People share a meal at the Parkersburg Art Center's 2025 Tastes and Tunes event on Market Street. (Photo provided)

PARKERSBURG – The Parkersburg Art Center will host its Tastes and Tunes fundraiser from 7-10 p.m. Saturday in the 700 block of Market Street.

“Tastes and Tunes is one of those special nights where everything comes together – great music, delicious food, friends, family and supporters who believe in the power of the arts,” said Jessie Siefert, managing director of the Parkersburg Art Center. “It’s a chance to kick back and enjoy a summer evening under the Edison lights on Market, all while helping us keep art and art education for all accessible and thriving in our region.”

Siefert said organizers are optimistic smoke from the Peoples Cartage warehouse fire south of the city will have dissipated by the day of the event.

“If there is evidence of very poor air quality, we can move the entire event into the Art Center,” she said. “We have more than enough space to accommodate the 300 guests and activities. That is also the contingency plan in case of rain.”

Spots can be reserved online at www.parkersburgartcenter.org by Thursday. Tickets are $45 per person.

An event wristband includes a concert, a fully catered meal, desserts and non-alcoholic beverages. Valley Catering will prepare a menu featuring a small bites station with meats, cheeses, dips, fruits, veggies and artisan breads; a loaded baked potato bar; pulled pork station, also featuring pulled chicken, with sauces and rolls; a selection of salads; chips; salsa bar; and desserts like cookies and brownies. Lemonade, iced tea and water are also included. This year Maggie Moos Creamery is partnering with the PAC to bring her ice cream cart to the street.

The Sour Mash String Band will perform their mix of bluegrass, truegrass and newgrass with a twist of hillbilly funk throughout the evening.

A selection of beers and wines will be available for purchase at two bars. Tickets will also let people spin for a win at the Wine Wheel, try for prizes at the new Human Slot Machine game or get a quick portrait at the new Human Photo Booth featuring portrait artists Beth Nash, Virginia Killian and Kevin Oliphant.

Drink and game tickets will be sold at the gate to streamline purchases once inside. Cash is preferred at the ticket purchase tables but cards will be accepted.

“We love saving that credit card processing fee!” says Abby Hayhurst, PAC artistic director.

During the evening, guests can also visit The Market, the PAC’s artist market and gift shop, and explore the galleries. It will be the final day to view Visual Music, Sculptured Stories & The Post-Modern Funeral, featuring works by West Virginia artists Linda Stonestreet, Bob Fisher, and Kevin Allison, as well as an exhibit showcasing the 24 senior students who participated in the Art Is Life/Life Is Art class series.

The galleries and The Market will have options for indoor seating throughout the event so people can step in if it proves to be another warm evening.

Questions can be directed to the Art Center at info@parkersburgartcenter.org or call 304-485-3859.