Fort Henry Days
The Revolutionary war is widely considered to have ended at Yorktown. However, on the frontier borders of this fledgling country, the war was still very much alive, and the small community of Wheeling was struggling to survive continuing conflict with the British and their Native-American allies. For the colonial denizens of Wheeling, hardship was a way of life, and the threat of sudden death was a constant companion. The area’s lone stronghold, Ft. Henry, was the only means of defense for this frontier settlement, and the people of the area depended on it for their very lives. Fort Henry Days is a tribute to Wheeling’s frontier era. Witness history come to life through dramatic battle re-enactments and period correct demonstrations. Return to the time of Betty Zane, Sam McColloch, and Lewis Wetzel. Return to a time where uncommon courage was commonplace.
Lebanese Fest – Mahrajan – Wheeling, WV
Hours on Saturday are 4 p.m. - 10 p.m. and Sunday noon to 7 p.m. Mahrajan means 'festival." Whether you're looking for a weekend get-away or a day of delicious food and unique entertainment, gather your friends and family and join us in beautiful Oglebay Park for our annual Mahrajan. Menu items: Traditional Lebanese food and desserts will be served from noon-7 p.m., or while supplies last. A few a la carte items include: Kibbee Lamb shish kabob (laham mishwee) Stuffed grape leaves Shawarma (gyros) Falafel Tabbouli Hummus Baklava and a large variety of Lebanese pastries Ice cream novelties Live Middle-Eastern music by the David Hakim Ensemble of Cleveland and two young dance group shows by Troupe Bint il Nahar led by internationally award-winning and professional belly dancer Tiffani Ahdia of Huntington, WV, will begin at 1 p.m., and continue throughout the day. Other activities include: inflatables, pony rides, face painting, games for children and young adults,, and vendors offering souvenirs and hand-crafted items. Free admission, parking, and entertainment. Food and beverages are sold ala-carte; per-item prices range from $1-$7 each. Credit cards are accepted with valid ID. Food and activity tickets will not be required this year. Free non-reserved general seating is available on a first-come, first-served basis. For directions and overnight accommodations, please contact Oglebay Park Visitor's Center at 1-800-624-6988.
Maple Sugaring Day at Oglebay
EVENT DETAILS Experience the history of maple syrup production at Oglebay Institute’s annual Maple Sugaring Day. Begin by learning techniques Native Americans and early pioneers used to gather and make maple syrup as you are guided from station to station along the trials. Modern methods of sap collection will also be demonstrated. Finish your tour with a hot pancake breakfast in the Camp Russel dining hall. The 40 minute tours depart every half hour beginning at 9 a.m. from Camp Russel in Oglebay. Last tour leaves at 12:30 p.m. Advance registration is encouraged. Most sessions sell-out. $10/$8.50 OI members (per person). Group rates are available. Register online at www.oionline.com or call 304-242-6855.
Antiques Show – Children’s Tour
Join the Mansion Museum curator for a special guided tour of the Antiques Show & Sale 4-5pm Saturday, April 8 at Oglebay’s Wilson Lodge. Dealers will introduce children ages 5-12 to the concepts of antiques and collecting. Learn about items specially chosen for this tour. $5/$4.25 OI members. Register online or call 304-242-7272.
Antiques Show – Glass Tour
Join Glass Museum curator Holly McCluskey for a special guided tour of antique glass featured at Oglebay Institute’s annual Antiques Show & Sale. Meet and interact with dealers and learn about pieces chosen specially for this tour. Glass from the mid-1800s through mid-century modern will be covered. Tour begins at 1pm Saturday, April 8, meeting at the Antiques Show entrance in Oglebay’s Wilson Lodge. $10/$8.50 OI members. Register online or call 304-242-7272.
Antiques Show and Sale at Wilson’s Lodge at Oglebay
Oglebay Institute’s annual Antiques Show & Sale at Wilson Lodge in Oglebay takes place April 8 & 9, 2017. Antiques Show hours: Saturday, April 8, 2017: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Sunday, April 9, 2017: 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. Among the oldest in the country, the show is also the largest and longest-running in West Virginia. Not only a shopping experience, dealers are eager to share their knowledge with patrons. Quality merchandise and diverse inventory will appeal to both experienced collectors and novice buyers. More than 50 dealers from 10 states are featured. General admission is $10 and is good for both days. Antiques for sale include: American, English, Primitive and Period Furniture, American Art, Folk Art, Western Art, pottery, quilts, jewelry, rugs, baskets, pewter, silver, glass, china, books and endless decorative items. Special lodging packages available at Oglebay Resort.
“The Work of Rodney Gordon” Opening Reception
"The Work of Rodney Gordon" Opening Reception, April 27, 2017 at 6:30 p.m. Opening reception is free and open to the public. Exhibit is on display through June 23, 2017. About the Artist: Broadway's master milliner and mask maker Rodney Gordon shares a collection of masks, hats, headdresses, jewelry, and armor created for some of the most popular and historic productions in theater history.
Tapas Tasting with Chef Craig Aubrey of Stratford Springs
Tapas Tasting with Chef Craig Aubrey, Stratford Springs 6:30 p.m. Friday, April 21, 2017. $30/$25.50 OI members, register online or call 304-242-7700. Event sponsored by Property Maintenance Services, Inc. Oglebay Institute hosts some of Wheeling’s most popular culinary events. Tapas: The Art of Elegant Small Plate Dining features some of the Ohio Valley’s top chefs. Enjoy a variety of traditional and non-traditional tapas with wine pairings in the elegant Stifel Fine Arts Center. The 100-year-old mansion is the former home of one of Wheeling’s most prominent families and is also listed on the National Register of Historic Places. More than just food… Featured chefs present and discuss each dish, so you will discover new recipes and learn culinary secrets throughout the evening. As you dine in the historic mansion, you will marvel at the stained glass windows, grand central staircase, marble floors and the majestic fireplace in the formal living room. During warm weather, stroll through the gardens. You can also view the art on display in the gallery. In addition to being great places to try new flavors, Oglebay Institute culinary events are also social gatherings. Tapas are meant to be shared and encourage conversation. This style of dining stimulates the mind as much as the palate. Join us for date nights and evenings out with friends. You will meet new friends and fellow foodies, too.
Beer Tasting at OI: Irish Beer & Live Celtic Music
Beer Tasting at OI: Irish Beer & Live Celtic Music beginning at 6:30 p.m. $35/$30 OI members. Register online or call 304-242-7700. Find your “Kiss Me I’m Irish” t-shirt. Then, come celebrate with the Irish and Irish-at-heart. If you’re tired of celebrating St. Patrick’s Day by standing around a crowded bar drinking light beers with green food coloring, grab your friends and join us at our annual Irish beer tasting event. Hang out in one of the coolest old mansion’s in Wheeling. Ample supplies of Irish ales, IPAs and stouts are served along with Irish foods. And, live Celtic music knocks the moss off your Blarney Stone! More than just a beer tasting. . . Oglebay Institute’s beer tasting events are must-attend social gatherings for craft beer enthusiasts in the Wheeling area. During the events, you can also view the art exhibit on display in the gallery and explore the elegant mansion. During warm weather, stroll through the sculpture gardens. You can purchase your favorite brews to take home, too. Most of all, unwind and have fun. Although events begin at 6:30 p.m., you can arrive early to meet the friendly staff. And, at some events, guided tours of the art exhibit are offered at 6 p.m. Discover new beers. Socialize with friends. Explore one of Wheeling’s grand, historic properties and view interesting and thought-provoking art at OI’s popular beer tasting events.
Art of Wine with Live Music at the Stifel Fine Arts Center
Wine Events at OI: Art of Wine with Live Music 6:30 p.m. Friday, May 19, 2017 $35/$30 OI members. Register online or call 304-242-7700. Oglebay Institute hosts some of Wheeling’s most popular wine events. The Art of Wine series features wine and food pairings in the elegant, yet intimate, splendor of one of Wheeling’s grand properties. The 100-year-old Edemar Mansion (now known as the Stifel Fine Arts Center) is the former home of one of Wheeling’s most prominent families and is also listed on the National Register of Historic Places. More than the just wine… During wine events, you will enjoy four to six wines and heavy hors d’ oeuvres. And learn tips on selecting and serving wines. You can also view the art on display in the gallery. As you explore the historic mansion, you will marvel at the stained glass windows, grand central staircase, marble floors and the majestic fireplace in the formal living room. During warm weather, stroll through the gardens. You can purchase your favorite vintages, too. Most of all, unwind and have fun. Although events begin at 6:30 p.m., you can arrive early to meet the friendly staff. And, at some events, guided tours of the art exhibit are offered at 6 p.m. Oglebay Institute wine events are great places to discover new wines and meet other wine lovers, too. These popular events are also perfect for date nights and evenings out with friends.
Wheeling Film Society presents “Bonnie and Clyde” at Towngate Theatre
Wheeling Film Society presents Bonnie and Clyde Free Screening at 7 p.m. Friday, March 10, 2017. (Conversation about the film takes place at noon March 14 at the Ohio County Public Library.) Bonnie and Clyde is Arthur Penn’s masterpiece about Depression-era criminals who became folk heroes. They were Robin Hoods to the impoverished multitudes of the 1930's and revolutionaries to the politicized students of the 1960's. Warren Beatty and Faye Dunaway are unforgettable as the leaders of a misfit gang of bank robbers. Does Bonnie and Clyde romanticize its anti-heroes, or do they get what they deserve? You decide.
Acoustic Soft Rock Band “Bridges” at Towngate
Live Music in Wheeling: Bridges at Towngate Theatre 8 p.m. Friday, May 26, 2017 $10/$8.50 OI members Purchase tickets online or call 304-242-7700. Longtime local favorites Kim Butler, Doug Pettit and Dave Pettit, along with a host of musical guests, entertain audiences with classic rock sounds from artists such as the Beatles, the Eagles, Van Morrison, Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young, the Zac Brown Band and more. Music fans from throughout the Upper Ohio Valley look forward to this annual performance. Towngate proudly supports live music in Wheeling. Some of the region’s most versatile and entertaining musicians perform on the Towngate stage on select weekends throughout the year.
First Friday Reception and Short Films at Towngate
First Friday Reception at Towngate Theatre March 3 Add Oglebay Institute’s Towngate Theatre to your list of First Friday stops in Wheeling! View the latest exhibit at “The Gallery at Towngate” featuring the work of railroad photographer and author Fredrick J. Ripley. His work provides dynamic insight and history on the workings of the American railroad industry both past and present. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. Have a drink on us. Wine and craft beer will be available. Enjoy some light foods, too. After that, you can go upstairs and watch some independent film shorts on the Towngate Cinema big screen. Meet our staff and explore our theater. Learn more about the many arts and entertainment events that take place year-round at Towngate. All events are free and open to the public. Towngate Theatre is well known in Wheeling and its surrounding communities for community theater productions, children’s theater, concerts, ballet, film screenings, spoken word and other performing arts events. But did you know that Towngate is also an art gallery? The theater lobby is now home to changing art exhibits. “The Gallery at Towngate” is an extension of the exhibit season hosted by Oglebay Institute’s Stifel Fine Art Center. This second gallery space provides opportunities for artists to do solo exhibitions without having to fill a space as large as the Stifel Fine Arts Center. The gallery space also enhances the visitor experience for those attending performing arts events at Towngate.
Towngate Theater presents “Ah, Wilderness!”
Towngate Theater presents Ah, Wilderness! by Eugene O’Neill and directed by Luke Hardt. May 12 & 13 at 8:00 p.m. Admission: $12.50/$11 OI members. Purchase tickets at www.oionline.com or call 304-242-7700. A staple in American community theater, this comedic coming of age story offers a tender retrospective of small town family values, teenage growing pains and young love.
Towngate Theater presents “Ah, Wilderness!”
Towngate Theater presents Ah, Wilderness! by Eugene O’Neill and directed by Luke Hardt directs. May 12 & 13 at 8:00 p.m. May 14 at 3:00 p.m. Admission: $12.50/$11 OI members. Purchase tickets here or call 304-242-7700. A staple in American community theater, this comedic coming of age story offers a tender retrospective of small town family values, teenage growing pains and young love.
Towngate Theater presents “George Washington Slept Here”.
Towngate Theater presents George Washington Slept Here by Moss Hart and George S. Kauffman. Directed by John Reilly. March 31 - April 1, 2017 at 8 p.m. Admission: $12.50/$11 OI members. Purchase tickets online or call 304-242-7700. A businessman gets tired of living in the city. So, he buys a dilapidated old shack in the country despite his wife’s objections. Troubles ensue including disputes with the neighbor and the usual invasion of weekend guests. And, of course, there is a “rich” uncle who turns out to be bankrupt. A hilarious rotating cast of characters brings this classic comedy to life.
Towngate Theater presents “George Washington Slept Here”.
Towngate Theater presents George Washington Slept Here by Moss Hart and George S. Kauffman. Directed by John Reilly. March 24 - 25, 2017 at 8 p.m. March 26 at 3:00 p.m. Admission: $12.50/$11 OI members. Purchase tickets online or call 304-242-7700. A businessman gets tired of living in the city. So, he buys a dilapidated old shack in the country despite his wife’s objections. Troubles ensue including disputes with the neighbor and the usual invasion of weekend guests. And, of course, there is a “rich” uncle who turns out to be bankrupt. A hilarious rotating cast of characters brings this classic comedy to life.
Mountain Moon Coffeehouse presents The Jakob’s Ferry Stragglers
Experience a fresh take on Appalachian Americana music. The Jakob’s Ferry Stragglers create tight, high-energy string band music. They draw freely from old-time, bluegrass, country, jazz, rockabilly and swing styles. The band is well known in the Americana music circuit throughout the mid-Atlantic region and is a crowd favorite at music festivals like The Great Blue Heron, Three Rivers Arts Festival, Whiskey Rebellion Festival and others. While recently showcasing their innovative style on a national tour, they gained new fans from Colorado to California and from Arizona to Oklahoma. Experience a toe-tappin’ good time! Some of the region’s best bluegrass, Americana and roots music artists perform in Wheeling as part of the popular Mountain Moon Coffeehouse series. Crowd-pleasing performers, expert pickers, talented vocalists and captivating storytellers entertain crowds with foot-stomping tunes and expressive ballads. Shows take place in the historic 100-year-old Stifel Fine Arts Center. Doors open at 7 p.m. Then, the music begins at 7:30 p.m. Purchase tickets online or call 304-242-7700. Purchase early, many shows sell out!
The 6th Annual Wheeling Polka Festival
Location: Oglebay Park - Glessner Auditorium at Wilson Lodge ENTERTAINMENT: FRIDAY, MARCH 24, 2017 Kick Off Party: 8pm – 12am Lenny Gomulka & Chicago Push SATURDAY, MARCH 25, 2017 10am–12pm: Rise-N-Shine Party with DJ – Michael Biela 3pm–12am Henny & the Versa J’s, The John Gora Band, The Boys SUNDAY, MARCH 26, 2017 10am: Catholic Mass 12–6pm Stephanie “America’s Polka Sweetheart” Lenny Gomulka & Chicago Push ADMISSION: 3 Day Pass: $40 Daily Tickets: Friday: $12, Saturday: $17, Sunday: $16 Food and Beverage Available (Please note: NO OUTSIDE FOOD OR BEVERAGE permitted in Wilson Lodge public areas)