The Parkersburg Art Center will hold its annual ArtOberfest event on Saturday, Oct. 11, on Market Street in downtown Parkersburg. (Photo Provided)

PARKERSBURG — ArtOberfest and Chalk the Block return to the Parkersburg Art Center on Saturday, Oct. 11, filling the 700 and 800 blocks of Market Street with creativity, live music, and community fun.

Admission is free, though friendly volunteers will be at the entry gates accepting donations to support the Art Center.

The day begins with Chalk the Block from 1-5 p.m., when artists of all ages transform the sidewalks into colorful works of art. Visitors can stroll the block, watch the artists in action, and vote for their favorite designs. Prizes will be awarded for the top pieces.

This portion of the day is sponsored by Hall Financial Advisors and will include a live radio remote from WXIL.

From 5-9 p.m., the evening portion of ArtOberfest takes over the 700 block, featuring live music, food, drinks, and dozens of creative vendors and makers. Artists and artisans include Appalachian Weird, ArtBeat Studio, Brush & Hook, C’s Reclaimed Boutique, Corrissa Flesher Art & Designs, DJ’s Sweet Creations, Dopeface Knitwear, Elegantly Edgar, Gibboney’s Bakery, Glitzern Boutique, Good Grief Tie Dyes, Ivy Peeples, J & T Bakery, LC Design, Made By Meish, Marietta Henna, Mystic Moon Gift Shop, The Novel Notion, Weese Wood Gems, and area woodcarvers.

Live music will fill the street throughout the evening, with performances by Jesse Forest and Division Street. Food and drinks will be available from WineDown on Market, Parkersburg Brewing Company, The Hangry House, Midge’s Hotdog Cart, and Mandy Jo’s Bakery.

The Art Center will also host a cash beer and wine bar–guests wishing to purchase alcohol should be prepared to show ID at the entry gates.

Inside the PAC, visitors can explore the Holly Cole: “Animalia” exhibit. A Lego building station and a Discovery World-sponsored kids’ activity will also be open from 5-7 p.m.

Artists interested in participating in Chalk the Block can register online to reserve their sidewalk “canvas.” The first 20 to sign up will receive a free set of 48 chalk pastels. Voting will take place during the event, with winners announced on Oct. 15.

If it rains, activities will move indoors to the Parkersburg Art Center.

ArtOberfest and Chalk the Block are made possible thanks to the support of Mary Riccobene, Munoz Law, Downtown PKB, Premier Productions, Discount Pool Supply, iHeart Media, Wilfong Dental, WineDown on Market, United Bank, and the Blennerhassett Hotel & Spa.

For more information or to register for Chalk the Block, visit www.parkersburgartcenter.org/upcomingcurrent-events, email info@parkersburgartcenter.org, or call 304-485-3859.