Augusta Folk Arts for Kids “Augusta Explorers”
Augusta Folk Arts for Kids “Augusta Explorers” will take place from 9 a.m. to noon and 1-4 p.m. July 31-Aug. 4 on the Davis & Elkins College campus. Artist Emily Prentice will instruct the class focusing on Appalachian culture and the great outdoors. Class activities will include nature walks, plant identification, weaving, party games, ghost stories, square dancing, printmaking, singing and much more. Augusta Explorers will earn merit badges as they take in all that Augusta has to offer. Registration is open at www.augustaheritagecenter.org. For additional information, call the Augusta Heritage Center at 304-637-1209.
Watoga Art in the Park
Watoga Art in the Park – bringing together artists and the great outdoors. Watoga Art in the Park features a great fun- filled weekend for families set in one of West Virginia's most beautiful parks – Watoga State Park. The juried fine art and craft fair will feature some of the region's most impressive artists and craftspeople showcasing jewelry, pottery, fiber, glass, photography, painting and much more Find that perfect gift for a loved one or yourself. Along with showcasing fine art for purchase, there will be eight professional artists, instructing in 22 workshops throughout the two-day event to help you create your own work of art. Learn pastels, watercolors, or acrylics from accomplished artists, watch and participate in wood-fire pottery or blacksmithing, make your own mask and paint or decorate it, check out white oak basketry, as well as yoga and art therapy. Join in one or all three nature walks lead by a Watoga State Park Naturalist. Learn about birds and then return to paint what you observed, make a clay dish using some of the natural materials you'll find along your walk, or check out the hike where you learn to identify animal footprints. In the evening you can participate in an Owl Prowl and the even make owl houses to take home with you. There will be great music both days as well as a variety of foods. Kids Corner open all day. Check us out on the web for details and to submit your artwork for consideration. https://watogaartinthepark.com/
Capon Springs & Farms – Grandparents and Grandkids Interactive Sessions
Designed for grandparents and grandkids, these fun interactive sessions bring the kid out in all of us. Come immerse yourself in the freedom of outdoor play at Capon, where you CAN go back to your childhood and re-experience those happy carefree moments again.
National Kids to Parks Day
Getting ready to spend the summer outside? Come spend a day at Wine Cellar Park as the City of Dunbar celebrates it's eighth annual Kids Day to the Parks, along with open fishing day. This year a few of the activities planned from 10am to 2pm for kids will include: a fishing competition for the first fish, scavenger hunt, disc golf, archery, BB gun safety, and making s'mores and hotdogs. Adults can enjoy free fishing at Lake Anderson on June 10th and the 11th. Plan on spending your time this summer at our beautiful parks.
Mothman Festival
Come and join paranormal enthusiasts from all over the world at the 16th Annual Mothman Festival, as the small town of Point Pleasant, transforms into one of the largest Paranormal Conventions in the east to celebrate the Mothman Legend. Disney has Mickey and we have Mothman. He's the most popular attraction roaming around at our festival. Make sure you get in on a little selfie time during your visit. Outstanding live entertainment in the Riverfront Park, Mothman Research Center and Museum tours, Mothman movies and documentaries, TNT bus tours, paranormal crafters, vendors, authors and investigators. Mothman eyewitnesses. Saturday night TNT hayrides into Mothman country. Face painting, Zip Lines, Horse drawn wagon rides. Cosplay characters, Ghostbusters, Men In Black, Big Foot and many more characters. Family fun at a festival you have never experienced before. The World's only Mothman Festival.
Bikes & BBQ
1st Annual Backyard BBQ Cook-off and Bike Tour of Mason County. Enjoy some of the area’s best home cookin’, live music, and take a ride through the beautiful countryside of Mason County. Bike rides - 42 mile, 20 mile and 6 mile options. BBQ Cook-off - BBQ teams $50.00, ride and eat $25.00, taste and vote $5.00. Presented by Point Pleasant Parks and Recreation and Point Pleasant Bike Trail.
President’s Weekend
George Washington never got to ski the Western Territory, but you can! Take advantage of the long weekend and peak conditions.
Superhero Saturday
Free event for kids ages infant to 12. Superhero meet-and-greet, rock climbing wall, and other fun activities.
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.
2nd Annual Pawpawpalooza
Join us for a fun filled day at the park. Rise and Shine 5K starts at 9 p.m. Register at http://www.active.com/moundsville-wv/running/distance-running-races/rise-n-shine-5k-2015?int. The 5K is $20 per person by September 9th and $25 after September 9th. A free 2-3 mile Pawpaw hike starts at 12 p.m. at the Amphitheater and will last roughly 2 hours. Pawpaws will be donated to Brew Keepers for a batch of Pawpaw beer. Enjoy a free yoga session at 2 p.m. with Happy Goat Yoga at the Amphitheater. Music will be provided by Shannon Canterbury at the Amphitheater from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. at no charge.
Meadow River Sporting Festival
Are you ready to take your outdoor skills ot the competitor's ring? It's a weekend of muzzleloading, archery, horseshoes, sporting clays, turkey calling, mud bogging and more. Early registration is available at City Hall. Event day registration is also available.
Meadow River Sporting Festival
Are you ready to take your outdoor skills to the competitor's ring? It's a weekend of muzzleloading, archery, horseshoes, sporting clays, turkey calling, mud bogging and more. Early registration is available at City Hall. Event day registration is also available.
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 – 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 – 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.
Bark in the Park with Pet Helpers 2nd Annual 5K Run/Walk & Festival
Registrations begins at 8 a.m., 5K race begins at 9 a.m., and a 5k Race/Walk with dog at 10 a.m. There will be over 60 vendors including food trucks, various food vendors, and miscellaneous pet and family oriented activities. Registration is $25 per entrant. Early registration before April 1, 2016 is $20 each. Family discount is 4 persons @ $65 and groups of 30 or more can register @ $15 each. Please contact 304-672-7387 or email information@pethelpers.org with any questions.
Babcock State Park – (3/4) – MEET BABCOCK
From 2:00 – 2:30 p.m. on Friday, March 4 only, check Babcock State Park's home page and play "I spy something unusual at the mill" as part of Meet Parks weekend. If you see something not normally seen at the mill, when you check our page, email babcocksp@wv.gov. Enter "I spy" and your name in the subject line and type what you saw in your email message. You can write more in your email if you like. We appreciate you checking out the webcam. With your email, you'll be entered into a drawing to win some Babcock swag when you email on March 4, and you'll get offers for discounts on rentals at Babcock in 2016. Have fun with 'I spy' day at Babcock State Park. We'll contact the winner via email and post the name here at the webcam page. Find more Meet Park activities March 4-6, 2016 at wvstateparks.com.
Shinnston “Theatre in the Park” Series
Join us for Shinnston's free Theatre in the Park series at the beautiful Ferguson Park Performance Center. Tonight's show features musical entertainment "by request" presented by Vintage Theatre Company. Producers perform songs selected by the audience, chosen from a set genre such as Rat Pack songs, Broadway or movie tunes, etc.
Kanawha State Forest – 4/16 – OSBRA EYE MEMORIAL WILDFLOWER WALKS
One of WVs premiere spring wildflower walks! Multiple hike and leaders. Register at 8:30 a.m. at the swimming pool area. Adults $5; Students under 16, $2. Hot dogs, soft drinks, and cookies for sale. Door prizes, raffle. Hikes are from 9:30 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. A variety of walks, including Wildflowers, Medicinal/Edible Plants, Trees, Beginning and Advanced Birding, Photography, etc. (Be sure to bring a camera & binoculars!) Walks are assisted or led by volunteers and employees of the Department of Natural Resources, Handlan Chapter Brooks Bird Club, Mary Ingles Trail Blazers, and the West Virginia Native Plant Society. Learn more at the forest webpage link below.
Kanawha State Forest – 2/13 – GREAT BACKYARD BIRD COUNT & HIKE
Join naturalist Sara Miller at the nature center (pool parking lot) at 10:00 a.m. Hot drinks will be provided. The morning's bird watching will begin with a 15-20 minute Great Backyard Bird Count feeder watch near the pool building, after which all are welcome to participate in a GBBC hike. The hike will be approx. 2 miles, easy to moderate. Bring binoculars, warm clothes as needed, and a bird guide if you have one! The Great Backyard Bird Count (GBBC) is a free, fun, and easy. The activities engages bird watchers of all ages in counting birds to create a real-time snapshot of bird populations. Visit gbbc.birdcount.org to learn about the national involvement. Find more events at WVs state parks at wvstateparks.com
Pipestem State Park – Kids To Parks – 5/21 – POND WALK
Meet Naturalist Julie McQuade at the Pipestem Nature Center to take a stroll around an old farm pond. We will take a dip, with a net, and see what type of critters are out and about. (1/2 hour – 1 hour). Meet at 11:30 a.m. Fee free. Outdoor exploration activity.
Tygart Lake State Park – 7/16 – CARDBOARD BOAT RACE
Cardboard Boat Race. Yes, you're reading correctly, a cardboard boat race at Tygart Lake. Put your duct taping skills together with some cardboard and come join us for the First Tygart Lake State Park Cardboard Boat Boat Race. Categories open to both children and adults. Prizes will be awarded. Race guidelines will post to the Tygart Lake website in early spring including a preregistration form for those working on boats in advance. Sounds like fun. Need more information? Call Nichole Streets, Park Naturalist at 304-265-6148
Tygart Lake State Park – 4/29 – SPRING MIGRATION BIRDING/BANDING WEEKEND
Spring Migration Birding Banding Weekend. For the love of birds! Saturday and Sunday join Birder Joey Herron as he bands various breeding and migrating birds of West Virginia passing through or to West Virginia. Learn to identify birds by both sight and sound! One of our most popular weekends that attracts visitors from across the United States to see bird species here in West Virginia in the Tygart Lake area. Stay at Tygart Lake Lodge this weekend. Ask for the 'birders' discount of 20% off standard rates. Hope to see you at this awesome bird watching weekend. Call 304-265-6144.
Tygart Lake State Park – 3/26 – EASTER EGG HUNT
Easter Egg Hunt. Easter Egg Hunt hosted by Tygart Lake State Park Foundation is fun for the whole family. Bring your children for the Annual Easter Egg Hunt at Tygart Lake State Park Nature Center area. Call for starting time and age groups. 304-265-6148
Pipestem State Park – (Mar 4) – EAGLE SURVEY of the PIPESTEM AREA
An annual survey of the skies and waterways for golden and bald eagles in the Pipestem area. From 10:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. volunteers are assigned stations at various areas to watch and record sightings. The Eagle Brigade reporter noted 24 eagles spotted on the 2016 survey. Email Julie at Julie.A.McQuade@wv.gov Contact: 304-466-1800 x 344. See Birding Surveys at http://www.pipestemresort.com/Surveys.html.
Pipestem State Park – 1/22 – Primitive Bushcraft Weekend Workshop
For two nights and three days, learn the basics of primitive bushcraft skills that includes making cordage, establishing shelter, creating fire, foraging wild edibles, procuring & purifying water, land navigation, field sanitation and hygiene, fashioning tools, constructing traps and snares, preserving meat, preparing bannock and pemmican, bird/song identification, plant and tree identification and more. This is an reality adventure by day, relaxation by night. Experience by conducted by Forest Manna Outdoors. This high adventure event shares, sustains, preserves the primitive bushcraft skills associated with West Virginia's proud Appalachian history, heritage, and culture and enhance the diversity of outdoor recreational opportunities offered at West Virginia State Parks and Forests. Rate includes two nights at McKeever Lodge and all survival activities.
Cacapon State Park – FIRST DAY HIKE
Let New Year's Day be a perfect opportunity to start 2016 by connecting nature, engaging in physical activity, and promoting healthy lifestyles all year long. Meet at 10:00a at the Cacapon State Park Nature Center to begin exploring the natural beauty of the Ridge Trail. This trail is approximately 1 ½ miles with a few hills. Cacapon State Park is open year-round and features a lodge, restaurant, cabins and more. Learn about other events at Cacapon on the park website, Events/Deals tab. (First Day Hike miles can be used as earned miles in the 2016 Chief's (Hiking) Challenge.
Twin Falls State Park – LUMBERJACKIN’ BLUEGRASSIN’ JAMBOREE
This annual jamboree has something for everyone: bluegrass music, food, arts and crafts, and a woodsman competition. Enjoy the down-home atmosphere. It's all free.
Blackwater Falls State Park – CARDBOARD & DUCT TAPE SLED RACE
Every tool box has it! Duct Tape. Make a sled of cardboard and duct tape and bring to the Blackwater Falls for the third annual Duct Tape and Cardboard Sled Race. Design and construct a person powered, corrugated cardboard sled able to withstand the down hill fun on the Blackwater Falls sled run. Awards for best design and team spirit. This year's theme: Mystical Creatures. Visit the park website (click the website link) for race time and registration information.
Twin Falls State Park – TRACKING & WOODS LORE WEEKEND
Step back in time to the 18th century, when American Indians and European Americans lived closer to nature. Learn some of the skills that were necessary for everyday life, and learn of the cultural sharing that has made our modern lives richer. Enjoy nature, dram, tracking, and history in outdoor and indoor setting. Starts at 7:00 p.m. on Friday. Bring warm clothes, sturdy footwear, camera, binoculars, and notepad to get the most out of this weekend. The workshop is definitely family friendly, with interest for ages from 5 years to over 55. We encourage scout groups (girls & boys) to use the workshop to help them earn certain merit badges and awards in themes of history, nature study, American Indian, Pioneer, woods lore, etc. Two classes are offered for WV Master Naturalist students as well; Tracking (4 hr. credit) and Medicinal/Edible/Useful Native Plants (3 hr. credit). Overnight accommodations are available in either Twin Falls Lodge or a Twin Falls vacation cabin. Package prices include lodging, Saturday dinner, break refreshments, and all event activities. Call for pricing. Make reservations to attend.
Twin Falls State Park – FIRST DAY HIKE
It's good to get outdoors on the first day of the year for a walk. Starting at 10:00 a.m., meet in Twin Falls Lodge Lobby to go outdoors and welcome 2016. No fee. Dress appropriately for weather conditions. About one hour.