Wheeling CVBlog: June Festivals
Summer Heats up in Wheeling
By: Jennifer Materkoski, MA
June kicks off festival season in Wheeling. Here is a look some upcoming events:
- Wheeling Arts and Culture Festival (June 16-17): Heritage Port becomes an outdoor gallery on Friday, June 16 and Saturday, June 17 from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. for the Wheeling Arts and Culture Festival and the YWCA Multicultural Fest. This combined event gives visitors the opportunity to browse local art, see live performance arts and observe cultural culinary demonstrations. Kids activities include a display of instruments from around the world, world carnival games and free art classes. Adult arts and craft classes will also be offered. Guests can shop in the Artist’s Market and purchase food and craft
beer from vendors. The event is free and open to the public.
- Story Time at Heritage Port: Every Thursday at 11:00am through June and July the Ohio County Library introduces young children to books, rhymes, songs, crafts and other fun activities. Library Story times are designed for children 3-5 years old, though all ages are welcome. The program lasts approximately 45 minutes and caregivers are asked to participate with their children. For weekly programs look
- Ohio Valley Rib and Chicken Cook-off (June 23-24): Now in its 8th year, the Ohio Valley Rib and Chicken Cook-off brings the Valley’s best barbecue to Heritage Port. The festival begins Friday, June 23 and continues on Saturday, June 24, open from 12 to 11 p.m. both days. In addition to the many vendors offering a sampling of smoked and barbecued ribs and chicken, guests can browse craft vendors and seek refreshments in the beer garden. Live entertainment will be provided both days, and the Rib and Chicken awards will be presented on Saturday. There is no fee to enter the festival.
- Good Zoo Brew (June 24): Enjoy craft beer and live music while mingling with furry friends at the OVConnect Good Zoo Brew at Oglebay on Saturday, June 24 from 7 to 10 p.m. Guests can sample from over 80 beers and enjoy live entertainment. The zoo train will also be operating for rides, and there will be opportunity for one-on-one interaction with some of the animals currently on exhibit at the zoo. Ticket prices start at $45 for advanced purchase tickets, which are available online. Pre-registration is recommended, as tickets are limited. A valid ID is required, and guests must be 21 to enter.
In addition to the festivals and events happening this month, there are many recurring events and series going on around town. Waterfront Wednesdays takes place each week at 7 p.m. with a live musical performance at Heritage Port. On select Fridays throughout the summer, Riverside Movie Nights gives families the opportunity to see a show on the outdoor big screen. For live entertainment in the rolling hills of Oglebay, check out the Anna Kuchinka Summer Concert Series. All these events are free to the publics. For more information on summer events, please visit www.wheelingcvb.com.
