North Bend State Park – June 20 – WV DAY!
9:30am – 11:30am – The Nature Center is Open – Come inside to enjoy arts and crafts and a chance to meet some of our wildlife friends. Take a look around and marvel at the mysteries of nature. 12:00pm – Wild About Wild Turkeys – Come talk turkey with the park naturalist and learn about these amazing and sometimes misunderstood birds of our forests. Great for all ages. We will meet at the Nature center. 2:00pm – Hibbs Cemetery Trail Hike – Learn some West Virginia flora and fauna as you hike the trail to the ancient Hibbs Cemetery. The trail has a constant grade and great views. Meet at the River Run Campground check in station. (Lasts about one hour. 3:30pm – Soda Pop Bottle Fish – Reuse items to create works of art. This craft uses old soda pop bottles, turning them into beautiful fish. Materials provided. Meet at the Nature Center. Craft time lasts about one hour. Find more daily activities on the link below. Visit North Bend - Take away memories.
North Bend State Park – June 18 – SOUTHERN RAILROAD TRAIL HIKE
Southern Railroad Trail Hike follows the old Southern Railroad Grade that now connects the River Run Campground at North Bend State Park to the dam. The hike is flat and easy to walk on. Meet at the River Run campground check in station. Hike will last about one hour. Find more activities during the week and weekend for families, friends, and youth on the web page below.
North Bend State Park – June 12 – WILD ABOUT TURKEYS
Come talk turkey with Park Naturalist, Ken Zebo and learn about these amazing and sometimes misunderstood birds of our forests. Great for all ages. Meet at the Nature center. Fee free. Find daily more activities throughout the weeks at the webpage link below.
Pipestem State Park – September 1 – LILLY MOUNTAINEERS
The award-winning Lilly Mountaineers are comprised of some of the finest artists you will find anywhere in the country. Brothers Daniel and Mark Lilly are the core members of the band. Having toured with national acts around the country and appearances on the Grand Ole Opry, the brothers carry on the tradition started by their father, the legendary Everett Lilly. Band members are Daniel Lilly, Mark Lilly, Rad Lewis, Steve Sparks, and Beth Sparks. Learn more about this legendary group at lillyboys.com Lilly Mountaineers are live and on stage at 8:00 p.m. at the Pipestem Outdoor Amphitheater. Fee-based. Adults: $8; Children 6-12: $4; Children 5 and younger free.
Pipestem State Park – August 27 – RICK K & THE ALLNIGHTERS
One of the most exciting performers on the music scene today, native WVian, Rick K shares his enthusiasm and love of music with an ever-growing audience across the country. A distinctive vocal style and charismatic stage presence have earned Rick K and his band rave reviews at majors fairs, casinos, and clubs. Rick K's grandmother, an accomplished gospel and jazz pianist, and his father, a drummer, paved the way for this rock 'n' roll band's energized leader. An awesome night at the outdoor amphitheater! Show begins at 8:00 p.m. Advanced ticket sales: Fee-based. Adults: $8; Children 6-12: $4; Children 5 and younger free. Day of Show Ticket price: Fee-based. Adults: $10; Children 6-12: $5; Children 5 and younger free.
Pipestem State Park – August 27 – OLDIES ROCK & ROLL WEEKEND CAR & MOTORCYCLE SHOW
Antiques, street rods, classics, customs, muscle cards, pro-street, trucks, motorcycle, and special interest vehicles are all part of a great car show this weekend. The show is open to the public. There is no cost to attend the car show. Show registration begins at 8:00 a.m.; awards presented at 4:00 p.m. Dash plaques. To enter a vehicle in the show, there is a nominal entry fee. Contact Myron Anderson at A&R Productions, show producer - 304-425-3370 or 304-920-9020. For room reservations for Oldies Rock and Roll Car Show, call Pipestem.
Pipestem State Park – August 20 – PARACHUTE BRIGADE
A Folk/Pop Rock band from Beckley, W.Va., Parachute Brigade is a group of musicians and artists from various backgrounds coming together to enjoy music and life! Justin Puett - Eric Robbins - Jodie Cox-Puett - Brittany McGuire - Tim Basham. Great harmonies. Pure vocals and instrumentals. Find them on facebook.com/theparachutebrigade. Fee based. Adults: $8; Children 6-12: $4; Children 5 and younger free. Concessions onsite.
Pipestem State Park – August 13 – BIL LEPP
BIL LEPP – Storyteller - Liar - Comedian - Humorist at the Amphitheater! Get ready to laugh yourself silly…Bil Lepp is a master storyteller and a champion liar. His humorous tales curls the lips on the grumpiest of people. Sure to tickle your funny bone. Laughter begins at 8:00 p.m. at Pipestem Outdoor Amphitheater. This program is FREE and open to the public.
Pipestem State Park – August 6 – TERROR OF THE TUG
Presented by McArts, Terror of the Tug is a play written by Jean Battlo and based on events in the life of Police Chief Sid Hatfield just after the Matewan Massacre, a notable event in the history of West Virginia and the history of labor relations in the United States. Fee based. Adults: $8; Children 6-12: $4; Children 5 and younger free.
Pipestem State Park – August 4 – GEOLOGY! ROCKS
Join Geologist Ken Ashton and learn about rocks, minerals and fossils during the evening presentation. FREE. It's outdoors at the amphitheater! As residents of the third rock from the sun, learn about earth geology. 8:00 p.m. (A geology hike is scheduled in the morning on August 5. Join us as we Rock on! ) Open to the public. There is no charge to attend the Geology Rocks! programs.
Pipestem State Park – July 30 – CARL ACUFF, JR.
Since 1992 the Carl Acuff Jr. Variety Show Band has become an American institution with a dynamite show, great costuming, music and comedy. The 2016 show contains all the things that have made Carl and the band so popular over these last 23 years. New and Old Country, Gospel, Comedy, Nostalgic Rock N Roll, Motown, Disco, Audience Participation, Impersonations and a salute to all of our men and women in uniform. The show is great family entertainment and great music! The Carl Acuff, Jr. Show is live and on stage at 8:00 p.m. at the Pipestem State Park Outdoor Amphitheater. Fee-based. Adults: $8; Children 6-12: $4; Children 5 and younger free.
Pipestem State Park – July 23 – CLINTON COLLINS
Clinton Collins, either as a solo artist or with his band, presents a unique blend of Americana music, along with original, creative songwriting. His musical journey guides us through places and to people that seem familiar and stories that resonate with us all. From the rural back roads to the places of the heart; melodies are filled with humor and observations about relationships, faith and everyday living. Clinton is a sought after artist who performs throughout the year at house concerts, coffeehouses, festivals and special events. Each show Clinton welcomes the audience into a comfortable and intimate setting where the audience becomes relaxed and uplifted before the evening is complete. Google Clinton Collins Music, listen and then plan on being at Pipestem State Park on July 23 for some to some great live music. Fee-based. Adults: $8; Children 6-12: $4; Children 5 and younger free.
Pipestem State Park – July 16 – SUGAR RUN BAND
Sugar Run Band is at Pipestem's Amphitheater! "Pounding Out a Tune" is the bands newest CD. Unlike many bands that label themselves as old-time, bluegrass, country, gospel, etc., Sugar Run offers an eclectic mix of those and other styles of music from the rural South. Band members are Mike Johnson on five-string banjo, as also mandolin and Dobro; Bonnie Johnson on the upright acoustical bass fiddle; Geoff White on fiddle and also guitar and mandolin; Stanley Asbury on guitar; and Rachel Johnson on fiddle. Their website is sugarrunband.com. Sugar Run is is live and on stage at 8:00 p.m. at the Pipestem Outdoor Amphitheater. Fee-based. Adults: $8; Children 6-12: $4; Children 5 and younger free.
Pipestem State Park – July 2 – Lou Maiuri – Let’s Squaredance!
It's Lou Maiuri - Let's Squaredance! with the Appalachian Country Cloggers. Time to circle up! It's an evening of squaredancing with caller Lou Maiuri. The outdoor amphitheater is the place to be at 8:00 p.m. this evening for squaredancing and some line dancing fun. If you know your left from your right, you can squaredance at any age or stage in life. Let's dance starting at 8:00 p.m. There is no charge to attend. Presentation is open to the public. Young to the young at heart welcome.
Pipestem State Park – June 18 – Chloe Forence
A vibrant, young vocalist, Chloe Florence performs a blend of country, modern, folk, and original music. Chloe's singing style is described as country meets coffee house with a powerful execution and depth of feeling. Born and raised in southern West Virginia, music is central to her daily life. Chloe is a natural. She has been a featured performer for Beckley's Fridays in the Park series, Beckley's Kid's Classic, and at the Oak Hill Amphitheater. Chloe has opened for some of Southern WV's most talented artists and is currently working on original songs for her first E.P. that will feature her band members and local musicians. Make welcome and come listen to live music by Chloe Florence Chloe Florence show begins at 8:00 p.m.. at the Pipestem Outdoor Amphitheater. Fee-based. Adults: $8; Children 6-12: $4; Children 5 and younger free.
Pipestem State Park – June 11 – Legally Blonde, Jr.
Legally Blonde, Jr. comes to life as presented by K.I.D.S. Youth from middle and high schools in the Summers County preform live on the stage at Pipestem State Park - Outdoor Amphitheater. Show begins at 8:00 p.m. Fee-based. Adults: $8; Children 6-12: $4; Children 5 and younger free.
North Bend State Park – June 4 – KAYAK BASICS
Outdoor Weekend - Kayak Basics is a 2 hour excursion designed to introduce and improve basic flat water skills and enjoying the natural environment North Bend State Park has to offer from a different perspective. This quest includes safety information, balance and basic paddle strokes and all the required equipment. The program is at 6:00 p.m. The cost is $30 and includes all equipment and instruction. Meet at the Cokeley Campground Bathhouse. Registration in advance at the lodge front desk in person or by phone for this class/activity/program. Registration is open until June 5. North Bend State Park Rangers and Guides provide instruction on some of today's more popular outdoor recreation pursuits. During these weekends we are offering these lessons in an affordable group lesson format. Along with skill development we will also be offering environmental appreciation/education sessions. This is an Outdoors in Parks recommended activity. A Mountain Biking Basics is also available.
Blackwater Falls State Park (4/22-24) BECOMING AN OUTDOOR WOMAN (BOW)
Becoming an Outdoors Woman is a three day, two night event dedicated to instruction about and interpretation of the outdoors and outdoor activities. Becoming an Outdoors Woman (BOW) offers hands-on, outdoor workshops held in a safe, supportive atmosphere with patient, enthusiastic instructors. No experience or special equipment is necessary. BOW is for adult women of all ages and fitness levels. Preregistration is required. Participants stay at Blackwater Falls lodge or cabins, enjoy five meals, all workshop, classes and activities, and other workshop features. You'll find the registration form link on the web address below. An invitation letter, pricing and complete course description is on the registration link.
Pipestem Resort State Park – (3/4) – MEET PIPESTEM – Bird Walk
Bird Walk – Meet in the lobby at McKeever Lodge for a walk to find some of our feathered friends. There will be a limited number of binoculars to use so bring your own if you have them. All skill levels welcome. Bird walk lasts about an hour. More activities posted to the website.
Cacapon Resort State Park – (3/5) – MEET CACAPON
Meet a reservoir! Join the park Naturalist for an afternoon jaunt to ascend the Piney Ridge Trail to the reservoir. Meet Naturalist Renee Fincham at the Lodge at 2:00 p.m. Bring yourself, bring a friend, or bring the family and join park staff for fun, food, and door prizes! What a great way to kick off the (early) spring recreation season! We'll talk about the park, look for any signs of spring, and just enjoy the scenery. Following the hike, hot tea, coffee, cocoa, cookies, and door prizes will be available at the lodge. If you don't take the hike, you should still plan on visiting Cacapon and enjoying refreshments at the lodge. Refreshments from 2:00 - 4:00 p.m.
Twin Falls State Park – (3/5) – MEET TWIN FALLS
Whether March comes in like a lion or lamb, West Virginia State Parks and Forests are springing forward into 2016. Hot cider, hayrides, corn hole and craft time are planned Saturday afternoon at Twin Falls State Park in Wyoming county – lodge lobby from 1:00-4:00 p.m. invites you to visit and enter to win prizes. Hayrides from 2:30 – 4:00 p.m. will depart from Twin Falls Lodge. Play corn hole from 2:30 – 4:00 p.m. in the Magnolia Room or enjoy craft time for children in the Monarch Lobby and a 4:00p.m. movie about parks is planned. Activities are free and open to the public. When you visit, check out the court yard - fabulous for weddings or gatherings.
Chief Logan Lodge – (3/5) – MEET CHIEF LOGAN
Whether March comes in like a lion or lamb, Chief Logan Lodge is springing forward into 2016. Visit the lodge from 2:00 - 4:00 p.m. at the Fireplace Lobby for cookies and cocoa. Register to win a grab bag and learn about our Saturday Hikes, dinner theaters and events in 2016. Spend the night - Wear any team apparel at check in and get room rate of $89 for up to 4 per room. Rate includes express breakfast the next morning; indoor swimming pool use, and knee hockey area. Bonus: Teams or families wearing 'team apparel' upon check-in and taking advantage of the "Hat Trick" rate, get a free appetizer with purchase of the evening meal at Chief Logan Restaurant.