Sternwheelers, fireworks, barbecue blasts, powerboat races - spring and summer are jam-packed with fun in towns up and down the Ohio River. Every year, the scenic waterway's shoreline comes alive with a plethora of annual events, festivals and gatherings. Here's a sampling:

APRIL

April 4 is Opening Day for the Cincinnati Reds baseball team at Great American Ball Park on the Cincinnati riverfront, and 42,263 people plan to be there. It's quite a party, kicking off with a downtown parade. Great American Ball Park. 100 Main St., Cincinnati. The Opening Day parade begins at 11:30 a.m.; the game starts at 2:10 p.m. Tickets $5-$30, premium seats $42- $60. 513/381-7337

The annual summer series opens April 13 at the historic Showboat Majestic (built in 1923 and now a National Historic Landmark). First up is Neil Simon's "Star Spangled Girl"; other summer productions include "Red Hot and Cole," "Rowan & Martin's Laugh-in" and "Oliver!" Showboat Majestic, docked downtown on the Public Landing, Cincinnati. April 13 throughout the summer. Wed.-Sat., 8 p.m.; Sun. 2 and 7 p.m. Tickets $15, seniors and students $14. 513/241-6550 or www.cincinnatilandmarkproductions.com

Hoards of gardening enthusiasts will take in the Cincinnati Flower Show April 20-24. The internationally themed "Color My World" exhibition brings color and fragrance to the banks of the Ohio River. Coney Island, 6201 Kellogg Ave., Anderson. April 20, 11 a.m.-8 p.m.; April 21-23, 9 a.m.- 8 p.m.; April 24, 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Admission $16, children 3-12 $3. (An opening night gala on April 19 is $150.) 513/872-5194 or www.cincyflowershow.com

"Nauti Night" is the annual spring fundraiser for the WAVE Foundation, which benefits the educational programs at the Newport Aquarium and sea turtle conservation. The evening features live music by Leroy Ellington and the E-Funk Band along with a silent auction, buffet and wine tasting. The event takes place on the plaza in front of the Newport Aquarium, on the riverfront. 1 Levee Way, Newport, Ky. April 23, 8 p.m.- midnight. Tickets $65 per person, $100 per couple. 859/815-1473

On Sunday, April 24, the March of Dimes Walk America, one of the largest walks in Cincinnati, starts at the Purple People Bridge that crosses the Ohio River near U.S. Bank Arena. April 24, 9 a.m. $25 donation requested. 513/769-3588

If you've always declared that you'll run a marathon when pigs fly, here's your chance: The Flying Pig Marathon. The running of the annual Flying Pig on April 30 and May 1 is a big deal since Runner's World magazine rated the event one of the top races in the country. Some 8,000 participants from nine countries and the 50 states sign up for the 26.2- mile footrace. There are also 10K, 5K and Diaper Dash races along the river. Starting line is Paul Brown Stadium, Pete Rose Way and Elm Street, Cincinnati; finish line is Yeatman's Cove on the city's riverfront. April 30, 7 a.m., and May 1, 6:30 a.m. Entry fee $80; free for cheering crowds. 513/621-8383 or www.flyingpigmarathon.com

MAY

Rally In the Valley celebrates the arrival of the Delta Queen steamboat in Gallipolis. With the scenic river as a backdrop, the waterfront comes alive with scenes from the past, including historians in period dress. Gallipolis City Park, downtown Gallipolis. All day May 6. Free. 800/765-6482

The music, crafts and culture of Appalachia are celebrated at the 36th annual Appalachian Festival, held along the banks of the Ohio River near Cincinnati. The event benefits the Appalachian Community Development Association. Coney Island, 6201 Kellogg Ave., Anderson. May 6-8, 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Admission $8, seniors $3, children 4-11 $2, under 3 free. 513/251-3378 or www.appalachianfestival.org

Maifest 2005 is the traditional German welcome of the spring wines. The event, spread over six blocks near the Ohio River, also includes arts and crafts, live country and rock music, and international food vendors. An amusement midway features carnival-style rides. 6th Street Promenade, Covington, Ky. May 13, 5-11 p.m.; May 14, noon-11 p.m.; May 15, noon-9 p.m. Free. 859/491-0458

JUNE

Fans of traditional Amer-ican music should head to south central Ohio for the Appalachian Uprising Blue Grass Festival, a three-day event featuring some of the nation's top acts. Festival grounds near Scottown, all day and evening June 2-4. $50 for a three-day pass. 740/533-7271

Meijer Kids' Fest, labeled the largest free event for children in the country, features carnival rides, games, learning activities, two stages of local and regional children's entertainment, and appearances by professional athletes. Sawyer Point Park, on the downtown Cincinnati riverfront. June 4-5, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. June 4-5. Free. 513/686-8597

A festival with something for every art lover, the 38th annual Summerfair, held along the banks of Coney Island near Cincinnati, is an artistic extravaganza that imports 300 painters and artisans from across the country, all selling paintings, drawings, photography, ceramics, jewelry and more. Other entertainment includes live bands, strolling mimes, jugglers, magicians, clowns, banjo players and barbershop quartets. The event benefits Summerfair, Inc. - the festival's non-profit parent corporation - which has donated close to $550,000 to the local arts community in the form of grants, scholarships and exhibitions. June 3, 2-8 p.m.; June 4, 10 a.m.-8 p.m.; June 5, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Admission $9, children 12 and under free. 513/531-0050

Pancetta, mascarpone, cannoli, tiramisu ... If any of these words begins to make your mouth water, head immediately to Italianfest, the region's largest food and music festival devoted to Italy. Highlights include a pizza-eating contest, cooking contest, live Italian music and fireworks over the river. Newport Festival Park, adjoining Newport on the Levee on the Ohio River, Newport, Ky. June 9, 6:30-11 p.m.; June 10, 5:30-11 p.m.; June 11, 11 a.m.-11 p.m.; June 12, noon-9 p.m. Free. 859/292-3666

In the charming river town of Marietta, the Mayor's Third Friday Jubilee is held in June, July and August, and features live performances by Appalachian and folk musicians. On the lawn at The Armory, Front Street, Marietta. June 17, July 15 and August 19, 6-9 p.m. Free. 800/288-2577 or www.mariettaohio.org

The Goetta & River Raid Renaissance Festival is devoted to all things goetta, with goetta pizza, goetta hoagies, goetta Reubens, goetta omelets, and more. For the uninitiated, the German meat product (pronounced "get-uh") is a combination of steel-cut pinhead oatmeal, pork, beef and seasonings. The "Renaissance" twist adds performers in period garb demonstrating sword fighting, plus vendors hawking jewelry, candles and other crafts of the era. MainStrasse Village's Goebel Park, in Covington, Ky. June 18-19, noon-9 p.m. Free. 859/491-0458 or www.MainStrasse.com

Wear your best green get-up to the Irish Heritage Festival, which showcases live music as well as booths offering Celtic food, crafts and literature. Riverboat Row, on the riverfront beneath Newport on the Levee, Newport, Ky. June 24, 6-11 p.m.; June 25, noon-11 p.m.; June 26, noon-9 p.m. Free. 513/761-9911 or www.newportirishheritagefest.com

The riverfront resounds with country music when Ricky Skaggs kicks off the Cincinnati Pops' summer series at Riverbend Music Center on June 25. Cincinnati's outdoor concert arena is located on the shoreline of the Ohio River. Riverbend Music Center, I-275 at Kellogg Avenue, Cincinnati. June 25, 8 p.m. Call 513/621-1919 for ticket prices.

JULY

In the southeast corner of the state, the Red, White & Blues Festival is a riverfront music event featuring blues music, brews and barbecue. Parking lot of the Lafayette Hotel, downtown Marietta. All day July 1. Free. 800/288-2577 or www.mariettaohio.org

The Newport Motorcycle Rally features concerts, vendors and a contest for the best-looking bikes. Newport Festival Park, beneath Newport on the Levee, Newport, Ky. July 1, 5-11 p.m.; July 2-3, noon-11 p.m.; July 4, noon-9 p.m. Free. 859/912-2509 or www.newportmotorcyclerally.com

The River Recreation Festival is held on the banks of the Ohio River and includes water events, parades, live music and fireworks. Gallipolis City Park, downtown Gallipolis. All day and evening July 2-4. Free. 800/765-6482.

An All-American Birthday Party is a July 4th celebration that includes interactive games, rides, roving entertainment, two stages showcasing local and national entertainment, and a Rozzi Co. fireworks display. Sawyer Point Park, on the downtown Cincinnati riverfront. July 3, 3-11 p.m. Free. 513/686-8597.

Southeast of Cincinnati, cross the river to Maysville, Kentucky, to enjoy the Fourth of July Festival and River Run, which includes parades, live entertainment, fireworks exploding over the river, and a 5K River Run. Shoreline of downtown Maysville, Ky. All day and evening July 4. Free. 606/564-9419

The Marietta Riverfront Roar showcases professional powerboat racing on July 8 and 9, when Front Street is cordoned off and the boats are on display. Ohio River Levee, downtown Marietta. All day July 8-10. Free. 800/288-2577 or www.mariettaohio.org

Riverboat aficionados should head to Cincinnati's Public Landing on July 10 when the Delta Queen steams into town. Downtown Cincinnati, Public Landing. July 10, 9 a.m.-7:30 p.m. Free. www.deltaqueen.com

Dozens of national and regional blues performers turn out for the annual Queen City Blues Fest, a two-day music festival loaded with acts ranging from blues, gospel and spirituals all the way to ragtime, bluegrass, boogie and jazz. Bicentennial Commons and the Public Landing, downtown Cincinnati on the riverfront. July 29, 5-11 p.m.; July 30, 11 a.m.-11 p.m. Admission $3, two-day pass $5. 513/684-4227 or www.cincyblues.org

The Newport Arts & Music Festival features craftspeople from across America who will display their work, from pottery to handmade jewelry, stained glass to mosaics. Also look for musical acts ranging from rock to folk, jazz to alternative. Riverboat Row, between the Taylor-Southgate and L&N bridges, Newport, Ky. July 30, noon-10 p.m.; July 31, noon-7 p.m. Free. 859/441-3139

AUGUST

Have a forkful of lobster and a plate full of live music at the annual Great Inland Seafood Festival Aug. 11-14. Some two dozen vendors will hawk sampler-size seafood bites. A boat shuttle will take you back and forth across the river (the cost is $4 round-trip, or you can stroll across the Purple Pedestrian Bridge). Yeatman's Cove, downtown Cincinnati on the riverfront, and along Riverboat Row, in Newport, Ky. Aug. 11-12, 6-11 p.m.; Aug. 13, noon-11 p.m.; Aug. 14, noon-9 p.m. Free. 513/761-9911 or www.greatinlandseafoodfest.com

The Midwest Black Family Reunion includes an array of R&B and gospel concerts, ethnic food vendors, children's activities and the Black Inventors Pavilion. The reunion takes place near the National Underground Railway Freedom Center, on the waterfront, downtown Cincinnati. Aug. 20-21, 1 p.m.-9 p.m. Free. 513/742-9378 or www.midwestbfrc.com

The 16th Annual Car Show & Chili Cookoff, sponsored by the Boys & Girls Club of Greater Cincinnati and sanctioned by the International Chili Society, has two categories: Red Chili and Chili Verde (green chili). The car exhibits include a Police Vehicle Show, Fire Vehicle Show and a Motorcycle Show. Riverboat Row in Newport, Ky. Aug. 28, 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Free. 859/292-3666

SEPTEMBER

The 43rd annual Portsmouth River Days Festival includes rides, arts and crafts, live entertainment and parades. While in town, make sure to visit the 2,000-foot-long Floodwall Murals located along Front Street. Court Street Landing, Portsmouth. All day and evening Sept. 1-5. Free. 740/353-1116 or www.riverdays.org

A highlight of Labor Day weekend, Riverfest is Cincinnati's largest river event, featuring the half-hour Toyota/ WEBN fireworks exploding over the Ohio River. The day begins with roving entertainment, carnival games and live music. Bicentennial Commons and the Serpentine Wall, downtown Cincinnati. Sept. 4, noon-10 p.m. Free. 513/686-8597

The romance of old-time river days returns to Marietta at the annual Ohio River Sternwheeler Festival, Sept. 9-11. The four-day event features country and rock music on a barge stage on the Ohio River Levee as well as sternwheeler riverboat races, river cruises, an antique auto show, a remote-control-car exhibit and a fireworks display. All day and evening Sept. 8-11. Free. 800/288-2577 or www.mariettaohio.org

At the Celtic World Music Festival, a final salute to summer along the Ohio River, some 600 musicians, dancers and storytellers converge along the shoreline banks for a weekend of traditional music and Irish food. Coney Island, 6201 Kellogg Ave., Anderson. Sept. 24, noon-10 p.m.; Sept. 25, noon-7 p.m. Admission $8, children 5 to 12 $2. 513/533-4822 or www.CincinnatiCelticFestival.com