File photo DINO — Dean Martin impersonator Joe Scalissi entertained visitors to the Spot Bar during the 2024 Dean Martin Hometown Festival

STEUBENVILLE — Since the first Dean Martin Hometown Festival was held three decades ago, the Spot Bar has served as the entertainment hub for the weekend.

That will be the case again this year, owner JoJo DiAlbert said.

“For 30 years, we have been the place where the entertainment has happened,” he said.

The festival is scheduled to run June 18-20.

The Spot Bar, located at 217 S. Fourth St., has always been the gathering place for fans, entertainers, volunteers and friends who return year after year to celebrate the legacy of Steubenville’s favorite son. The iconic downtown venue has become more than simply a stop during festival weekend — it has become part of the festival’s identity, organizers said.

Festival favorite Lou Martini Jr. returns for his 20th year as master of ceremonies for activities taking place at the Spot Bar throughout the weekend.

Action gets under way at 8 p.m. June 18 with the annual karaoke contest, which will be hosted by DJ Paulie Walnutz. There will be no cover charge for the event, which has drawn Martin fans from around the world who are eager to perform tributes to the entertainer.

The entertainment continues throughout the weekend.

On June 19, Joe Scalissi will perform at 8 p.m. There will be a $30 cover charge.

A full day of entertainment is planned for June 20. The Cugines will perform at noon, with a $10 cover charge. At 2 p.m., Dave Salera will take the stage, also with a $10 cover charge.

Another festival favorite, Tom Stevens, will round out the day at 8 p.m., with a $30 cover charge.

This year marks the festival’s 30th anniversary. The event brings visitors and fans from across the nation and around the world to Steubenville to honor Martin’s music, films, friendships and enduring legacy.

Other festival activities scheduled for June 18 include an event from 4 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at 7 Ranges Entertainment. It will feature tribute artists Lee Dean and Jeff Grainger, a memorabilia auction, a meatball-eating contest, music, fellowship and festival activities.

At 7 p.m., the Fort Steuben Concert Series will feature the Rat Pack Tribute with Martin, Frank Sinatra and Marilyn Monroe. Starring Lee Dean as Martin and Sinatra and Megan Collins as Monroe, the performance will feature classic songs, comedy and crowd interaction.

They will be followed by the Vince Villanova Big Band, which will bring its classic sound to the Berkman Amphitheater stage.

“The Spot Bar has truly been the center of this festival since the beginning,” said Cindy Williford, president of the Dean Martin Association. “So many friendships, memories, stories, performances and late-night conversations that helped shape this festival happened there. It is impossible to tell the story of the Dean Martin Hometown Festival without telling the story of the Spot Bar.”