise through Historic Fort Steuben, and supper‑club themed events at Pastaio’s and Scaffidi’s. Joe Scalissi performs at the Spot Bar, while Saturday’s lineup includes a 5 K Dino Dash, an Honor Flight Columbus tribute, and a Muscular Dystrophy Association benefit.
Attendees repeatedly point to the enduring appeal of Martin’s music. “He was the king of cool, but his music will live forever,” says Nigel Brown, who drove from Lexington, Kentucky, for the fifth time to attend. Brown notes that Martin’s style “resonates with everybody” and that his songs “are timeless.” Michelle DellaFave, a former member of Martin’s Golddiggers and Ding‑a‑Ling Girls, echoes this sentiment. She recalls working with Martin in the late 1960s and early 1970s, describing him as “easy‑going” and “a joy to be around.”
Other festival participants share personal connections. Steubenville native Jimmy Rzepecki says his grandfather attended the festival annually since 1996, adding that Martin’s “raw talent and voice drew you in.” A 17‑year‑old karaoke contestant—one of the youngest performers—continues to enjoy Martin’s songs, while Jack Hanson from Phoenix praises the era’s glamour, noting that Martin’s music “was all over nightclubs and lounges.”
The program also honors Martin’s broader cultural impact. A session at the Public Library of Steubenville and Jefferson County focuses on Martin and Lewis and the upcoming 80th anniversary of their collaboration. The session includes a talk on movie restoration by Bob Furmanek and a special showing of the Martin‑and‑Lewis film “At War with the Army.” The event underscores Martin’s mastery across radio, television, film, music, and live performance.
Dean Martin, born Dino Paul Crocetti on June 7, 1917, died December 25, 1995. He sold more than 50 million records worldwide and appeared in 85 film and television productions. His signature songs—“Ain’t That a Kick in the Head,” “Memories Are Made of This,” and “That’s Amore”—remain staples of the Great American Songbook. The festival’s free admission and wide range of activities reflect the community’s commitment to preserving Martin’s legacy.
The festival concludes Saturday, June 20, with a parade of future stars at the Sycamore Youth Center and a final performance by Tom Stevens and Friends at the Spot Bar. Organizers plan to continue the tradition in 2027, building on the 30th‑anniversary celebrations that have already drawn visitors from across the region.
The Dean Martin Hometown Festival remains a key cultural event for Steubenville, offering residents and visitors a comprehensive look at the life and music of a national icon while celebrating the city’s historical connection to the entertainer.
