As it happens every year, summer has suddenly slipped its way into fall. The nights are getting cooler, the leaves are starting to change, Oglebayfest is this weekend, and we’re only about a month out from Halloween! If you’re anything like us, you’re trying to figure out the best ways to check some classic, seasonal bucket list items off before autumn comes to an end. We’re here to offer some ideas for fun activities nearby, fall and Halloween-inspired menus around town, and hidden gem spots for fall foliage spotting in and around Wheeling!
Local Events & Activities
Oglebayfest
October 3-5 (event timing varies) – Oglebay Resort, 465 Lodge Dr. “Celebrate community spirit at the 48th annual Oglebayfest. Enjoy artisan markets, delicious local foods, fun contests, a parade, fireworks, and more. Our own unique version of Oktoberfest, this special event celebrates our local community, and the historic legacy of our iconic park resort here in scenic Wheeling, West Virginia.” Weekend event highlights include a gourmet market, German rathskeller, a country fair fireworks, food vendors & shopping, a .5k beer dash, live music, and a parade! Find more information, tickets, and event timing for Oglebayfest here.
Boo at the Zoo
October 3-26 (Fridays 5-8 PM, weekends 11 AM-8 PM) – Good Zoo, 345 Zoo Circle “Join us for a month of festive and fall activities at Oglebay’s Boo at the Zoo. Enjoy treat stations, decorated pathways, and don’t forget your Halloween costumes.” Event highlights include spooky train rides, decorations, kid-friendly food, and spooky dance performances.
Tickets for this event can be purchased here.
Wheeling Farmer’s Market (Final one of the 2025 Season) October 4 (8 AM-12 PM) – 1225 National Road, Wheeling
“We are celebrating 70+ years of the farmers market in Wheeling! Many vendors have come and gone, but we’re proud to continue this cooperative association currently of 26 vendors working together to have a common goal of small business ownership with our wonderful customers!”
Halloween Movie Night at the Strand Theatre – The Conjuring October 9 (6:30 PM) – Strand Theatre, Corner of 5th St and Jefferson Ave, Moundsville
“Join us for a free date night, night out with friends, or enjoy time by yourself with some pre-Halloween festivities on Thursday, October 9th at the Strand Theatre. Doors open at 6:30 PM and the movie starts at 7:00PM. Free entry, adult beverages for purchase.” (Adults only).
The Vampire Circus at the Capitol Theatre
October 10 at 8 PM – Capitol Theatre, 1015 Main Street, Wheeling “The Vampire Circus is a journey that takes audiences into an immersive experience, plunging guests into a deep hypnotic state while “breaking the fourth wall.” With Vampire Circus, audiences are fully integrated into what is happening in front of them, surrounding them, and at times “inside” of them. The Vampire Circus will delight the senses and deliver the unexpected. As the moon comes out, the magical mystique of the Vampire World begins. Come meet the Vampires. We will leave the lights off for you!”
Tickets for this event can be purchased here.
Oglebay Fright Lights
October 10-12, 17-19, & 24-26 (6-10 PM) – Oglebay Resort, 465 Lodge Drive “Lights, Frights & Fun! Celebrate spooky season with Fright Lights! Enjoy lakeside light shows, glowing swan boat rides and seasonal treats—weekends in October at Oglebay Park Resort.” Event highlights include lakeside light shows, the Shack of Screams, the Haunted Heights Aerial Experience, the Shimmering Swan Boats, glow-in-the-dark mini putt-putt, and special themed Spooky Story Times.
Spooky Glow Golf at Grand Vue Park
October 11 and 25 at 7:30 PM – Grand Vue Park, 250 Trail Dr, Moundsville “Spooky Glow Golf is back! For $7.00 you can play a full 18-hole round of mini golf, and we have plenty of glow in the dark & spooky elements to guide your way! Drinks and Ice Cream are available for purchase! Reminder: Course is dark with glowing elements. Last Group at 9:30 PM. Come out and try something new!”
Annual Fall Book Sale at the Ohio County Public Library
October 17-18 – Ohio County Public Library, 52 16th Street
“The Ohio County Public Library (OCPL), 52 16th Street, Wheeling will hold its semi-annual Fall Book Sale, October 17-18 at the Library.”
Fall Paint and Sip at Black Sheep Winery
October 18 at 1 PM – Black Sheep Vineyard, 1454 US Route 250 Adena, OH
“Whooo wants to paint this little Hootie at Black Sheep on Oct. 18 at 1pm?? The Unleashed Brush is happy to show you how! You can personalize with colors, make your pumpkin a jack-o-lantern, or sparkle up the acorns! Always the best time and never run out of wine with Black Sheep! Cost is $40 for a 16×20 canvas and a drink on me. Register soon with Black Sheep or call the Unleashed Brush at 304-670-0878!”
Wheeling Ghost Walk
October 18 at 6:30 PM & 7:30 PM – Wheeling Independence Hall, 1528 Market Street “Costumed guides will tell stories of weird and unusual happenings at West Virginia Independence Hall – the most historic (and perhaps one of the most haunted) in West Virginia. Tickets are $10 per person. Attendance is limited. Reservations are recommended.”
To reserve tickets, call West Virginia Independence Hall at 304-238-1300.
Pumpkin Paint!
October 19 from 1-3 PM – Moundsville River Front Park, 13th St, Moundsville “Join us for a FREE Pumpkin Painting Event! Enjoy free pumpkins, paint, snacks, and get creative with us!”
Make a Pumpkin! Beginner Knitting Class
October 21 at 5 PM – Cockayne Farmstead, 1105 Wheeling Ave, Glen Dale “Make your own cute little pumpkin just in time for fall! This class is a beginner knitting class, no previous knitting experience required. All materials and tools will be provided. This is a three week class that begins Tuesday, October 21, and continues for the next three Tuesdays (until November 4) from 5-6pm. Cost of the class is $60 per person. MCHS members receive a 20% discount.”
To register, contact the Cockayne Farmstead at cockaynehouse@gmail.com or by calling 304-845-1411.
Oglebay Institute Halloween Wine and Craft Beer Event
October 24 at 6:30 PM – Stifel Fine Arts Center, 1330 National Road, Wheeling “An Evening of Wine AND Beer! Oglebay Institute has combined its Art of Wine and Art & Ale craft beer series into one special event. Enjoy the best of both worlds Friday, October 24 at this Halloween-themed party! Wines and beers will be paired with foods that complement each selection. Craft beers will be provided by some of the area’s top brewers! $50 ($45 OI members).
Registration for this event can be found here or by calling 304-242-7700.
Dinner & A Movie: “Arsenic and Old Lace”
October 24 (Dinner at 6:30, Movie at 7:30) – Towngate Theatre, 2118 Market Street
“A unique movie theater in Wheeling, Towngate offers screenings of some of America’s most iconic films. Pre-screening dinner (6:30 p.m.), movie ticket & popcorn – $30 (Reservation required.) Movie only – $8 (No reservation required.) Moviegoers have the option to have dinner in Towngate’s social room prior to the screening. Park once and enjoy twice the fun! Dinners will be served promptly at 6:30 p.m. before each film. After dinner, head upstairs for the movie at 7:30 p.m. The cost for dinner is $30 and includes your seat for the movie, all food, coffee, tea, water and a box of popcorn to enjoy during the film. Beer and wine are available for purchase.
You must make reservations for dinner by 5pm Wednesday [October 22nd] prior to the screening. You don’t need to make reservations for the film.”
Register for pre-screening dinner online here or by calling 304-242-7700.
Freaky Friday in the Friendly City
October 24 – 1053 Main St. and 2200 Market St., Wheeling
“Join us across downtown Wheeling on Friday, October 24, 2025, for a spooky celebration!
Plaza on Market (5:30-7:30 PM)
- Trick or Treat at the Candy Stations
- Shop the Halloween Vendors
- Get a balloon animal from Jingles the Clown
- And more!
Centre Market (6-10 PM)
- Shop the Halloween Vendors
- Listen to the band Jukebox from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m.
- Visit local stores and restaurants (specials list coming soon!)”
For more information, visit their website here.
Fall Menus
Fall Menu at Table 304
1509 Main St – Open Mon-Sat 7:30 AM – 3 PM
Table 304 is already serving up fall favorites! Stop by to grab a Pumpkin Sweet Cream Cold Brew, Pumpkin Pie Chai, Salted Honey Latte, Packer’s Orchard Apple Cider, or any of their delicious seasonal offerings. Plus, their pastry case is stocked with seasonal baked goods! Then pick a seat and enjoy the ambiance of this local favorite cafe or take your drink to-go and walk around lovely Heritage Port to enjoy the bright colors of fall in Downtown Wheeling!
Drink Specials at Mugshots
1109 Main St – Open Mon-Fri 6:30 AM – 5 PM and Sundays 10 AM – 3 PM
Celebrate the season at Mugshots with one of their fall specials! From a classic Pumpkin Spice Latte, to a Pumpkin Brulee Chai, to a Pumpkin Spice Affogato (that’s a double shot of espresso poured over vanilla gelato and drizzled with house-made pumpkin spice sauce…yum!) Mugshots has it covered in the autumnal drinks department. We recommend enjoying your beverage on one of the comfy couches in the back of the cafe, overlooking the fall foliage along the Ohio River.
Fall Friday Lunches and more at Good Mansion Wines
95 14th St – Lunch available 11 AM – 2 PM, pre-order recommended Visit Good Mansion for delicious fall menu items throughout the season! Their October Fall Fridays lineup includes Galette Complete (10/3), Pasta Alla Norcina (10/10), Ukrainian Holubtsi (10/17), and Wurst Und Kartoffelsalat (10/24). Plus, shop all month for pumpkin ravioli, soup, tarts, macarons, cannoli, cinnamon rolls, pizza, and mousse. See the full fall menu and place orders here.
Sweet Treats at Sweet Abe’s Bake Shop
1151 National Road, Wheeling – Open Tues-Fri 8 AM – 5 PM and Sat-Sun 8 AM – 2PM Visit Sweet Abe’s Bakeshop for an unmissable fall treat, with seasonal offerings including Pumpkin Cupcakes, Pumpkin Cream Cheese Rolls, Black Forest Dessert Cups, Chocolate Nutella Croissants, Caramel Apple Bread Pudding, Cinnamon Sugar Muffins, and so many more. We recommend taking your sweet treat as a picnic in nearby Wheeling Park to enjoy the fall leaves!
Seasonal Lunch Specials and Soups at Elle & Jack’s
1201 Chapline St – Open Tues-Fri 11 AM – 3 PM and 4:30 – 9 PM, and Sat 4:30 – 10 PM
Stay updated on Elle & Jack’s seasonal, rotating, weekly lunch menus. Recent weekly lunches have included items such as pork schnitzel sandwiches, butternut squash ravioli with brown butter, and herb crusted lamb. We always look forward to seeing what they have on offer each week, and their daily housemade soup specials are always a good idea!
Check out Elle & Jacks Facebook page here to see what’s cooking this week.
Fall-Themed Cocktails at Char House on the Boulevard
1055 E Bethlehem Blvd – Open Mon-Thurs 11 AM – 9 PM, Fri-Sat 11 AM – 11 PM, and Sun 11 AM – 8 PM
Stop by Char House for a seasonal cocktail, including a Maple Old Fashioned, a Spiced Apple Mule, or a Pumpkin Pie Martini with a pumpkin spiced rim. Enjoy your cocktail, “crafted to capture the crisp, cozy vibes of Autumn”, on the Char House’s lovely heated, covered patio before it closes for the cold season!
Fall Menu Specials Sarah’s on Main
2122 Main St., Wheeling – Open Tues-Fri 7 AM – 2 PM and Sat 7 AM – 12 PM Check out one of Sarah’s incredible weekly, rotating special menus, with recent past items including a fall salad, pumpkin pizza, lobster rolls, caramel apple danishes, and maple pecan cruffins. You won’t want to miss this local favorite cafe’s fun seasonal menus on their iconic side patio and garden.
Autumnal Treats at the Fat Apple Bakery
225 Main St., Bridgeport, OH – Open Wed-Sat 10 AM – 6 PM
Visit the nearby Fat Apple Bakery to pick up some fun seasonal baked goods, desserts, and treats. Candy apples, cinnamon rolls, apple cider slushies, seasonal pies, themed cookies, old fashioned donuts, and maple cupcakes are just some of the items being offered this season.
Halloween Parties
River City Annual Halloween Party
October 24 at 9 PM – River City Restaurant, 1400 Main St, Wheeling “The most frightening haunt in Wheeling: River City Halloween Party. Calling all ghosts and goblins! Join our Halloween Party for a night full of fun, food, and fantastic costumes! 13 total prizes including a vacation giveaway for the best costume!
Haunted House Party
Featuring Casket Candy, Wilhelm & The Screams October 25 at 8 PM – Clientele Art Studio, 43 15th Street
“Last year’s Haunted House Party at Clientele was THE social event of spooky season! Packed from the door to stage, all the boys and ghouls danced, laughed and had wicked time. Join us at Clientele Art Studio on Saturday, October 25th from 8 PM to 12 AM! Get ready for an unforgettably wicked evening filled with: Haunted tunes to dance, mingle and warm up the night. Chilling adult beverages and treats. Live Music by Casket Candy and Wilhelm & The Screams. Costume Contest (Prize details coming soon!) Cover Charge: Online $12.50/ At Door $15 (cash only). Wear your Halloween costumes!!!”
A Gnarly Bite on Halloween Night
A Murder Mystery Dinner Theatre October 31 at 6:30 PM – Waterfront Hall, 1230 Water Street
“A 1980’s-themed Halloween Murder Mystery Dinner Theatre event, presented by 1 Mob, Inc. On the THIRD FLOOR OF WATERFRONT HALL! Ticket includes catered dinner and non-alcoholic drinks. Alcoholic drinks will be available for purchase. Food is provided by Mountaineer Catering. Performance will take place in between the rows of tables – there’s not a bad seat in the house! Prizes awarded for solving the mystery, best Halloween costume, and best-dressed 1980’s!”
Witch, Please! Dance Party & Drag Show
October 31 at 8 PM – Capitol Theatre Ballroom, 1015 Main Street
“Join us for a wicked night of fun! The Friendlier City Project is transforming the Capitol Theatre Ballroom into a jam-packed monster mash with a hauntingly good DJ, signature cocktails, a lucrative costume contest, spook-tacular dance floor and a hauntingly good drag show with outstanding local queens and kings! 7:30pm: Doors open, 8pm: Dance Party, 10pm: Drag Show. 18+ entry only.”
Halloween Party ft DJ Reign
October 31 at 9 PM – Generations Restaurant and Pub, 336 National Road “Bring your best costume and dance the night away with DJ Reign!”
Bucket of Puppies Halloween Spooktacular
October 31 at 9 PM – Waterfront Hall, 1230 Water Street
“Who doesn’t love a Bucket of Puppies? BoP is a 5 piece Appalachian Jam Band [featuring] Sarah Haywhacker – vocals, Matthew Locy & Derrick Beattie – guitars, Jan Dikstra – bass, and Travis Hoard – drums
Join us for a groovalicious Halloween show and costume contest! Contest details coming soon, so start thinking about your costume now! This party is the same night as our Murder Mystery Dinner Theatre event, and if you attended that you can get into the show for $5! Tickets: $15 presale / $20 night of / $5 for Murder Mystery attendees
Scenic Spots and Local Hikes
Mount Wood Overlook
Visit Mount Wood Overlook for a perfect view over Downtown Wheeling and the Ohio River, as well as the beautiful fall foliage.
Grand Vue Park
Head a bit south to Moundsville’s Grand Vue Park and take a lovely park walk to see the autumn colors.
Oglebay Resort
No list of Wheeling scenic spots is complete without mentioning Oglebay Park. Choose between walking trails, short hikes, and longer excursions as you explore the park through peak season.
Heritage Port
Pick up a local snack, coffee, or even cocktail (thanks, PODA!) and sit at the pretty riverside park at Heritage Port and watch the leaves fall.
Heritage Trail
Walk, bike, run, or skip down Heritage Trail to North Wheeling or Warwood to take in the fantastic leafy tunnels and bright colors of autumn.
Wheeling Park
Visit beautiful Wheeling Park and enjoy the landscaping, walking paths, and foliage. We recommend taking a picnic or seasonal coffee up to the bandstand!
Local Breweries and Wineries
Head over to Moss Farms Winery, Black Sheep Vineyard, or Hightower Brewery for local drinks, beautiful locations, and stellar fall views.
Bethany College
For a fun, unique location, visit the nearby, beautiful, and historic brick and ivy campus of Bethany College for cozy, dark academia vibes while the school buildings are covered in classic fall leaves. Even the drive up is worth it!
Wheeling Suspension Bridge
Wander along the historic Wheeling Suspension bridge for perfect leaf peeping opportunities and great views of the Ohio River, Downtown Wheeling, Wheeling Island, and Ohio.
