Crisp air, colorful leaves and a calendar full of celebrations—October in Greater Parkersburg is a season made for exploring. From treasure hunting at the Minted Vintage Market to family fun at the Butcher Bend Autumn Festival and creative inspiration at ArtOberfest, the month offers spooky, festive fun around every corner. Whether you’re in search of handmade finds, autumn traditions, or local art and music, these events capture the spirit of fall in the Mid-Ohio Valley.

Minted Vintage Market

Minted Vintage Market is a semiannual event held every spring and fall at the Wood County 4-H Camp. Held in a beautiful barn and other buildings, this unique open-air shopping event showcases over 100 local and regional vendors. This is a family-friendly event with activities for kids, live music and delicious food trucks set up along market grounds.

This year’s fall Minted Vintage Market is Saturday, October 4, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. General admission is $5.

Butcher Bend Autumn Festival

Butcher Bend Autumn Festival is a two-weekend event at the WV Interstate Fairgrounds. Guests can traverse through scares at the haunted barn, ride around the grounds on a spooky hayride, and enjoy all kinds of festival fun. This is a family-friendly event with educational and entertaining activities for kids, including a trunk or treat on Saturday, Oct. 4 and 11.

The Butcher Bend Autumn Festival is October 3, 4, 10 and 11 from 7 to 10 p.m. General admission is free. The haunted barn and the hayride are both $3 per person. A full list of activities can be found at butcherbendautumnfestival.org.

ArtOberfest

ArtOberfest is a celebration of the arts in the heart of downtown Parkersburg. Hosted by the Parkersburg Art Center, this event is a full day of art, music and activities. The fun starts with Chalk the Block from 1 to 5 p.m. Attendees can watch artists create chalk artwork and vote for their favorite. Prizes will be awarded for the top creations.

In the evening, from 5 to 9 p.m., ArtOberfest starts with live music from Division Street and the Debarr/Stevens Trio. Food and drinks will be available from local favorites, and a cash beer and wine bar will be available.

ArtOberfest is Saturday, October 11. Admission is free.

Mansion by Candlelight on Blennerhassett Island

For two nights only, attendees can explore Blennerhassett Island Historical State Park at night when the island is lit entirely by candles and lanterns. The island is transformed into an 18th-century party with beautiful dulcimer music and docents dressed in the style of the period all around the island.

Mansion by Candlelight is October 10 & 11. Tickets are $42 for adults and $32 for kids 4 through 12.

Glow on the O

Glow on the O is a unique festival recently added to the Greater Parkersburg lineup of events. Attendees will enjoy fun festival favorites like a pumpkin decorating contest, inflatables and kids’ activities, a performance by the Phoenix Baton Twirlers and tethered hot air balloon rides starting at 4 p.m. Handicap accessible balloon rides are from 5 to 8 p.m. The main event is from 7 to 8 p.m., when giant hot air balloons glow along the Ohio River.

Glow on the O is Saturday, October 18. General admission is free. Tethered balloon rides are $15.

From vintage treasures and autumn festivals to art, music, and glowing hot air balloons, October in Greater Parkersburg is packed with reasons to get out and explore. Whether you’re strolling through vendor booths, savoring live music downtown, or taking in the glow of lanterns on Blennerhassett Island, these events capture the best of the season. However you celebrate fall, you’ll find plenty of ways to make it memorable right here in the Mid-Ohio Valley.