I
t's the first weekend of June and the Kanawha Valley is in full celebration mode. From Pride events to the rodeo, charity runs to car cruise ins, to author events, dance showcases and much, much more, it won't be hard to find something to do this weekend. Here's what's happening now through Sunday from Nitro to Montgomery, and everywhere in between.
And make sure you never miss an event – click here to subscribe to the FREE Kanawha Valley Update newsletter to get more local news and other happenings delivered each weekday to your inbox.
Friday, June 5
Music
-
LIVE ON THE LEVEE: 6 p.m. Free. Featuring Low Cut Connie with Joslyn & The Sweet Compression. Haddad Riverfront Park, 600 Kanawha Blvd. E., Charleston.
-
DUO FIELDS: 6:30-9:30 p.m. Free. Short Story Brewing, 186 Summers St., Charleston.
-
MATTHEW MALINOSKI: 7-9 p.m. Free. Coal River Coffee Co., 66 Olde Main Plaza, St. Albans.
-
HOT JAZZ: 7:30 p.m. $10 suggested donation. Pumzi’s, 813 Hunt Ave., Charleston.
-
ROB MCNURLIN: 7:30-9:30 p.m. Free. Taylor Books, 226 Capitol St., Charleston.
-
BEN JAMN: 9-11 p.m. Free. DC’s Sports Bar, 8022 MacCorkle Ave., Marmet.
-
EAST END GHOULS: 10 p.m. $10 cover. Ages 21+. Official Pride after party. The Empty Glass, 410 Elizabeth St., Charleston.
Dance
-
MID-ATLANTIC DANCE INITIATIVE CONCERTS: 7:30 p.m. Free. Featuring Eisenhower Dance Detroit, guest artists from Louisville Ballet, James Kinney, Cory Betts, Shelby Nelson, MaShawn Morton, Kayleb Jones, Javier Ignacio Padilla Garcia, and previous MADI Award winners. Charleston Coliseum & Convention Center, 200 Civic Center Drive, Charleston.
-
PARTY AFTER THE LEVEE: 9 p.m. DJ Steady, dancing, drinks, karaoke, food, and late-night fun. Tickers & Timbers, 210 Capitol St., Charleston.
Stage/Theater
-
CLUE – LIVE ON STAGE: 7:30 p.m. Tickets $49.50+. Clay Center, 1 Clay Square, Charleston.
-
I LOVE BOOSTERS: 7:30 p.m. $12 general admission, $7 students with valid ID. Floralee Hark Cohen Cinema, 226 Capitol St., Charleston.
-
WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE’S “KING LEAR”: 8 p.m. $15 adults, $10 seniors/students. Alban Arts Academy, 2121 Kanawha Terrace, St. Albans.
-
LEE STREET DRAG SHOW: 11 p.m. and 12:30 a.m. Lee Street Lounge, 222 Leon Sullivan Way, Charleston.
Etc.
-
POWER UP EXERCISE CLASS: 10:30-11:30 a.m. Free. South Charleston Public Library, 312 Fourth Ave., South Charleston.
-
NEIGHBORWORKS WEEKS COMMUNITY COOKOUT: 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Free. Sponsored by CommunityWorks in WV. CommunityWorks in West Virginia, 4302 Crede Drive, Charleston.
-
CONTRACEPTION CORNER: 3-5 p.m. Free. An in-person contraception and sexual health prevention conversation for youth age 16-24. Sponsored by WV Free. WVSU Economic Development Center, 1506 Kanawha Blvd. W., Charleston.
-
2026 SUMMER BASH BLOCK PARTY: 5 p.m. Free. Featuring a live performance by Yung Joc, beats by DJ Charlie Blac and Uncle Woody, performances by Cam Penn and MTA Lynn, and more. Prime 101, 101 Capitol St., Charleston.
-
COMMUNITIES OVER COMPUTERS SCREEN PRINTING PARTY: 5 p.m. Join the West Virginia Environmental Council and West Virginia Citizen Action Group for a fun upcycling First Friday event. Bring along an old shirt, tote bag, tea towel, or other item to screen print using a gorgeous design by the Sierra Student Coalition at WVU. There will be a limited supply of thrifted shirts to use if you don't have an item of your own. West Virginia Citizen Action Group, 1500 Dixie St., Charleston.
-
NITRO ANTIQUE CAR CLUB CRUZE IN: 5-8 p.m. Free. Includes antique cars, DJ’d music and free hot dogs, chips and drinks. In front of City Hall, 2009 20th St., Nitro.
-
DEAF COFFEE CHAT: 5:30-8:30 p.m. Free. ASL activities, Deaf culture, games, snacks, and more. All ages and skill levels welcome. Habitat ReStore, 301 Piedmont Road, Charleston.
-
AUTHOR EVENT WITH BETH HOWARD: 6 p.m. Free. Taylor Books, 226 Capitol St., Charleston.
-
DRAG RACE & BLOCK PARTY: 6-10 p.m. Free. Featuring drag performances, beats spun by DJ EJ, a one-of-a-kind Drag Race Relay, beer (for visitors age 21+) and more. Proceeds benefit the Kanawha-Charleston Humane Association. City Center at Slack Plaza, 182 Summers St., Charleston.
-
SAHS RED DRAGONS' FOOTBALL CARNIVAL: 6-10 p.m. $25-$30 per person for an unlimited ride wristband, or $1.25 per individual ticket with discounts when purchasing quantities of 20 or more. Roadside Park, 612 MacCorkle Ave., St. Albans.
-
DUOLINGO LANGUAGE & CHESS CLASS: 6:30 p.m. Free. Clendenin Brewing Co., 2 Main Street, Clendenin.
-
NIGHT OF PRAYER & WORSHIP: 7 p.m. Living Word Christian Center, 1418 Kanawha Blvd. E., Charleston.
-
BOARD GAME NIGHT: 7-10 p.m. All ages welcome. Bring a group of friends and your own game or borrow one from the Meadery. Outside food permitted. Dog friendly, but pets must be on leash. Wandering Wind Meadery, 422 Washington St. West, Charleston.
-
BATTLE OF THE BEAST RODEO: 8 p.m. $25 per person. An action-packed rodeo with barrel racing, mutton bustin and bull riding. Gates open 6 p.m. Country music performance by Kayla Smith at 7 p.m. Rodeo begins at 8 p.m. Rocking ‘A Rodeo, 124 Surface Drive, Charleston.
-
GREENBRIER POOL ADULT POOL PARTY: 8 p.m. $10 per person. Greenbrier Pool, 5103 Chesterfield Ave., Charleston.
Saturday, June 6
Music
-
GARY HAYS: 5-7 p.m. Free. Lola’s, 1038 Bridge Road, Charleston.
-
ANALOG BOY ACOUSTIC TRIO: 6-9 p.m. Free. Cozumel on the River, 5930 MacCorkle Ave., St. Albans.
-
TWO ROOMATES: 7:30-9:30 p.m. Free. Short Story Brewing, 186 Summers St., Charleston.
-
JALYN SHORT: 7:30-9:30 p.m. Free. Taylor Books, 226 Capitol St., Charleston.
-
SOMETHIN’ SPECIAL: 8 p.m. The ROQ, 1022 Quarrier St., Charleston.
-
EMPTY GLASS LIVE: 9 p.m. $7 cover. Featuring Heavy Hitters, Travis Echols, Szeshwan Kenobi and Power Forward. The Empty Glass, 410 Elizabeth St., Charleston.
Dance
- MID-ATLANTIC DANCE INITIATIVE CONCERTS: 7:30 p.m. Free. Featuring Eisenhower Dance Detroit, guest artists from Louisville Ballet, James Kinney, Cory Betts, and adjudicated works from regional dancers. Charleston Coliseum & Convention Center, 200 Civic Center Drive, Charleston.
Stage/Theater
-
STEAL THIS STORY, PLEASE: 2:30 p.m. $12 general admission, $7 students with valid ID. Floralee Hark Cohen Cinema, 226 Capitol St., Charleston.
-
I LOVE BOOSTERS: 5 p.m. $12 general admission, $7 students with valid ID. Floralee Hark Cohen Cinema, 226 Capitol St., Charleston.
-
BLUE HERON: 7:30 p.m. $12 general admission, $7 students with valid ID. Floralee Hark Cohen Cinema, 226 Capitol St., Charleston.
-
WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE’S “KING LEAR”: 8 p.m. $15 adults, $10 seniors/students. Alban Arts Academy, 2121 Kanawha Terrace, St. Albans.
-
LEE STREET DRAG SHOW: 11 p.m. and 12:30 a.m. The Lee Street Lounge, 222 Leon Sullivan Way, Charleston.
Etc.
-
SPECIAL OLYMPICS OF WEST VIRGINIA 2026 SUMMER GAMES: Various times. Over 400 athletes and Unified partners from around the state will compete in athletics (track and field), bocce, cornhole, softball and swimming competitions. Full details at this link. Various locations, including Laidley Field, Charleston.
-
CAMC FOUNDATION RUN FOR YOUR LIFE: 8 a.m. $30 per entrant. Five mile run and 2.5 walk. Proceeds benefit benefit colorectal cancer awareness and screening initiatives. Haddad Riverfront Park, 601 Kanawha Blvd. E., Charleston.
-
CHARLESTON PARKRUN: 8 a.m. Free. Magic Island, 181 Kanawha Blvd.W., Charleston.
-
CAR WASH & HOT DOG SALE: 8-11 a.m. Proceeds benefit Dunbar Football and Cheer League. City National Bank, 304 10th St., Dunbar.
-
BLOCK SALE & HOT DOG SALE: 8 a.m.-2 p.m. New Hope Advent Christian Church, 1001 Crescent Road, Charleston.
-
INSIDE YARD SALE: 9 a.m. Free entrance. Come browse through a wide variety of treasures. Enjoy delicious hot dogs while you shop. All proceeds benefit The Salvation Army. Salvation Army, 301 Mary St., Charleston.
-
NATIONAL TRAILS DAY CELEBRATION: 9 a.m. Free. Join the Kanawha Valley Trail Alliance for work on the Log Town reroute beginning at 9 a.m., followed by a Homemade BBQ Picnic After-Party at Shelter 10 at noon. Kanawha State Forest, 7420 Kanawha State Forest Drive, Charleston.
-
NATIONAL TRAILS DAY GROUP HIKE: 9 a.m.-Noon. Free. Sponsored by the Coonskin Trails Coalition. Meet at Gorman Field for a group hike to celebrate National Trails Day. The full route will be a little over five miles, but other shorter trail options are available. Coonskin Park, 375 Henry C Hoppy Shores Drive, Charleston.
-
CHARLESTON GREAT STRIDES: 9 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Fundraiser for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. West Virginia State Capitol Complex, 1900 Kanawha Blvd. E., Charleston.
-
UNEARTH A STORY – LIVING HISTORY WITH FORT WARWICK ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITE: 9:30 a.m.-10:30 a.m. Free. Kanawha County Public Library, Room 311A, 123 Capitol St., Charleston.
-
ELIZABETH LEE GRAND OPENING & RIBBON CUTTING: 10 a.m. Free. Elizabeth Lee is a “grandmillennial” lifestyle boutique with a wide range of offerings, from apparel and accessories, to books and paper goods, to children’s interests, home décor, and a specialty needlepoint and stitching section. Elizabeth Lee, 301 Washington St. W., Charleston.
-
SPOTTED SALAMANDER TRAIL CLEANUP: 10 a.m.-Noon. Free. Join Volunteer Coordinator Jennifer Bauman and Naturalist Jess Blalock for a special trail care day in honor of National Trails Day. We'll be picking up trash, checking the ropes, cleaning signs, and beautifying the 0.25 mile Spotted Salamander Trail in preparation for summer. Snacks and drinks will be provided. Kanawha State Forest, 7500 Kanawha State Forest Drive, Charleston.
-
C&OHS AT THE ST. ALBANS DEPOT: 10 a.m.-2 p.m. St. Albans Depot, 400 Fourth Ave., St. Albans.
-
NEW SEASON FELLOWSHIP HOT DOG SALE: 11 a.m. Featuring hot dogs, soda, chips, brownies and cake. New Season Fellowship, 8803 MacCorkle Ave., Marmet.
-
BIKE SAFETY WORKSHOP: 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Free. Sponsored by West Virginia Pedal Pals and the City of Charleston Police Department. Register at this link. Safety City, 2009 Seventh Ave., Charleston.
-
BRAYDEN TAYLOR MEMORIAL SXS RIDE: 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Registration begins at 9 a.m. $20 per buggy. T-shirts and 50/50 raffle tickets available for purchase. The Backwoods Bar & Grill, 8902 Sissonville Drive, Charleston.
-
RAINBOW PRIDE OF WEST VIRGINIA PRIDE PARADE & FESTIVAL: 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Free. Featuring various performers, including national musical headliner Mila Jam, RuPaul’s Drag Race star Sam Star, local performer Olivia Knowles, and music with DJ EJ. The annual Big Gay Dog Show kicks off at 11 a.m. ($5 registration fee for each contestant) and the Pride Parade steps off at 12:30 p.m. City Center at Slack Plaza, 182 Summers St., Charleston.
-
DEATH CAB FOR CUTIE LISTENING PARTY: Noon. Featuring cool swag, tote bags (while supplies last), an autographed prize and more. Sullivan’s Records, 613 Lee St. E., Charleston.
-
MISINFORMATION ESCAPE ROOM: 12:30-2:30 p.m. Free. Sissonville Branch Library, 1 Tinney Lane, Sissonville.
-
2026 SOUTH CHARLESTON SOAP BOX DERBY: Noon-4 p.m. Little Creek Park, 99 Fairway Drive, South Charleston.
-
SUMMER FEST: Noon-4 p.m. Free entrance. Includes Farmers Market, food and craft vendors, carnival games, live music and more. Featuring special guest Sparkle the Clown. Nashville Recording Artis Kris Allen will host karaoke. Ken Ellis Memorial Park, 714 Point Lick Terrace, Charleston.
-
SAHS RED DRAGONS' FOOTBALL CARNIVAL: 1-10 p.m. $25-$30 per person for an unlimited ride wristband, or $1.25 per individual ticket with discounts when purchasing quantities of 20 or more. Roadside Park, 612 MacCorkle Ave., St. Albans.
-
TEA & CRAFT TIME: 2 p.m. $20 per person. RSVP by texting 304-546-0250. Join Anna P Studios for a fun experience trying different teas and creating a junk journal. Gallery on 4th, 414 Fourth Ave., Montgomery.
-
UNEARTH A STORY – LIVING HISTORY WITH FORT WARWICK ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITE: 2-3 p.m. Free. Riverside Public Library, 1 Warrior Way, Suite 104, Belle.
-
PIRATE NIGHT: 2-10 p.m. All ages welcome. Come dressed as a pirate. Outside food permitted. Dog friendly, but pets must be on leash. Wandering Wind Meadery, 422 Washington St. West, Charleston.
-
USA NATIONAL SOCCER VS. GERMANY WATCH PARTY: 2:30 p.m. Quantum Sports Centerm 419 58th St. S.E., Charleston.
-
TAPROOM TRIVIA: 6:30 p.m. Free. Clendenin Brewing Co., 2 Main Street, Clendenin.
-
TEAM TRIVIA: 7-9 p.m. Free to play. The Wine Down, 114 Washington St. W., Suite 101, Charleston.
-
WEIRD AL YANKOVIC – BIGGER & WEIRDER 2026 TOUR: 8 p.m. Tickets $43.25+ per person. Charleston Coliseum & Convention Center, 200 Civic Center Drive, Charleston.
-
OUTDOOR MOVIE NIGHT: 9 p.m. Free, but donations welcome. Sponsored by Bush League Men’s Baseball. Featuring the movie “The Sand Lot.” Bigley Field, 1602 Bigley Ave., Charleston.
-
PRIDE GLOW PARTY: 9 p.m. Lee Street Lounge, 222 Leon Sullivan Way, Charleston.
-
PARTY ON THE PATIO: 9 p.m.-Midnight. EZ Street, 2796 Winfield Road, St. Albans.
Sunday, June 7
Music
-
DUSTIN LAMBERT: 10 a.m. Free. Mountain Heights Church, 1201 Chestnut St., Charleston.
-
JORDAN DYER: 2-4 p.m. Free. Taylor Books, 226 Capitol St., Charleston.
-
MOUNTAIN STAGE: 7 p.m. $35 per person. Featuring John R. Miller, Bill Kirchen, Amy Speace, Floyd Mercantile, and Michaela Anne. Culture Center Theater, West Virginia Capitol Complex, 1900 Kanawha Blvd. E., Charleston.
-
THE CARPENTER ANTS: 10 p.m. Jam session follows the Mountain Stage concert. The Empty Glass, 410 Elizabeth St., Charleston.
Stage/Theater
-
BLUE HERON: 1 p.m. $12 general admission, $7 students with valid ID. Floralee Hark Cohen Cinema, 226 Capitol St., Charleston.
-
WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE’S “KING LEAR”: 2 p.m. $15 adults, $10 seniors/students. Alban Arts Academy, 2121 Kanawha Terrace, St. Albans.
-
FANTASY LIFE: 3 p.m. $12 general admission, $7 students with valid ID. Floralee Hark Cohen Cinema, 226 Capitol St., Charleston.
Etc.
-
SPECIAL OLYMPICS OF WEST VIRGINIA 2026 SUMMER GAMES: Various times. Over 400 athletes and Unified partners from around the state will compete in athletics (track and field), bocce, cornhole, softball and swimming competitions. Full details at this link. Various locations, Charleston.
-
FRIENDS & FAMILY DAY: 10 a.m. Light refreshments following service. Clendenin Pentecostal Church, 7602 Elk River Road, Clendenin.
-
EAST BANK METHODIST ANNUAL PICNIC: Noon. East Bank Methodist Church, Fellowship Hall, 148 Elm St., East Bank.
-
YOGA FOR TRAIL RUNNING: 1-2:30 p.m. $25 per person. Join Melanie Thomas (RYT 500) for a nature hike interspersed with trail running and yoga in the great outdoors. You will be required to bring drinking water to this hike. Due to insurance restraints, dogs, pregnant women and children under age 18 are not permitted. Little Creek Park, Lion’s Baseball Field, 31 Little Creek Park Road, South Charleston.
-
SAHS RED DRAGONS' FOOTBALL CARNIVAL: 1-6 p.m. $25-$30 per person for an unlimited ride wristband, or $1.25 per individual ticket with discounts when purchasing quantities of 20 or more. Roadside Park, 612 MacCorkle Ave., St. Albans.
-
PRIDE KICK BALL & FIELD DAY: 2 p.m. Free. Shawnee Sports Complex, 1 Salango Way, Dunbar.
-
DEMENTIA FRIENDLY ST. ALBANS ICE CREAM SOCIAL: 2-4 p.m. Sponsored by DFSA and Crafts of the Coal. Cost of ice cream covered for individuals with dementia and their caregivers. Crafts of the Coal, 74 Olde Main Plaza, St. Albans.
-
SYMPHONY SUNDAY – SOUSA! AN AMERICAN CELEBRATION: 2-10 p.m. Free entrance. University of Charleston, 2300 MacCorkle Ave. S.E., Charleston.
-
GRIEFSHARE SUPPORT GROUP: 4-5:30 p.m. Free to attend; $20 for workbook. A 12-week program that helps individuals move through the grief process. Meets weekly on Sunday from 4-5:30 p.m. Registration at griefshare.org. Elk River Nazarene Church, 143 Dutch Road, Charleston.
Events are subject to change. If you have questions, please reach out to organizers. Know of something happening in Kanawha County that you'd like to share with readers? Send event info and contact details to ramsburgreports@gmail.com to be featured in a future calendar.




