Area shops and businesses will have special offers to people visiting downtown Parkersburg this Friday for the Meet Me on Market event. (Photo provided)

PARKERSBURG – Downtown Parkersburg is preparing for the next Meet Me on Market this Friday from 5-7:30 p.m. or so.

The Meet Me on Market events are bringing together local businesses, artists, musicians and community organizations for another installment of the popular Third Friday event of the month, said Jessica Siefert. managing director/education director of the Parkersburg Art Center.

Meet Me on Market begins well before sunset. Discovery World on Market will offer $5 admission throughout the day Friday, with final admission at 4:30 p.m. before the museum closes at 5 p.m.

Other activities begin at the corner of Eighth and Market streets at the Parkersburg Art Center, where Art After Hours will feature activities for all ages. Guests can enjoy art exhibits, artist demonstrations, and a cash (Private Outdoor Designated Area – PODA) bar throughout the evening.

“Families will find activities for children, including a Lego Build Zone and Crafting Zone,” Siefert said. “The Market, the art center’s gift shop, will have extended hours with a hoodie sale and a free raffle with prizes including tickets to the upcoming Tastes and Tunes event and a spot in the Mid-Year Reset Yoga Retreat.”

A number of activities will be held during the Meet Me on Market event this Friday in downtown Parkersburg. Businesses will have special offers while community organizations will hold special activities. (Photo provided)

A few doors away, First Chapter Bookstore will introduce a new menu of floats and spritzers, along with a special drink available only during the event. The bookstore will also host local author Emily Camp, whose work spans romance, young adult and thriller genres.

“Visitors looking for refreshments can also stop at Parkersburg Brewing Company for craft beer samples or visit WineDown for a featured cocktail available both inside the business and in a PODA cup for guests who wish to continue exploring downtown,” Siefert said.

Activities continue at the corner of Seventh and Market streets, where the SIPS Coffee Truck will serve hot and cold beverages alongside a pop-up vendor market organized by Simply Kin. People can visit the Meet Me on Market Facebook or Instagram page for information about this month’s vendors.

Artsbridge will offer art activities for families and will keep its building open after hours for visitors to view the exhibit in place and take photos at the selfie station.

“Downtown PKB will also participate, with Renee Murphy planning a game outside the organization’s office in the Chams Building, giving visitors another reason to stop and connect with fellow community members,” Siefert said. “And, if you haven’t tried it yet — check out the Waffle Truck at Sycamore Sweets. Something fun and new to the line-up.”

The next Meet Me on Market will be held this Friday from 5-7:30 p.m. or so in downtown Parkersburg. The event is bringing together local businesses, artists, musicians and community organizations and providing a number of activities and more. (Photo provided)

The Blennerhassett Hotel is also joining the festivities. Guests are encouraged to take a selfie with the portrait of William Chancellor displayed inside the hotel and learn more about the historical figure’s connection to the community. Later in the evening, guests can enjoy music in the hotel’s Speakeasy following the concert at Bicentennial Park.

Special “On Market BINGO” cards will be available at the SIPS Coffee Truck, Parkersburg Art Center and First Chapter Bookstore. Players who complete a row can return their cards to the Art Center or SIPS for a chance to win “On Market Money,” a $50 prize that can be spent at participating downtown businesses and restaurants before the end of 2026.

The excitement will continue when the iHeart Summer Jam arrives at Bicentennial Park on June 19. The free outdoor event begins at 7 p.m. with The Ultimate 80s Party featuring DJ Correct. A costume contest is planned, followed by a performance by Kids in America at 8 p.m.

Meet Me on Market events continue on the third Friday of the month through September, Siefert said.