CHARLESTON, W.Va. –The 2026 Charleston Sternwheel Regatta is winding down in Charleston after four days of entertainment, culminating in a spectacular drone and fireworks show celebrating America’s 250th birthday.
The four-day event kicked off Thursday, featuring a variety of activities throughout the weekend.
Charleston Mayor Amy Shuler Goodwin said this year’s regatta felt different for several reasons.
“Number one it’s year five, so we’re celebrating year five of the Charleston Sternwheel Regatta, yes we’re celebrating our nation’s birthday, but also the fireworks display, was the largest fireworks display in the history of the city of Charleston, and the three locations that we had them working hand and glove with Zambelli Fireworks, I have never seen anything quite like it in my life,” Goodwin told MetroNews Sunday.
Fireworks were launched Saturday night from Magic Island, Haddad Riverfront Park and the state Capitol following performances by rock singers Lita Ford and Bret Michaels.
Goodwin said Bret Michaels told her after the fireworks display that performing in Charleston was unlike anywhere else, he had performed.
“He said I’ve never played a venue like this, this is absolutely incredible and he said to me last night (Saturday) behind the stage, if you ever want me to get on the telephone and call another artist for you to say man you got to play this venue because it’s so cool, and of course I said yes please, thank you, I’ll take that,” she said.
Other performers included rock singer Melissa Etheridge, country singer Wynonna Judd, R&B artists Montell Jordan and Bobby Brown, and rapper Bow Wow.
Alternative rock band Vertical Horizon and rock group Tonic will perform at 6:45 p.m. Sunday at Haddad Riverfront Park.
Goodwin said it is great to see the response the regatta has received since returning in 2022 after a 13-year hiatus, especially from city workers and others who come together to make the event possible.
“That is such an incredible feeling, and I hope I’m doing my job, expressing to everybody the city of Charleston and its residents, and businesses and volunteers and sponsors, they made that happen, that’s special,” she said.
Goodwin said she received text messages and phone calls from Saturday night into Sunday morning from people thanking her for bringing the regatta back.
“Thousands, not kidding, thousands of texts, calls, and emails I have personally received from last night into this morning saying thank you, thank your city team, thanks to the people who give it their all to showcase and put their best foot forward,” Goodwin said.
While the regatta is coming to a close this year, Goodwin said planning for next year is already underway.
She said her team is taking notes to ensure they are prepared.
“Because every event we begin and end this day, we call it our pick list here in the office, there are tweak are always, I don’t care if you’re doing an event, I’ve done this world for a very long time, 30 years in this kind of government event, tourism world, you’re always trying to pick and improve for next year,” Goodwin said.