Charleston Metro Bands Concert
A free outdoor concert on the lawn of the Jackson County Courthouse features patriotic marches, Broadway tunes and movie hits.
Mountains Beckon Bicycle Parade & Rodeo
Registration: 9am City Hall Parking Lot Parade time and route: 10am Davis Avenue, Fifth to Third Streets. Rodeo immediately follows parade on Third Street at Joey’s Bike Shop. Free T-shirts for first 30 registrants age 12 & under. Participants are invited to dress up and decorate bikes. Prizes will be awarded in six categories: Wild Camo, Color Crazy, Super Hero, Flower Power, Sparkle & Shine and Mayor’s Choice. Riders must wear helmets and closed toe shoes. Parent/Guardian signature required.
Wetland/Amphibian Walk
West Virginia University Professor Jim Anderson will lead us to and acquaint us with the frogs, toads, and other amphibians found in a variety of wetland habitats. Be prepared to get your shoes muddy. Appropriate for all ages. Free. Please pre-register for ALL activities 48 hours in advance at www.wvbg.org. Space is limited, register today! All activities take place at the West Virginia Botanic Garden, 1061 Tyrone Road, Morgantown, WV 26508 unless otherwise noted. Park in the lower parking area. Walks and presentations will last 1.5-2hrs and are free of charge unless otherwise noted. Donations are appreciated and can be made online, or at the kiosk by the lower lot. Please refrain from bringing your pet to activities.
Kids’ Container Gardening: Little Sprouts
Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with us by creating a “wee ones” garden for leprechauns, fairies, elves, and the like. After planting we’ll journey to WVBG’s Fairy Garden area, where we’ll gather natural materials for decorating our container gardens and discover if those sneaky forest leprechauns have been up to any tricks! Led by WVBG Educator Stacy Clovis-Woofter, for children ages 3 and older with accompanying adult. Walks and presentations will last 1.5-2hrs and are free of charge unless otherwise noted. Donations are appreciated and can be made online, or at the kiosk by the lower lot. Please refrain from bringing your pet to activities. Please pre-register for ALL activities 48 hours in advance at www.wvbg.org. All activities take place at the West Virginia Botanic Garden, 1061 Tyrone Road, Morgantown, WV 26508 unless otherwise noted. Park in the lower parking area. $20 for WVBG members, $30 for non-members (price is per project). Space is limited, register today!
Super Blue Moon Star Watch With The Smart Centre
Wednesday January, 31: 6 p.m. - 8 p.m. See the Super Blue Moon with amateur astronomers at Grand Vue Park's Aerial Adventure Park! Weather permitting, see winter stars and deep space objects!
Salute to Our Veterans & First Responders Air Show
Charleston's Yeager Airport and the West Virginia Air National Guard are excited to announce the 2018 Salute to Our Veterans & First Responders Air Show! This two day event will take place on October 13-14, 2018, and will feature aerobatic acts, static displays, parachuting, etc. This Air Show is sure to be a memorable event! FREE to the public!
Winter Blues Farmers’ Market
The West Virginia Department of Agriculture in cooperation with the WVU Extension Service Small Farm Center is excited to bring the Winter Blues Farmers Market to the Charleston Civic Center. This premier event gives all of us the opportunity to showcase the bounty of West Virginia. We are proud of this event and want to economically demonstrate that small farmers mean big business. This event is FREE and open to the public.
Seed Swap
Share the bounty of your garden while growing your own! Come swap seeds with friends at this fun social event. Details on types of seeds to bring and packaging will be sent to registrants. Free. Donations encouraged.
FestivALL Fall: Carriage Trail Leaf Walk
Revel in the colors of West Virginia's fall foliage at the Carriage Trail Leaf Walk on Sunday, Oct. 22 from 1 p.m. - 4 p.m. Enjoy vignettes from Alban Arts Center, Children's Theatre of Charleston, and LimeLight Theatre Company; live music by the Carriage Trail Horn Trio and vilolinist Alasha Al-Qudah with guitarist Ray Singleton; and other artful adventures. Take a stroll on the .65 mile trail and experience the arts in a not so typical place. Parking is limited. KRT will provide free shuttle service between this event and The Spring Hill Cemetery Founders Day Program with a stop downtown at Taylor Books. Location: Sunrise Carriage Trail, 746 Myrtle Rd-- parking at Farmer, Cline, Campbell PLLC, at the bottom of the trail and across the bridge in downtown Charleston. This event is FREE and open to ALL.
January Bald Eagle Survey
Join experts and novices alike as we spread out to observe and count Bald Eagles on Bluestone Lake (Summers County) and it's tributaries. Registration is encouraged for this free event. Fun for all ages, bring your binoculars, scopes, cameras if you have them! Experienced watchers will be at every location and are willing to share. Meet after 2:30 at the Hinton Dairy Queen for a tally wrap-up if you can't make it to a site earlier.
Charleston SeafoodFest
Don't miss out on our FREE event, Charleston SeafoodFest on Saturday, September 30th, 12 p.m. - 3 p.m. at the Capitol Market in Charleston. Come learn about the health benefits of seafood, take the Healthy Heart Pledge and get your free Omega 3 test. There will also be free food, cooking demonstrations by some of Charleston's notable chefs, children's activities and crafts, face painting, a balloon animal artist and more.
Birds of Prey – Wings of Wonder
Three Rivers Avian Center (TRAC) will present "Birds of Prey - Wings of Wonder" program at 1:00pm at the swimming pool building. Feature live raptors, attendees will see birds up close and learn about habits and habitats of these magnificent creatures. The program is open to the public at no charge and lasts about one hour with time for questions and answers. Free to attend.
Birds of Prey – Wings of Wonder
Three Rivers Avian Center (TRAC) will present "Birds of Prey - Wings of Wonder" program at 1:00pm at the swimming pool building. Feature live raptors, attendees will see birds up close and learn about habits and habitats of these magnificent creatures. The program is open to the public at no charge and lasts about one hour with time for questions and answers. Free to attend. More information: https://www.facebook.com/events/1842676562659514??ti=ia
Tree ID Walk
WVU Society of American Foresters club members will help us identify and teach us about some of the trees found at the WVBG. Bring a tree ID guide if you have one. All ages. Free. * Please register by September 21. * All activities take place at the West Virginia Botanic Garden, 1061 Tyrone Road, Morgantown, WV 26508 unless otherwise noted. * Free walks and presentations last approximately 1.5 hours. Donations are appreciated and can be made at the Lower Parking Lot Kiosk at any time. * Please refrain from bringing your pet to activities.
Beech Bark Disease: A Long Established Forest Disease in West Virginia Reaches Monongalia County
Beech bark disease was first reported in WV in the early 1980s and has since spread throughout the higher elevations in eastern part of the state. In April 2016, BBD was discovered for the first time at the West Virginia Botanic Garden. During this presentation, Dr. Matt Kasson, WVU Assistant Professor of Plant Pathology, will discuss the history of the disease and potential factors influencing its progression. Most appropriate for adults. Free. * Please register by August 3. * All activities take place at the West Virginia Botanic Garden, 1061 Tyrone Road, Morgantown, WV 26508 unless otherwise noted. * Free walks and presentations last approximately 1.5 hours. Donations are appreciated and can be made at the Lower Parking Lot Kiosk at any time. * Please refrain from bringing your pet to activities.
Nature Photography Workshop
Local photographer Dave Smaldone will teach participants how to use simple settings on their digital cameras (no smartphones, please), give compositional tips, and encourage seeing creatively in a variety of natural settings. Beginner and intermediate photographers welcome. $15 for WVBG members; $20 for non-members. * Please register by July 8. * All activities take place at the West Virginia Botanic Garden, 1061 Tyrone Road, Morgantown, WV 26508 unless otherwise noted. * Free walks and presentations last approximately 1.5 hours. Donations are appreciated and can be made at the Lower Parking Lot Kiosk at any time. * Please refrain from bringing your pet to activities.
Full Moon Walk
Enjoy a walk at the Botanic Garden at night under the light of a full moon with WVBG Executive Director Bill Mills. The walk will be on the gravel Reservoir Loop trail and will last about an hour. We will be observing the sky and listening for the sounds of the nocturnal world. Bring a flashlight. All ages. Free. * Please register by the July 6. * All activities take place at the West Virginia Botanic Garden, 1061 Tyrone Road, Morgantown, WV 26508 unless otherwise noted. * Free walks and presentations last approximately 1.5 hours. Donations are appreciated and can be made at the Lower Parking Lot Kiosk at any time. * Please refrain from bringing your pet to activities.
Gardens for Wildlife Walk & Scavenger Hunt
Learn how the gardens and native plants at WVBG attract and support a host of wildlife, including birds, butterflies, moths, hummingbirds, and various beneficial insects. Join WVBG Outdoor Educator Stacy Clovis-Woofter for a fun info session, garden walk with focus on native plants, and curious kids’ scavenger hunt. Walk open to all ages. Free.
Blue Ridge Arts & Crafts Festival
Join us for the 2nd annual Blue Ridge Arts & Crafts Festival, to be held at the historic Peter Burr Farm in Shenandoah Junction, WV, featuring over 50 Blue Ridge artists and artisans, live music, local food and drinks, free children's activities, tours of the historic property, artist demos, door prizes, and more, with free admission for everyone.
Riverfront Movie Night – “La La Land”
Grab a lawn chair or blanket and head to Wheeling Heritage Port for a FREE showing of "La La Land" on the Riverfront! Rated PG-13
Riverfront Movie Night – “Sing”
Grab a lawn chair or blanket and head to Wheeling Heritage Port for a FREE showing of "Sing" on the Riverfront!
Riverfront Movie Night – “Moana”
Grab a lawn chair or blanket and head to Wheeling Heritage Port for a free showing of "Moana" on the Riverfront!
Riverfront Movie Night – “Rogue One”
Grab a lawn chair or blanket and head to Wheeling Heritage Port for a free showing of "Rogue One" on the Riverfront!
Summer Kick-Off Concert – Ron Retzer Trio
Kick off Summer with a FREE concert featuring favorite gospel songs performed by the Ron Retzer Trio!
Ivy Terrace Concert Series
Enjoy free live music on the lawn of Carnegie Hall. Bring a picnic supper, a blanket and your dancing shoes - barefeet permitted. Concerts begin at 6:30pm and are free and open to everyone. Great performances featuring regional artists ranging in style from rhythm and blues and jazz to classic folk, bluegrass and world. August 24 - The WV Jazz Orchestra
Ivy Terrace Concert Series
Enjoy free live music on the lawn of Carnegie Hall. Bring a picnic supper, a blanket and your dancing shoes - barefeet permitted. Concerts begin at 6:30pm and are free and open to everyone. Great performances featuring regional artists ranging in style from rhythm and blues and jazz to classic folk, bluegrass and world. August 10 - Gyasi Hues and Amy McIntire
Ivy Terrace Concert Series
Enjoy free live music on the lawn of Carnegie Hall. Bring a picnic supper, a blanket and your dancing shoes - barefeet permitted. Concerts begin at 6:30pm and are free and open to everyone. Great performances featuring regional artists ranging in style from rhythm and blues and jazz to classic folk, bluegrass and world. July 27 - The Hillbilly Gypsies
Ivy Terrace Concert Series
Enjoy free live music on the lawn of Carnegie Hall. Bring a picnic supper, a blanket and your dancing shoes - barefeet permitted. Concerts begin at 6:30pm and are free and open to everyone. Great performances featuring regional artists ranging in style from rhythm and blues and jazz to classic folk, bluegrass and world. July 13 - Shayar and Krooshal Force
Ivy Terrace Concert Series – Carnegie Hall
Enjoy free live music on the lawn of Carnegie Hall. Bring a picnic supper, a blanket and your dancing shoes - barefeet permitted. Concerts begin at 6:30pm and are free and open to everyone. Great performances featuring regional artists ranging in style from rhythm and blues and jazz to classic folk, bluegrass and world. June 22 - The Spanglers
Ivy Terrace Concert Series at Carnegie Hall
Enjoy free live music on the lawn of Carnegie Hall. Bring a picnic supper, a blanket and your dancing shoes - barefeet permitted. Concerts begin at 6:30pm and are free and open to everyone. Great performances featuring regional artists ranging in style from rhythm and blues and jazz to classic folk, bluegrass and world. June 8 - The WV Brass Quintet
FestivALT
Nationally touring bands The David Mayfield Parade, Seratones and a special guest will rock out the Schoenbaum Stage. The David Mayfield Parade headlines the evening with his impressive display of pickin' and singing as he combines his rugged Americana tunes with a touch of vaudeville flair, and the Seratones will light up the stage with their feisty southern rock tunes unfluenced by their Louisiana home. Join us at Haddad Riverfront Park for a night of FREE live music.Enjoy this FestivALL experience from the water or land as you watch the Levee become a work of art! Expect to see FestivALL characters dancing throughout the crowd and additional artful activities on the levee and boulevard. Local food vendors & trucks will line the Kanawha Boulevard and beverages will be available for purchase. Info at :http://festivallcharleston.com/events/preview-weekend-festivalt
Young Birders Walk
It's never too early to become a birder! This walk will introduce children of all ages and their parents to the wonder and joy of birds and bird watching. Bring binoculars and a bird guide if you have them. This walk is offered in conjunction with the Avian Conservation Center's Young Birders Club and will be led by ACCA Director Katie Fallon. All ages. Free. Please register online at www.wvbg.org by the Friday prior to the event.
Young Birders Walk
It's never too early to become a birder! This walk will introduce children of all ages and their parents to the wonder and joy of birds and bird watching. Bring binoculars and a bird guide if you have them. This walk is offered in conjunction with the Avian Conservation Center's Young Birders Club and will be led by ACCA Director Katie Fallon. All ages. Free.
Celebrate D & E’s Arts
Celebrate D & E’s Arts, a presentation of Davis & Elkins College’s performing arts, along with displays and demonstrations of students’ work in the visual arts, will begin at 7 p.m. Tuesday, March 28 in The Joni and Buck Smith Arts Forum in Myles Center for the Arts. Student performances are scheduled by the Davis & Elkins College Concert Choir, the Theatre Department and Appalachian Ensemble. Afterward, guests are invited to a student art exhibit, studio tours and screen printing demonstrations in the lower level of Myles Center for the Arts. The event, which is free and open to the public, is part of the five-day celebration marking the inauguration of the College’s 15th President Chris A. Wood.
The Road to Resurrection Experience
FREE EVENT! for people of all ages. AN EXPERIENCE FOR EVERYONE! Prepare to be transported to ancient Jerusalem as tour guides lead you through "the streets that Jesus walked." Visit settings ranging from His Triumphal Entry to His Resurrection. Taste foods from the Passover Meal, visit Barabbas in prison, hear a Roman Soldier's remorse, go to the cross, and join in other powerful experiences that relate Jesus' path to victory. Along the journey, you'll collect unique keepsakes to remind you that Jesus is alive and always with us. This tour brings life to the Easter Story for all! Call or go online to reserve your tour time! Tours begin at 2:00 p.m. & every 15 minutes.
Beginners Guide to Plant Identification
On this walk with Research Botanist Cindy Huebner, participants will be introduced to the basics of plant identification and learn to identify several plant species with a focus on trees and shrubs. The walk will be followed by a short slide presentation reviewing what was seen in the field. Most appropriate for adults and older children. Free. Register online at www.wvbg.org. * Registration for free programs is required by the Friday prior to the program. All activities take place at the West Virginia Botanic Garden, 1061 Tyrone Rd., Morgantown, WV 26508 unless otherwise noted. Walks and presentations will last 1.5-2hrs. Please refrain from bringing your pet to activities. Contact us at 304-322-2093 or info@wvbg.org if you have any questions.
Fantastic Containers
WVBG Executive Director Bill Mills will be planting the large containers on the deck of the Welcome Center. He will discuss choice of plant material, soil mixes, drainage, fertilizing techniques, color and more. Most appropriate for adults. Free. Register online at www.wvbg.org. * Registration for free programs is required by the Friday prior to the program. All activities take place at the West Virginia Botanic Garden, 1061 Tyrone Rd., Morgantown, WV 26508 unless otherwise noted. Walks and presentations will last 1.5-2 hrs. Please refrain from bringing your pet to activities. Contact us at 304-322-2093 or info@wvbg.org if you have any questions.
Greenwood Cemetery Tour 2017
Friends of Wheeling present: Greenwood Cemetery Tour 2017 September 10, 2017; Noon to 4:00 PM Costumed characters will portray the lives of some of Wheeling's most notable...and notorious citizens from noon until 4:00 p.m. This year's tour will include "Big Bill" Lias, leader of Wheeling's underworld, and his counterpart, West Virginia Prohibition Director, Charles Ahrens; Civil War veteran Benjamin Exley, who served in Carlin's Battery, and Anna Parker Hall, Civil War nurse and later national president of The Ladies of the GAR; rival brewers Anton Reymann and Henry Schmulbach; newspaper publisher John Frew; Benwood Mine Disaster victim Walter Sneddon; and socialite Sallie Howell, wife of Earl Oglebay, among others. The tour is free and open to all ages. Parking is available at nearby Wheeling Park, with shuttle transportation provided.
27th Annual Point Pleasant Regatta
We provide free concerts during the three day weekend free of charge. Do not miss your chance to see up-and-coming Nashville acts, tribute bands, and local artist grace the Riverfront Park stage at NO COST to you. The parade will be on July 1 at 11 a.m. Line will be at 10 a.m. at the Board of Education Office (Central School) on Main Street. July 1st : Parade 11 a.m.; Fireworks 10 p.m. 5K Run; Pageants; Pretty Bay Contest; Free Concerts; Kids Day with free games and activities. Fireworks Saturday evening. The Regatta is an alcohol-free event.
40th Annual WV Italian Heritage Festival
Fantastic foods, special children's area, grand parade, cultural events and queen's pageant. Three stages of on-going entertainment - all FREE of charge to the public! For more information, please call 304-622-7314 or visit their website at www.wvihf.com.
Full Moon Hike
Full Moon hikes at Cass Scenic Railroad are led hikes designed to encourage visitors to enjoy being outdoors in wintry and spring weather. Meet at the Visitor's Center at Cass, WV at 8:00p.m. There is no charge to participate. Hike guidelines include: • Fee free activity, but limited to 30 participants. • Preregistration is required. Use email link below or call. • Registration will be confirmed by hike leader. • Meet At The Visitor Center • Hike is approximately 3 miles total. • Walk begins from the Visitor Center to MM 79 On The Greenbrier River Trail and back. • Trail is crushed gravel and minimal grade change. • Dress for the weather. Boots or closed toes footwear, socks, layered outerwear is recommended. Oh! headwear and gloves could be handy. • Pack a water or snack. • Photography is permitted, but flash photography is not. We'll need to retain our night vision. • NO FLASHLIGHTS OR HEADLAMPS. Shining a bright flashlight will diminish your night vision for up to 30 minutes, limiting your view of the night sky and wildlife. You can bring a flashlight for the 'just in case' but refrain from shining – we'll let the moon and stars do that! • Participants should be believe they can complete three miles. You can do it! The Full Moon Hike group will remain together for the duration of the walk/hike. Safety first. • Children must be with a parent or guardian at all times. • Well behaved dogs are allowed. Dogs will rely on their human to keep them on leash and under control. • Due to limited participation (30), large groups (10 or more people) desiring to participate should contact the leader, email below. • Use Full Moon Hike miles as some of the miles hiking if you are enrolled in the WV State Park Hiking Program.
Spring Bird Walk
Come celebrate the joys of spring with a Saturday morning bird walk. Staff of the West Virginia Department of Natural Resources will lead the public on this annual rite of passage. Wear sturdy walking shoes and bring binoculars if you have them. Free and open to the public.
Spring Bird Walk
Come celebrate the joys of spring with a Saturday morning bird walk. Staff of the West Virginia Department of Natural Resources will lead the public on this annual rite of passage. Wear sturdy walking shoes and bring binoculars if you have them. Free and open to the public.
Full Moon Hike
Full Moon hikes at Cass Scenic Railroad are led hikes designed to encourage visitors to enjoy being outdoors in wintry and spring weather. Meet at the Visitor's Center at Cass, WV at 9:00p.m. There is no charge to participate. Hike guidelines include: • Fee free activity, but limited to 30 participants. • Preregistration is required. Use email link below or call. • Registration will be confirmed by hike leader. • Meet At The Visitor Center • Hike is approximately 3 miles total. • Walk begins from the Visitor Center to MM 79 On The Greenbrier River Trail and back. • Trail is crushed gravel and minimal grade change. • Dress for the weather. Boots or closed toes footwear, socks, layered outerwear is recommended. Oh! headwear and gloves could be handy. • Pack a water or snack. • Photography is permitted, but flash photography is not. We'll need to retain our night vision. • NO FLASHLIGHTS OR HEADLAMPS. Shining a bright flashlight will diminish your night vision for up to 30 minutes, limiting your view of the night sky and wildlife. You can bring a flashlight for the 'just in case' but refrain from shining – we'll let the moon and stars do that! • Participants should be believe they can complete three miles. You can do it! The Full Moon Hike group will remain together for the duration of the walk/hike. Safety first. • Children must be with a parent or guardian at all times. • Well behaved dogs are allowed. Dogs will rely on their human to keep them on leash and under control. • Due to limited participation (30), large groups (10 or more people) desiring to participate should contact the leader, email below. • Use Full Moon Hike miles as some of the miles hiking if you are enrolled in the WV State Park Hiking Program.
Full Moon Hike
Full Moon hikes at Cass Scenic Railroad are led hikes designed to encourage visitors to enjoy being outdoors in wintry and spring weather. Meet at the Visitor's Center at Cass, WV at 8:30p.m. There is no charge to participate. Hike guidelines include: • Fee free activity, but limited to 30 participants. • Preregistration is required. Use email link below or call. • Registration will be confirmed by hike leader. • Meet At The Visitor Center • Hike is approximately 3 miles total. • Walk begins from the Visitor Center to MM 79 On The Greenbrier River Trail and back. • Trail is crushed gravel and minimal grade change. • Dress for the weather. Boots or closed toes footwear, socks, layered outerwear is recommended. Oh! headwear and gloves could be handy. • Pack a water or snack. • Photography is permitted, but flash photography is not. We'll need to retain our night vision. • NO FLASHLIGHTS OR HEADLAMPS. Shining a bright flashlight will diminish your night vision for up to 30 minutes, limiting your view of the night sky and wildlife. You can bring a flashlight for the 'just in case' but refrain from shining – we'll let the moon and stars do that! • Participants should be believe they can complete three miles. You can do it! The Full Moon Hike group will remain together for the duration of the walk/hike. Safety first. • Children must be with a parent or guardian at all times. • Well behaved dogs are allowed. Dogs will rely on their human to keep them on leash and under control. • Due to limited participation (30), large groups (10 or more people) desiring to participate should contact the leader, email below. • Use Full Moon Hike miles as some of the miles hiking if you are enrolled in the WV State Park Hiking Program. Contact: 304-456-4300
Snow Bunny Run
The Snow Bunny Run is for children ages 4-12 and is an extension of the Charleston Winter Series. Bundle the kids up and bring them out for a fun and free way to keep moving in winter. Children will be grouped into two separate age groups. Ages 4-7 will run 1/4 mile, and ages 8-12 will run 1/2 mile. On-site registration behind the UC Pharmacy School will begin at 1 p.m. With the race starting at 1:30 p.m. For more information or to pre-register, call 304-348-6860 or email julianne.yacovone@cityofcharleston.org.
Full Moon Hike
Full Moon hikes at Cass Scenic Railroad are led hikes designed to encourage visitors to enjoy being outdoors in wintry and spring weather. Meet at the Visitor's Center at Cass, WV at 7:30p.m. There is no charge to participate. Hike guidelines include: • Fee free activity, but limited to 30 participants. • Preregistration is required. Use email link below or call. • Registration will be confirmed by hike leader. • Meet At The Visitor Center • Hike is approximately 3 miles total. • Walk begins from the Visitor Center to MM 79 On The Greenbrier River Trail and back. • Trail is crushed gravel and minimal grade change. • Dress for the weather. Boots or closed toes footwear, socks, layered outerwear is recommended. Oh! Headwear and gloves could be handy. • Pack a water and/or snack. • Photography is permitted, but flash photography is not. We'll need to retain our night vision. • NO FLASHLIGHTS OR HEADLAMPS. Shining a bright flashlight will diminish your night vision for up to 30 minutes, limiting your view of the night sky and wildlife. You can bring a flashlight for the 'just in case' but refrain from shining – we'll let the moon and stars do that! • Participants should be believe they can complete three miles. You can do it! The Full Moon Hike group will remain together for the duration of the walk/hike. Safety first. • Children must be with a parent or guardian at all times. • Well behaved dogs are allowed. Dogs will rely on their human to keep them on leash and under control. • Due to limited participation (30), large groups (10 or more people) desiring to participate should contact the leader, email below. cassrailroadsp@wv.gov
Superhero Saturday
Free event for kids ages infant to 12. Superhero meet-and-greet, rock climbing wall, and other fun activities.
Groundhog Festival
Join us for the 42nd Annual Groundhog Day Celebration. Our resident weather prognosticator, French Creek Freddie, will emerge from his
11th Annual Martin Luther King, Jr., Day Celebration: “Nonviolence is Courageous”
The Community Coalition for Social Justice will explore the theme of “Non-violence is Courageous” during its Eleventh Annual Martin Luther King, Jr., Day Celebration on Monday, January 16, 2016, at 2:00 p.m. at the Metropolitan Theatre, 373 High Street, Morgantown. The program will feature music in the lobby before the event, a welcome by Morgantown Mayor Marti Shamberger; music by the Flying Colors, Morgantown Children’s Choir, the Morgantown Community Orchestra, and the Cheat Lake Elementary School Choir; and a performance by children from the Shack Neighborhood House. Jeremy Thomas will recite sections of Dr. King’s speech “Where Do We Go From Here?,” and Lt. Matt Solomon of the Morgantown Police Department will talk about how “Police Officers are Peace Officers.” Art students from St. Francis Central Catholic School provide posters to publicize the event. The Morgantown Police Department is providing coloring and activity books on “How to Handle Bullying” for the children attending, and Rachel Wood of Virtus Wealth Solutions purchased crayons for them. High school HSTA students will assist at the event. This program is free and open to the public. For more information on the Community Coalition for Social Justice, the Backpack Snack Program, and this program, please go to www.ccsjwv.org or email ccsjwv@hotmail.com.
Back Home Appalachian Arts & Music Festival
The second annual FREE Back Home Appalachian Arts & Music Festival will feature entertainment by the Del McCoury Band, David Grisman, The Travelin' McCourys, The SteelDrivers, Billy Strings, The Last Waltz Live, The Grass Is Dead, David Gans, and many others. The festival will also feature West Virginia artisans and crafters. The Back Home Festival is sponsored by Visit Wetzel County.
GoodNight
GoodNight is Charleston’s family friendly New Year’s Eve celebration. It returns for its 24th year this New Year’s Eve with
Race to the Chimney
Santa has a full day planned in Ripley. It begins with "Race to the Chimney," a 5K race and 1.5 mile fun walk at 10 a.m. to benefit "America's Largest Small Town Independence Day Celebration." The town's annual Christmas parade will follow at 11 a.m. After the parade, the kids may visit with Santa in the historic Alpine Theatre. Main Street Ripley will have it's annual Frosty Snowball Drop with specials from Ripley merchants. Free showings of the popular holiday comedy "Elf" are scheduled in the Alpine Theatre at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m.
4th Annual Christmas Festival Of Lights
Annual Christmas Festival of Lights - Opening Ceremony Sat, Nov 26th at 5 pm. We will serve coffee, hot chocolate, and cookies free of charge to all who attend the Lighting Ceremony, and Santa will be there to greet the kids of all ages. The Christmas Festival of Lights will run Nov. 26, 2016 - Jan. 1, 2017 daily from 6 p.m. - 10 p.m. And the best part is that you can enjoy the lights from the warmth and comfort of your own vehicle free of charge!
Nature in Winter
What are the plants and animals doing during this time of year? What makes nature in winter so special? This program will be the first in a new series focusing on what is happening in nature and the Botanic Garden through the seasons. West Virginia Botanic Garden Education Director Erin Smaldone will present a short slide show followed by a walk around the Garden. All ages are welcome. This event is free and open to the public. All activities take place at the West Virginia Botanic Garden, 1061 Tyrone Road, Morgantown, WV 26508 unless otherwise noted. Park in the lower parking area. Walks and presentations will last 1.5-2hrs and are free of charge unless otherwise noted. Donations are appreciated and can be made at the Welcome Center any time. Please refrain from bringing your pet to activities.
Trunk-or-Treat
The Davis & Elkins College Fellowship of Christian Athletes will host its second annual trunk-or-treat event for the community from 5-7 p.m. Monday, October 31 in The McDonnell Center parking lot on the College campus. Cars and trucks decorated for the season will line The McDonnell Center parking lot and members of the Davis & Elkins FCA and Athletic Department, in costume, will hand out candy and treats at each station. For more information, call Jennifer Riggleman at 304-637-1383.
Full Moon Hike (Cass Scenic Railroad SP)
Full Moon hikes at Cass Scenic Railroad are led hikes designed to encourage visitors to enjoy being outdoors in wintry and spring weather. Meet at the Visitor's Center at Cass, WV at 6:30p.m. There is no charge to participate. Hike guidelines include: • Fee free activity, but limited to 30 participants. • Preregistration is required. Use email link below or call. • Registration will be confirmed by hike leader. • Meet At The Visitor Center • Hike is approximately 3 miles total. • Walk begins from the Visitor Center to MM 79 On The Greenbrier River Trail and back. • Trail is crushed gravel and minimal grade change. • Dress for the weather. Boots or closed toes footwear, socks, layered outerwear is recommended. Oh! Headwear and gloves could be handy. • Pack a water and/or snack. • Photography is permitted, but flash photography is not. We'll need to retain our night vision. • NO FLASHLIGHTS OR HEADLAMPS. Shining a bright flashlight will diminish your night vision for up to 30 minutes, limiting your view of the night sky and wildlife. You can bring a flashlight for the 'just in case' but refrain from shining – we'll let the moon and stars do that! • Participants should be believe they can complete three miles. You can do it! The Full Moon Hike group will remain together for the duration of the walk/hike. Safety first. • Children must be with a parent or guardian at all times. • Well behaved dogs are allowed. Dogs will rely on their human to keep them on leash and under control. • Due to limited participation (30), large groups (10 or more people)
Great Backyard Bird Count – Kanawha State Forest
Take part with over 100,000 birders from over 130 countries to observe and count bird species, contributing to a massive amout of data used to track "the health of bird populations on a global scale." gbbc.birdcount.org/2016-gbbc-summary/ - It's a nationwide community of birders! Meet at the Kanawha State Forest Nature Center at 2 p.m. We plan to have a feeder count followed by a bird hike. Data collected from the day will be submitted to eBird. Free to the public. Three pairs of binoculars are available for borrow. Join us!
Kanawha State Forest – FIRST DAY HIKE
Start the New Year right with a hike at your local State Forest! Meet in the Pool Parking area at 2 p.m. Bring your hiking shoes. All are welcome. Free to the public. Bundle up for whatever nature brings today! Enjoy the outdoors.
Bluestone State Park – FIRST DAY HIKE
A Brisk Bluestone Morning Hike! Take your first step into the New Year with a hike at Bluestone State Park. Meet Superintendent Brett McMillion or Assistant Superintendent Joe Swiney at 9:00 a.m. to embrace the new year with this brisk wintry walk. The superintendent's will focus on Bluestone State Parks history as well and winter aspects such as trees and watchable wildlife. Meet at the park office. Coffee and cocoa awaits upon return. No fee to participate. Open to the public. Wear appropriate outwear and footwear for the weather conditions. Get Outdoors! Explore!
Orionids Meteor Shower StarWatch
11:00 p.m. onward … Orionids Meteor Shower StarWatch at Grand Vue Park’s at ZipLine Adventure Area, Shelter #1 — FREE and open to the public. See Earth’s Moon (late), planets: Uranus and Neptune, Meteors, and Deep Space Objects!
StarWatch and MoonWatch
StarWatch and MoonWatch at Grand Vue Park from 8 p.m.to 10 p.m.at the ZipLine Adventure Area, Shelter #1. FREE and open to the public. See Earth’s Moon, and planets Saturn and Mars.
Old Time Christmas at Welton Park- FREE
A beautiful setting of enchanting lights, horse drawn carriages, Dickens carolers, story time, hot cocoa and cookies- all Free at Welton Park- come celebrate the Christmas Season with us! Call the chamber office for more details or see our website! And don't forget the Snowflake Express Train Ride with Santa and Christmas Parade the same weekend- come enjoy the weekend with us!
Morgan’s Kitchen Fall Festival
Morgan’s Kitchen Fall Festival, sponsored by the St. Albans Historical Society, is from from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at historic Morgan’s Kitchen, located along MacCorkle Ave., in St. Albans. Activities will include apple butter making, cabin tours, pioneer re-enactors, the Coal River Group, arts and crafts, old time music and antique woodcrafters. Baked goods and hot dogs are also available. Apple butter is available for purchase. There is no charge for this event and plenty of parking is available.