Plan your next weekend trip to Greater Parkersburg, WV, just a short drive from major cities like Columbus and Pittsburgh.

Harvest Moon Arts & Crafts Festival

Celebrate the changing seasons at the annual Harvest Moon Arts & Crafts Festival located at the Parkersburg City Park. On Saturday from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., guests can shop a variety of local and regional craft vendors and enjoy amazing live entertainment, local food options, a petting zoo and pony rides, kids’ activities, craft demonstrations and more.

Meet Me on Market

Meet Me on Market is a monthly community gathering and celebration of downtown Parkersburg hosted by the Parkersburg Art Center. The last event of the year on Friday, September 19, takes place along Market Street and features vendors, food trucks, live music, and most importantly, community.

History in the Making

The Blennerhassett Hotel & Spa’s Documentary is premiering at the historic Smoot Theatre on Saturday, September 20. This feature-length film was written by Adam Dotson, the on-site historian at the Blennerhassett Hotel. Admission is $25. An afterparty will take place at the Club 1889 Speakeasy from 10 p.m. to midnight.

Live Entertainment

The Actors Guild of Parkersburg’s next show, Dracula: A Comedy of Terrors, opens Friday, September 19. The show follows a real estate agent’s journey to meet a new and mysterious client, Count Dracula.

The West Virginia Symphony Orchestra-Parkersburg’s opening night is Sunday, September 21, featuring musicians Stephen Waarts and Hayoung Choi.

For the Kids

The Harvest Moon Arts & Crafts festival will have inflatables and a variety of other activities, including pony rides and a petting zoo.

Discovery World on Market is an interactive STEAM-based children’s museum located in the heart of downtown Parkersburg. Their exhibits are primarily designed for little learners ages 0-10 with a focus on playing and growing together with family and friends.

Blennerhassett Island Historical State Park is a fan-favorite for families. Kids love the sternwheeler boat ride to the island and the horse-drawn covered wagon ride. The island is a perfect blend of education and adventure for all ages to enjoy.

Restaurant Recommendations

We recommend visiting the North End Tavern & Brewery on Emerson Avenue. The NET is the oldest restaurant in the state of West Virginia. It’s a local favorite—a great place to unwind while enjoying delicious pub fare and hand-crafted beer from their on-site craft brewery.

Looking for a place to grab dinner close to Parkersburg City Park after the Harvest Moon Festival? Check out Colombo’s Italian Restaurant just down the road. Colombo’s has been serving pizza, pasta and other authentic Italian cuisine to the Greater Parkersburg area for over 70 years.

This article was human-written by the Greater Parkersburg Convention & Visitors Bureau staff.