Oglebay Fest Never Disappoints
It’s our region’s best arts festival. It’s our country fair. It’s the grand finale of Wheeling’s wonderful outdoor festival season and we always save the best for last.
Oglebay Fest is a celebration of our city’s greatest asset, Oglebay Park. It is also one humongous appreciation party for the residents and visitors that support the park. As a traveler, you are often told a destination has a little something for everyone, well no greater truth has ever been told in the case of Oglebay Fest.
Festival runs October 4-6 with events throughout Oglebay Park.
Frolic with Art in the Mansion Woods
The Phil Maxwell Artists’ and Gourmet Market is a showcase of the best art and handicraft in the tristate. Located next to the Mansion Museum under the shade of majestic trees you will find a whole lot more than art. The market will also feature live music, wine sampling, handicraft demonstrations, gourmet food sampling, and kettle corn.
Come for the kettle corn and stay for the art.
Wet your whistle at The Rathskeller.
At this lederhosen-optional celebration of German heritage, you will find dancing, music, food, beer, and plenty of laughter. It is simply a must-do for any first-time visitor. It can be crowded at times so show up early, stay all day and mingle with the locals. Later in the evenings, the music will shift modern for an all-out Autumn party in the woods.
Take me to the country!
Hog calling, rock-throwing, butter making, quilt hanging, old-time fiddling, pie judging and that just scratches the surface of the Ohio County Country Fair located at the Levenson Shelter. Beginning Saturday morning the fair offers a variety of traditional fair competitions and demonstrations. There are petting stations for a variety of animals and certainly don’t miss the monstrous Belgian draft horses, a fair favorite.
It’s a wonderful weekend to be a kid!
Oglebay Fest is truly a playground for families. Enjoy FREE admission to the Oglebay Zoo and Schrader Environmental Center. The zoo is located close to the Country Fair which also has plenty of activities to keep the kiddos occupied. The Schrader Center will hold its Eco-Fest on Saturday 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. and will feature conservation exhibits, birdwatching, scavenger hunts, and nature crafts. At Schenk Lake, there will be pony rides and inflatables (admission fees apply) along with face painting and balloon art. Fireworks at the lake will bring Saturday’s events to a close.
Other Attractions
The Oglebay Institute Mansion and Glass Museums will be open throughout each day (admission fees apply). The Palm Room Greenhouse will have a variety of outdoor and indoor plants for sale. The Farmhouse Sweets & Treats offers a variety of gifts, candies, and is the best place to enjoy a few scoops of locally made Kirke’s Ice Cream. The Pine Room will host square-dancing and round dancing on Sunday.
The full schedule of events is here.
What you need to know:
Costs: Most of the locations and events are free, however, there are discounted admission fees associated with the museums and some children’s activities. Most, if not all vendors and dining locations accept credit cards but pack a little cash just in case.
Weather: Wheeling weather can be a tad unpredictable in the fall. Check the forecast and pack appropriately. There is plenty of shade, picnic shelters, and buildings to duck into to escape the elements when needed.
Parking: There will be plenty of parking throughout the park. Park staff will be on-hand at all times to direct visitors to the best spaces. Please follow staff instructions and please adhere to the no parking signage.
Transportation around the park: Events take place throughout the park. Walking is strongly encouraged, however, there will be trolley and school buses making circular routes throughout the park. Bus rides are free.
