Visitors to Steubenville, Ohio, in mid-June can celebrate the life and music of Dean Martin, the "King of Cool" and former Rat Pack member, at the Dean Martin Festival in Steubenville, Ohio. For three days, this riverside city and birthplace of the music legend throws a party reminiscent of Hollywood's glory days. Enjoy swing dancing, musical performances by Dean Martin and Rat Pack tribute bands, historical tours and a street fair, while taking advantage of local hotel deals. Most festival events require a small admission fee. A portion of the proceeds from the festival are donated to the Dean Martin Scholarship Fund, which benefits local high school students who are pursuing education in music and the arts.
Dean Martin's Life
- Dino Crocetti was born in Steubenville to Italian immigrants in 1917. After a string of transitory jobs and local music gigs, he changed his name to Dean Martin and enjoyed a decades-long career in the entertainment industry, starring in 51 films, hosting successful radio and TV variety shows and recording dozens of hits. He is best known for his comedic work with Jerry Lewis and for his membership in the famous Las Vegas Rat Pack. Martin retired from show business in 1989 after touring with Sammy Davis, Jr., and Frank Sinatra and died in 1995 at the age of 78.
Music and Events
- Festival events take place throughout the city of Steubenville and include a swing dance, karaoke parties, musical performances by local bands and nationally touring Dean Martin tribute bands, a Rat Pack tribute concert and a street fair with children's activities and craft and food vendors. At the Spot Bar in downtown Steubenville, which acts as the primary venue for the festival, guests pay a small admission fee to enjoy local performers like the Frank Gallo Italian Band and Neil Diamond and Sonny & Cher impersonators.
Dean Martin Tours
- Several city landmarks figure into the life of the famous crooner. The Crocetti home is no longer standing, but it's possible to visit St. Anthony's Church where he was baptized and the Grant and Wells Schools he attended. The Naples Spaghetti House, one of his favorite Italian restaurants, is still serving. The Dean Martin Mural can be seen on 350 South Hollywood Boulevard, and a state historical marker commemorating June 7 as "Dean Martin Day" stands in the Gazebo Park at the corner of Dean Martin Boulevard (Route 7) and North Fourth Street. The Jefferson County Historical Association and Museum offers tours of the Dean Martin Room, while the Historic Fort Steuben offers reduced admission to visitors on the last day of the festival.
Accommodations
- The greater Steubenville area has a number of hotels and bed and breakfast establishments where visitors can book their stay in advance. The Best Western University Inn in Steubenville offers a room discount to those attending the festival. Across the river in nearby Weirton, West Virginia, the Holiday Inn also offers a festival discount. Other accommodations within 30 miles of the festival include the Mountaineer Race Track & Gaming Resort in Chester, West Virginia, and the Wheeling Island Hotel, Casino & Racetrack in Wheeling, West Virginia.
