People check out the work of local wood carvers during the Meet Me on Market event in June 2025 in front of the Parkersburg Art Center. (Photo provided)

PARKERSBURG – Downtown Parkersburg’s Meet Me on Market event returns Friday with an emphasis on shopping, food, art, music and family activities.

Most activities will take place between 5 and 7:30 or 8 p.m., according to a release from Downtown PKB, which presents the third Friday events from May through September with support from the Parkersburg Art Center and SIPS Coffee Truck.

A special “On Market BINGO” game will debut during the May event. Visitors can pick up bingo cards at SIPS Coffee Truck, Parkersburg Art Center or 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 the year. A winner will be announced on Tuesday, and a new drawing will take place each month during the Meet Me on Market season.

At the Parkersburg Art Center, visitors can experience the Frederick Hays Exhibit, enjoy hands-on gallery guides for children and build at the Lego station. The Market will host a weaving demonstration by Margee Bias and adoptable dogs visiting from the Humane Society.

SIPS Coffee Truck will be at Highmark Plaza hosting the Simply Kin Market which will feature six art and craft vendor booths.

Customers line up at SIPS Coffee Truck during a Meet Me on Market event last year in downtown Parkersburg. (Photo provided)

Discovery World on Market will have $5 admission until closing at 5 p.m. Artsbridge will host an exhibit with extended hours, family art projects, a selfie station on Avery Street, and acoustic performances.

At Sycamore Sweets, the Waffle Wagon will be set up outside and Brothers Down will perform from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. First Chapter Bookstore will promote its summer reading program and host author Joy Held. The Actors Guild of Parkersburg will feature a live outdoor performance.

Additional activities include sidewalk chalk drawings and a “putt-for-a-prize” golf activity from West Virginia University at Parkersburg, a sidewalk book sale and children’s activities from United Way Alliance of the Mid-Ohio Valley, and a hands-on activity from the Wood County Historical and Preservation Society. Downtown PKB will also provide yard games.

“These evenings have given us a wonderful way to connect with our neighbors, highlight the talent and energy in our community, and show that downtown Parkersburg is alive and welcoming,” said Jessie Siefert, a member of Downtown PKB’s board of directors. “We encourage everyone to enjoy this evening together, but also to remember that the businesses and organizations downtown are open year-round. Don’t wait for a special event to explore.”

More information is available by following Meet Me on Market on Facebook and Instagram.