(Graphic Illustration - MetroCreativeConnection)

PARKERSBURG — Downtown Parkersburg will kick off a new event series on Friday with Meet Me on Market, the first in a lineup of Third Friday events happening monthly through September. The event runs from 5-7 p.m., with some locations staying open later, and offers an evening of music, art, food, drink specials, late shopping, and a community scavenger hunt – showcasing the energy and creativity of downtown, organizers said.

The theme for May is “Flight,” and businesses are getting creative to bring it to life. One of the main attractions will be the Simply Kin Mini-Market Pop-Up at Highmark Plaza (Seventh and Market streets), featuring local craft and food vendors and the Sips Coffee Truck, which will serve drinks throughout the evening.

Local author A.E. Fox will host a special pre-release party at First Chapter Bookstore from 4-7 p.m., where fans can purchase a deluxe edition of her latest novel before its official release. Refreshments will be served, and the store will remain open until 8 p.m.

At the Parkersburg Art Center, visitors can enjoy hands-on experiences like pottery wheel demos by Jennifer Eisenmann and watercolor painting with Lynda Rhodes. The Solid Waste Authority will offer a free craft activity, and snacks and drinks will be available at the cash bar (with PODA cups so guests can sip and stroll).

The Art Center will also unveil the grand reopening of The Market, its gift shop, at 5 p.m. with food and prize raffles from 5-7 p.m.

Parkersburg Brewing Company will offer free tours, happy hour pricing all evening, and live music from Evie Schaffer. Nearby, Artsbridge will be open with a selfie station, a family art project, and possibly some live music as well.

At Wine Down on Market, guests can enjoy $1 off cocktails and $2 off wine by the glass–and take their drinks to-go in a PODA cup. Across the street, Enhanced Wellness will welcome guests into its first-floor lobby for a night of self-care, featuring glow-ups and express facials. Artbeat Studio will lead a collaborative outdoor mural project at the corner of Eighth and Market streets.

Adding to the “Flight” theme, West Virginia University at Parkersburg recruiters will be on hand with a paper airplane-making station, the United Way will offer children’s crafts, and the Resiliency Center will be open for tours.

A highlight of each Meet Me on Market event will be the monthly scavenger hunt bingo. Visitors can pick up a bingo card and explore participating locations to complete it. Finished cards can be turned in at the Sips Coffee Truck for a chance to win a prize bundle filled with items from local businesses. The prize drawing will take place on Tuesday, May 20.

There will be more surprises along the way so put on your comfy shoes, bring friends and family for an evening exploration of your downtown Parkersburg community, organizers said.

Organizers see Meet Me on Market as a growing tradition–a chance to support local businesses, artists, and community groups while enjoying a unique and festive evening downtown. Each month will bring a new theme, new activities, and more reasons to explore Market Street.

For event updates and sneak peeks, follow Meet Me on Market on Facebook and Instagram.