W

ho's ready for a jam-packed weekend? From festivals to yard sales, to concerts and outdoor adventures, this weekend in the Kanawha Valley has a little bit of everything. Here's a sampling of local happenings taking place from Friday, May 16, to Sunday, May 18, 2025.

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Friday, May 16

Music

• TIMMY COURTS & FRIENDS: 5-8 p.m. No cover. The Empty Glass, 410 Elizabeth St. in Charleston. More info online.
• CHET LOWTHER: 6:30 p.m. No cover. Clendenin Brewing Co., 2 Main Street, Clendenin. More info on Facebook.
• THE CARPENTER ANTS: 7:30 p.m. Free. Taylor Books, 226 Capitol St., Charleston. More info on Facebook.
• BEN SOLLEE: 7:30-9:30 p.m. Tickets $27.50. Part of the Emerging Artist Series. Clay Center, 1 Clay Square, Charleston. More info and link to tickets online.
• ACOUSTIC NIGHT: 9:30 p.m. $7 cover. Featuring Jerks!, Punk as Folk, Matthew Totten and Matthew Thomas. The Empty Glass, 410 Elizabeth St., Charleston. More info on Facebook.

Stage/Theater

• EURYDICE: 7 p.m. $15 adults, $10 students. Presented by the Capital High School Theatre Department. Capital High School Auditorium, 1500 Greenbrier St., Charleston. More info on Facebook.
• JOSEPH & THE AMAZING TECHNICOLOR DREAMCOAT: 7 p.m. Free, donations accepted. First Presbyterian Church, 16 Leon Sullivan Way, Charleston. More info on Facebook.
• THE SHROUDS: 7:30 p.m. $12 adults, $7 students. Floralee Hark Cohen Cinema, 230 Capitol St, Charleston. More info online.

Etc.

• MOUNTAIN STATE COLLECTORS CONVENTION: 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Passes $5-$50. Charleston Coliseum & Convention Center, 200 Civic Center Dr., Charleston. More info and link to tickets online.
• SPAGHETTI DINNER: 6-8 p.m. Tickets are $15 for adults and $10 for children aged 6-10. Includes spaghetti, bread, salad, dessert and a drink. Proceeds support the SNAP (Special Needs Adult Program). St. Andrew United Methodist Church, 815 Kanawha Terrace, St. Albans. More info on Facebook.
• TEN AROUND TOWN BICYCLE RIDE: 6 p.m. Free. A family-friendly 10-mile group ride exploring Charleston's various neighborhoods. Bring your own bike and helmet. Meet at West Side Wonder Mural, 210 West Washington St., Charleston. More info on Facebook.
• SUPERSTARS BINGO: 6:30 p.m. $40 per person. Must be age 18+ to enter. Includes 20 games with prizes. Concessions and raffles are available. Sponsored by South Charleston Fraternal Order of Police Chemical City Lodge #85. McKinley Middle School, 3000 Kanawha Terrace, St. Albans. More info and link to tickets on Facebook.

Saturday, May 17

Music

• NOLAN COLLINS: 7:30 p.m. Free. Taylor Books, 226 Capitol St., Charleston. More info on Facebook.
• DANIEL FERRELL: 8 p.m. EZ Street, 2796 Winfield Road, St. Albans. More info on Facebook.
• UNPLUGGED ACOUSTIC FUNDRAISER: 10 p.m. $7 cover. Featuring KC Shingleton, Steve Clever, Roy F. Bush, Mourning Tea Party, PD Bird & Friends, and more. All profits from the event will be given directly to The Blue Parrot to assist in repairs to their stage and PA system. The Empty Glass, 410 Elizabeth St., Charleston. More info on Facebook.

Stage/Theater

• ON SWIFT HORSES: 2:30 p.m. $12 adults, $7 students. Floralee Hark Cohen Cinema, 230 Capitol St, Charleston. More info online.
• THE SHROUDS: 5 p.m. $12 adults, $7 students. Floralee Hark Cohen Cinema, 230 Capitol St, Charleston. More info online.
• EURYDICE: 7 p.m. $15 adults, $10 students. Presented by the Capital High School Theatre Department. Capital High School Auditorium, 1500 Greenbrier St., Charleston. More info on Facebook.
• WE’RE ALL GONNA DIE: 7:30 p.m. $12 adults, $7 students. Floralee Hark Cohen Cinema, 230 Capitol St, Charleston. More info online.

Seasonal

• RUMMAGE SALE: 8 a.m.-2 p.m. Free entrance. Fundraiser for a Thailand mission trip. The Open Door Church, 2630 Kanawha Blvd. East, Charleston. More info on Facebook.
• PINCH COMMUNITY YARD SALE: 8 a.m.-3 p.m. Free entrance. The Fire Department will sell BBQ sandwiches, chips, and a drink beginning around 10 a.m. Pinch VFD Main Station, 231 North Pinch Road, Pinch. More info on Facebook.

Etc.

• MOUNTAIN STATE COLLECTORS CONVENTION: 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Passes $5-$50. Charleston Coliseum & Convention Center, 200 Civic Center Dr., Charleston. More info and link to tickets online.
• CAFFEINE & CADENCE: 8:30 a.m. Free. A fitness-paced 8-mile ride through the flat streets of St. Albans with a stop at Coal River Coffee. A bike lock is recommended. You must sign a waiver to participate, and helmets are required. John's Cyclery, 309 Maccorkle Ave., St. Albans. More info on Facebook.
• CHARLESTON PARKRUN: 9 a.m. Free timed 5K run or walk. Magic Island, 181 Kanawha Blvd. West, Charleston. More info on Facebook.
• CLENDENIN RUNNING GROUP: 9:45 a.m. Free. Run begins promptly at 10 a.m. Fox Coffee, 14 Main St., Clendenin. More info on Facebook.
• WALK WITH ME FOR YOUTH IN FOSTER CARE: 10 a.m.-noon. $10 per person. Face painting, balloon artists, inflatables, games, snacks, character entertainment and more. GoMart Ballpark, 650 Brooks St., Charleston. More info and link to tickets on Facebook.
• OLD STONE HOUSE TOURS: 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Adults $4, children ages 6-12 and seniors $3, children under age 6 free. Historic museum and former home of early Kanawha Valley settlers. Tours are guided and last approximately 30 minutes. Proceeds benefit the upkeep of the historic house. Samuel Shrewsbury Sr House, 310 Stubb Dr., Belle. More info on Facebook.
• KIDS TO PARK DAY: 11 a.m. Free. Easy, all-ages guided hike through the arboretum and group camp area. Meet at the Nature Center. Kanawha State Forest, 7500 Kanawha State Forest Drive, Charleston. More info on Facebook.
• SPRING FLING: 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Free. Family-friendly event featuring free food, drinks, ice cream, live music, face painting, inflatables, prizes giveaways, a petting zoo and more. Roadside Park, St. Albans. More info on Facebook.
• MALDEN SALT FEST: 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Free admission. Live music, food trucks, vendors, salt tours and more. JQ Dickinson Salt Works, 4797 Midland Dr., Charleston. More info on Facebook.
• CAR SHOW & MORE: Noon. Free entrance. Includes car show, puppet show and hot dog sale. Proceeds benefit the Ralph Godbey Memorial Bible Camp. Jordan Light Missionary Baptist Church, 7298 Wills Creek Road, Elkview. More info on Facebook.
• SOUTH CHARLESTON ARMED FORCES DAY PARADE: Noon. Free. Parade begins along D Street, South Charleston. More info on Facebook.
• ELK CITY DISTRICT BLOCK PARTY: Noon-6 p.m. Free entry. Food trucks, vendors, live music, children’s area and more. Elk City District, Tennessee Avenue, Charleston. More info online.
• TAPS & TRUCKS: Noon-8 p.m. Free entrance. Must be 21+ to enter. Outdoor festival featuring cold brews, delicious food trucks, local vendors and live music. Mardi Gras Casino, 1 Greyhound Dr., Cross Lanes. More info on Facebook.
• BEGINNING WATERCOLOR CLASS: 2-4 p.m. $25 per person. Gallery on 4th, 414 Fourth Ave., Montgomery. More info on Facebook.
• CHARLEY WEST BBQ FEST: 2-7:30 p.m. Free entry; tasting tickets $10 for 10. Proceeds benefit the Bob Burdette Center after-school program. City Center at Slack Plaza, 178 Summers St., Charleston. More info on Facebook.
• DESIGNER PURSE BINGO: 3-8 p.m. $30 admission. Includes 20 purse bingo games (9 faces). Raffles, silent auction, extra game packs and more are available at the event. Over $8,000 worth of authentic handbags from brands including Michael Kors, Coach, Kate Spade and more. WV State University, Wilson Student Union, 31 Washington Ave., Dunbar. More info and link to tickets on Facebook.
• OPEN MIC FUNDRAISER: 5:30 p.m. Art auction, live music, snacks, drinks. All proceeds benefit the Raines family’s efforts to overcome cancer. Kanawha City Church of Christ, 5011 Chesterfield Ave., Charleston. More info on Facebook.
• 2025 PRIDE PAGEANT: 6 p.m. $20 per person. Beni Kedem Shriners, 100 Quarrier St., Charleston. More info on Facebook.
• WV CITIZENS ACTION 50TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION: 6-9 p.m. $50 and up. Happy Hour reception (hors d'oeuvres, craft beer and wine), live music, awards and more. Culture Center, Capitol Complex, 1900 Kanawha Blvd. East, Charleston. More info and link to tickets on Facebook.
• CHARLESTON HEART BALL: 6-10 p.m. Fundraiser for the American Heart Association. Dinner, dance, live DJ and more. Embassy Suites, 300 Court St., Charleston. More info online.
• COMEDY NIGHT: 8 p.m. Tickets $23. Featuring Freddie Simone, Joey Stepp and Bo Vance. Alban Arts Center, 65 Olde Main Plaza, St. Albans. More info and link to tickets on Facebook.

Sunday, May 18

Music

• SONGS OF THE HEART: 3 p.m. Tickets $15 adults, $10 seniors, $5 children age 12 and under. Presented by the Appalachian Children’s Chorus. Charleston Baptist Temple, 209 Morris St., Charleston. More info on Facebook.
• MOUNTAIN STAGE: 7 p.m. Tickets $35 per person. Featuring Dan Tyminski, Darrell Scott, I Draw Slow, Kieran Kane & Rayna Gellert, and Jacob Jolliff Band. Culture Center Theater, 1900 Kanawha Blvd. East, Charleston. More info and tickets online.
• THE CARPENTER ANTS: 10 p.m. The Empty Glass, 410 Elizabeth St., Charleston. More info on Facebook.

Dance

• FLY ME TO THE MOON: 7 p.m. Tickets $27.50. Presented by Kelle Boggs Dance Studio, Inc. Clay Center, 1 Clay Square, Charleston. More info and link to tickets on Facebook.

Stage/Theater

• WE’RE ALL GONNA DIE: 2:30 p.m. $12 adults, $7 students. Floralee Hark Cohen Cinema, 230 Capitol St, Charleston. More info online.

Etc.

• MOUNTAIN STATE COLLECTORS CONVENTION: 8 a.m.-3 p.m. Passes $5-$50. Charleston Coliseum & Convention Center, 200 Civic Center Dr., Charleston. More info and link to tickets online.
• DISTINGUISHED GENTLEMAN’S RIDE: 9 a.m. Motorcycling charity event to raise funds and awareness for men's health. Info available after registration. Register and donate online. More info on the event is available on Facebook.
• COLLAGE SUNDAY: 1-4 p.m. $10 per person. Gallery on 4th, 414 Fourth Ave., Montgomery. More info on Facebook.
• COONSKIN PARK HIKE: 1:30 p.m. Free. Flat three-mile hike along the river. Coonskin Park, 2000 Coonskin Dr., Charleston. More info on Facebook.
• PICKUP ULTIMATE FRISBEE: 2 p.m. Free. A beginner-friendly group with a focus on teaching new skills and getting some easy-going exercise in. All are welcome. North Charleston Community Center Turf Field, 2009 Seventh Ave., Charleston. More info online.
• GOOD NEWS SUNDAY COMMUNITY EVENT: 2-5 p.m. Free. Food, games, inflatables, water activities and more. Elk River Nazarene Church, 143 Dutch Road, Charleston. More info on Facebook.

Header Image: An attendee enjoys a previous Charley West BBQ Fest. (Photo courtesy of Charley West BBQ Fest.)