HOT TIME IN THE OLD TOWN
Since 2002, the Wheeling Feeling Chili Cook-Off has been a summer staple at Heritage Port in Wheeling. From 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, June 1, the event will feature live music, a classic car show, and plenty of food and drinks … and chili! Attendees can buy tasting tickets to sample the dozens of chilis and salsas prepared by the contestants. Cooks can enter in a variety of categories in the event, which is an official International Chili Society competition. Proceeds from the chili cook-off benefit the United Way of the Upper Ohio Valley. 304-234-3736
EXHIBITS CELEBRATE WHEELING 250
The Museums of Oglebay Institute will present three new exhibits in conjunction with Wheeling 250, a yearlong community celebration commemorating Wheeling’s 250th anniversary. A free progressive opening reception is set from 4:30-7 p.m. Thursday, May 30, at the Mansion Museum & Glass Museum in Oglebay. Enjoy light bites at the Mansion and desserts and punch at the Glass Museum. The exhibits are on display through Sept. 2. Regular museum hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. 304-242-7272; www.oionline.com
• Listening Through the Lens: The Musical Portraits of George J. Kossuth — George J. Kossuth’s portraits immortalized internationally renowned musicians, singers, composers and conductors who visited Wheeling in the early-mid 1900s. His contributions to the cultural movement in Wheeling left a legacy that is still felt today.
• 50 for 250: Icons of Wheeling Glass — From basic tableware to the Sweeney Punch Bowl, glass has been a staple in the industrial life of Wheeling since the city’s earliest days. Fifty outstanding examples have been chosen from the world’s largest, most comprehensive collection of Wheeling-made glass in celebration of this enduring element of our local heritage.
• 25 Works By Wheeling Artists: From the Collection of The Museums of Oglebay Institute — Wheeling has a rich artistic heritage. This exhibit explores the role of the artists in elevating community culture and influencing generations of students, and underscores the enduring value and insights of their work.
A TASTE OF THE MARKET
Come sample delicious food from Centre Market establishments while benefiting Youth Services System Inc. and Lace Up For Kids at Taste of the Market, 6-8 p.m. Thursday, May 30. at Centre Market.
Entertainment will be provided by R.J. Gaudio and Jason Melegari. There will be a silent auction and 50/50 raffle during the event. Winner need not be present. $25. 304-232-4625; msampson@unitedwayuov.org.
COME TO THE CABARET!
Celebrate musical theater with A Towngate Cabaret! The show features dozens of Towngate’s veteran actors, singing tunes from new and classic musicals alike. Selections include “Show Off” from The Drowsy Chaperone, “All That Jazz” from Chicago, “You’ll Be Back” from Hamilton and many more! Tickets are $30 per person and include hors d’oeuvres, desserts and the show. Seating is general admission. Doors will open at 6 p.m. for a pre-show reception (included). The show will begin at 7 p.m. Proceeds benefit the Friends of Towngate, which supports the creative work of the theater, as well as projects to preserve the historic building. 304-242-7700; www.OIonline.com
OUT OF THIS WORLD
To kick off the Ohio County Public Library’s Summer Reading Program, “A Universe of Stories,” Madcap Puppets will return for a special OCPL program for kids, “The Great Space Caper,” at noon, Saturday, June 1. Famous space explorer, Buzby, crash lands his spaceship on a strange planet and forms an unlikely friendship with a stranded alien named Galax. Together, they uncover the mysteries of the universe as they search for a new planet that the funny little creature can call home. At 2 p.m., “A Universe of Stories,” host “Or-sun Wells” will lead participants in an interactive re-enactment of the famous 1938 radio broadcast of “War of the Worlds.” Various regular Lunch With Books attendees have volunteered take lead roles while smaller parts and sound effects will be provided by audience participation (not required, but encouraged). 304-232-0244; www.ohiocountylibrary.org
LUNCH WITH BOOKS
Authors David W. Mellott and Mark A. Snell will discuss their new book, The Seventh West Virginia Infantry: An Embattled Union Regiment from the Civil War’s Most Divided State, at noon, Tuesday, June 4, at Lunch With Books at the Ohio County Public Library. The talk will focus on the common soldiers who banded together to form the unit: who they were, where they came from, why they were motivated to join the fight and what they achieved. Wheeling’s role in helping to bring the unit together will also be discussed, as will the Seventh’s early war service in northern West Virginia. Finally, the speakers will provide a glimpse of the regiment’s noteworthy battlefield exploits in the Army of the Potomac. The authors will be sharing some material that is not found in the book. Mellott is a lawyer in Cleveland, Ohio. Several of his ancestors fought in the Seventh. Snell is the retired professor of history and director of the George Tyler Moore Center for the Study of the Civil War, Shepherd University. Lunch With Books programs are free and open to the public. Attendees are welcome to bring a bag lunch, and complimentary beverages are provided. 304-232-0244; www.ohiocountylibrary.org
TEA TIME
Join friends at St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church for the 200th Anniversary High Tea, with an “Alice in Wonderland” theme and music by Robert Troeger, along with church tours, from 2-4 p.m. Saturday, June 1. The tea is open to the community.
LURE OF THE LOIRE
Good Mansion Wines will explore wines from France’s huge central valley, from the crisp white Sancerre, to the mineral-laden Cabernet Franc based St. Nicolas de Bourgueil and Chinon wines, to the saline rich white Muscadet, to plush and soft red Anjou Rouge, at the Friday, May 31, wine tasting. All are light and perfect summer drinking wines, and will be served with French cheeses and French baguettes. 6 p.m. $15 at the door, no reservations needed. www.goodmansionwines.com
COWBOYZ & ROUGHRIDERS
The West Virginia Roughriders, Wheeling’s American Arena League football team, will play against the Carolina Cowboyz, 7 p.m. Friday, May 31,, at WesBanco Arena, 14th St., Wheeling. 304-233-4470
ECLECTIC ROCK
The Deep State band will bring its eclectic rock to Undo’s Elm Grove, from 9 p.m. to midnight, Saturday, June 1. The group specializes in familiar yet not-often-performed popular songs with unusual instrumentation, including a clarinet. Featuring songs made famous by Bill Withers, Aaron Neville, George Gershwin, Alabama Shakes, Amy Winehouse, Etta James and Ray Charles, the Deep State band plays widely varied, yet familiar, live music.
FIGHT THE FEAR FEST
Do you or someone you know need support while embarking on a journey to get clean? Fight the Fear Fest 2019 is Wheeling’s first drug addiction prevention and awareness concert. The event is set for 6 p.m. Saturday, June 1, at The Windmill.
CROSSCURRENTS
A staple of Oglebay Institute’s art exhibition season, Crosscurrents 2019 is open at OI’s Stifel Fine Arts Center. In its 40th year, this annual multi-media exhibition attracts some of the finest artwork from the tri-state region and features more than 80 pieces from dozens of artists. Crosscurrents 2019 can be seen free of charge from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday-Friday and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturdays through June 28. Evening hours are dependent on classes and special events. 304-242-7700; www.OIonline.com
FREE MOVIE NIGHT
Because of the predicted high river levels at Heritage Port on Friday, May 31, the free Movie Night, featuring Disney Pixar’s Coco, is being relocated to Warwood’s Garden Park, 1208 Warwood Ave. The start time remains at 9:30 p.m.
ALL SUMMER LONG …
SCENIC RIDES
Oglebay announces the return of scenic Segway tours! Tours take riders on an adventure through the park’s hard-surface trail system to enjoy breathtaking scenery while aboard the ultimate high-tech ride. Segway tours depart from Oglebay’s Schenk Lake boathouse daily at 9:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m., 1:30 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. Cost is $50 per person, and tours are approximately 90 minutes. All Segway riders must be at least 16 years of age and wear a helmet and closed-toe shoes. 304-243-4026; www.oglebay.com/segways.
DIVE INTO DISCOUNTS
Beat the heat and take advantage of special rates all summer long with Wheeling Park’s Fun After Five discount program. Through Aug. 9, park visitors will receive discounted pool admission of $3 for adults and $1 for children, plus free waterslide admission from 5-7 p.m. Guests can also enjoy half-priced activity wristbands daily after 5 p.m. Activity wristbands provide access to mini golf, swimming, water slide, tennis and pedal boats. 304-243-4085.
DIVE-IN, DRIVE-IN
Back by popular demand, Wheeling Park presents free summer drive-in movies. Grab a parking spot in front of the Wheeling Park White Palace at dusk for an old-fashioned drive-in experience. Drive-In movies take place from 9-11 p.m. on June 14, 28; July 12, 26; Aug. 16, 30. Guests who prefer to float with a flick can dive into the Wheeling Park pool to enjoy the summer dive-in movie series from 9-11 p.m. every Saturday from May 25-Aug. 10. Admission for kids ages 4-12 is $6.25, and admission for guests ages 13 and older is $7.25. The movie screening is included with the cost of pool admission. Dive-in movies can also be enjoyed free of charge from the upper level of Wheeling Park’s Stone Building. Drive-in and dive-in movie titles will not be published due to movie licensing constraints. However, guests are encouraged to visit the Wheeling Park Facebook page to participate in weekly movie guessing games, where they’ll be challenged to guess the movie titles for themselves. 304-243-4085; www.oglebay.com/wheeling-park.
SUMMER SERIES
• Jimmy Adler Band, 7 p.m., Sunday, June 2, Oglebay Sundaes Under the Stars, Anne Kuchinka Amphitheater
• De’Ja’Vu, 7 p.m., Tuesday, June 4, Wheeling Toe Tappin’ Tuesdays, Too, Wheeling Park Amphitheater
• Hoard & Jones, 7 p.m., Tuesday, June 4, St. Clairsville Summer Concert Series, Central Park Complex
• Hoard & Jones, 7 p.m., Wednesday, June 5, Wheeling Waterfront Wednesdays, Heritage Port
DOWN THE ROAD …
• Discover some hidden gems on Saturday, June 8, when Oglebay Institute presents the Secret Kitchens of Wheeling Tour and Gourmet Market. Begin by visiting the Mansion Museum in Oglebay between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., where you will receive a map for the self-guided tour. Each kitchen on the tour has its own unique story to tell and reflects the personal style of the homeowners. The event also features a Gourmet Market with more than 40 vendors selling items such as home decor, kitchen accessories, jewelry, garden items, plants, artwork, textiles, pottery, baskets and more. Vendors will set up their wares along the brick walkways outside the Burton Center, adjacent to the Mansion Museum from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. $17 (pre-sale) and $20 day of event. Marketplace shopping is free, and you can browse the market even if you choose not to go on the tour. www.OIonline.com; 304-242-7272.
• The Eckhart House is hosting two tea luncheons in June — June 15 in celebration of Father’s Day and a Summer Tea on June 29. The menus include freshly prepared tea sandwiches, scones served with sweet cream and jam, seasonal fruit, assorted confections and gourmet tea. Reservations are required. Teas can be arranged by appointment for groups of six to 26 persons. 304-232-5439; www.EckhartHouse.com
UP THE ROAD …
• Skyflight Productions presents an evening with Mark Stuart, Kyle Cox and Adrian Niles on Wednesday, June 5, at the Albert S. George Youth Center at Barnesville Memorial Park in Barnesville. After many years on the Americana/folk circuit, Stuart has cultivated a very rounded performance — his show consists of storytelling, flashy guitar “chops,” and songs that seem to draw from his rock, blues, country and folk music roots. Cox’s uncanny ability to connect with his audience is the bridge that leads his followers over the troubled waters of everyday life, like in the lonesome lullaby, “The One Left Behind.” Niles, a singer, songwriter and guitar slinger who fuses the raw passion of the blues with the force and swagger of rock ’n roll, grew up in the Upper Ohio Valley and was raised in a musical household. Doors will open at 7 p.m., and the show will begin at 7:30 p.m. $10. 423-276-2653 or Skyflight Productions on Facebook.
• Billy Kidd has crossed the pond all the way from England to present her new, exclusive magic act, Bridging the Gap, now through June 23 at Liberty Magic, 811 Liberty Ave., Pittsburgh. Kidd is the host of Discovery Channel’s Breaking Magic, Syfy’s Wizard Wars, Penn & Teller’s Fool Us and a regular on CW’s Masters of Illusion. She is the founder of Krowd Keepers, Bath, England’s very own weekly magic theater rated the No. 1 entertainment venue for four years running. Kidd is regarded as one of the pre-eminent sleight of hand and close-up magicians. 412-456-6666; TrustArts.org
• Tickets for the return of Disney’s The Lion King are on sale now. The Lion King will leap onto the Benedum Center stage on Sept. 4 for a limited four-week engagement through Sept. 29. Tickets available at TrustArts.org, in-person at the Box Office at Theater Square and by phone at 412-456-6666. Tickets for a sensory-friendly performance, scheduled for 2 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 14, can be purchased at TrustArts.org/sensoryfriendly or 412-456-2670.
• Pittsburgh Public Theater ends its season with the Pittsburgh premiere of Marjorie Prime, the funny and emotional sci-fi hit written by Jordan Harrison (TV’s “Orange is the New Black”) and directed by Marya Sea Kaminski, who is completing her first year as The Public’s artistic director. Marjorie Prime runs Thursday, May 30, through Sunday, June 30, at the O’Reilly Theater. In Harrison’s play — a finalist for the 2015 Pulitzer Prize — the company Senior Serenity manufactures “primes,” a holographic “person” made as a companion for someone who has lost a family member. Their artificial intelligence is loaded with memories specific to the customer who buys it. The play stars Nathan Hinton, a Morgantown, W.Va., native, known for Angels in America, Two Trains Running, Blood Knot, Romeo and Juliet, A Streetcar Named Desire, and others including television credits “Manifest,” “Madam Secretary,” “Elementary,” “The Good Wife” and the new military legal series “The Code.” 412-316-1600, ppt.org