Downtown Parkersburg is about to get a whole lot livelier. On Friday, the city will launch a brand-new monthly event series called Meet Me on Market, a community celebration that will run every third Friday through September. With music, food, art, shopping, and more, the event aims to showcase the vibrancy and creativity of Parkersburg’s historic downtown district.
The kickoff event on Friday, May 17, runs from 5-7 p.m., although some businesses plan to stay open later. Each month will feature a new theme, and May’s theme is “Flight,” with local businesses and artists creatively bringing it to life.
One of the main attractions will be the Simply Kin Mini-Market Pop-Up at Highmark Plaza (at Seventh and Market streets). This mini-market will highlight the talents of local craft and food vendors, alongside the popular Sips Coffee Truck, which will serve beverages throughout the evening.
Book lovers are in for a treat as local author A.E. Fox hosts an exclusive pre-release party at First Chapter Bookstore from 4-7 p.m. Attendees will have the rare opportunity to buy a deluxe edition of her new novel before it hits shelves. The bookstore will stay open until 8 p.m., and refreshments will be served to celebrate the launch.
Art fans can head over to the Parkersburg Art Center, where hands-on experiences await. Artist Jennifer Eisenmann will demonstrate pottery wheel techniques, while Lynda Rhodes will lead a watercolor painting activity. The Art Center’s cash bar will be open for guests to enjoy snacks and drinks, served in PODA cups—allowing patrons to stroll through downtown with beverages in hand.
The Art Center will also celebrate the grand reopening of The Market, its gift shop, at 5 p.m. Visitors can enjoy food and prize raffles from 5 to 7 p.m.
For those seeking craft beer and music, Parkersburg Brewing Company will offer free tours, happy hour specials, and live music by Evie Schaffer. Just around the corner, Artsbridge will feature a selfie station, a family art activity, and possibly more live performances.
Wine Down on Market is joining the festivities with $1 off cocktails and $2 off wine by the glass, with drinks served in PODA cups for easy on-the-go sipping. Meanwhile, Enhanced Wellness invites visitors into its welcoming first-floor lobby for a night of self-care, offering express facials and glow-ups.
At the corner of Eighth and Market streets, Artbeat Studio will lead an interactive mural painting session, encouraging everyone to participate in creating a new community art piece.
To embrace the “Flight” theme, WVU Parkersburg recruiters will host a paper airplane-making station, while the United Way will offer children’s crafts, and the Resiliency Center will be open for guided tours.
Each Meet Me on Market event will also include a Scavenger Hunt Bingo. Participants can pick up bingo cards at the event, visit participating locations, and turn in completed cards at the Sips Coffee Truck for a chance to win a prize bundle filled with local goods. The drawing will take place on Tuesday, May 20.
Organizers encourage everyone to bring friends and family, wear comfy shoes, and come ready for an evening of exploration and fun. From art and music to great food and interactive activities, Meet Me on Market promises a new tradition for Parkersburg.
As organizers put it, the series is a chance to “support local businesses, artists, and community groups while enjoying a unique and festive evening downtown.” With new themes and surprises each month, it’s an event the community can look forward to all summer long.
