I

t's a busy weekend around the Kanawha Valley. Here's a look at what's happening now through Sunday around the region.

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, May 1

Music

• TIMMY COURTS & FRIENDS: 5 p.m. No cover. The Empty Glass, 410 Elizabeth St., Charleston.

• RETRO COUNTRY BAND: 7 p.m. $5 per person. Food and drinks available for purchase. Belle Town Hall, 1100 E. Dupont Ave., Belle.

• STEVE HIMES CONNECTION: 7-9 p.m. Free. Coal River Coffee Co., 66 Olde Main Plaza, St. Albans.

• DUKE ELLINGTON’S “SACRED CONCERT”: 7:30 p.m. Free. Presented by the WVSU Jazz Ensemble and WVSU Concert Choir, under the respective directions of Dr. Scott Woodard and Prof. Mark Smith, along with members from the Appalachian Children's Chorus. West Virginia State University, Davis Fine Arts Theater, 5000 Fairlawn Ave., Institute.

• ISIAC MCCALLISTER: 7:30-9:30 p.m. Free. Taylor Books, 226 Capitol St., Charleston.

• HALFWAY TO HALLOWEEN PARTY: 10 p.m. $10 cover. Ages 21+. Featuring the East End Ghouls. The Empty Glass, 410 Elizabeth St., Charleston.

Dance

• THE MOUNTAINETTES 2026 SPRING RECITAL: 6 p.m. Free entry. Elkview Middle School, 5090 N. Elk River Road, Elkview.

• UNITED WAY DANCING WITH THE STARS: 6-10 p.m. $100 per person (SOLD OUT). Charleston Coliseum & Convention Center, 200 Civic Center Drive, Charleston.

Stage/Theater

• DARE TO DREAM JR. – A DISNEY MUSICAL REVUE: 7 p.m. $15 adults, $10 seniors/children 12 and under. Alban Arts Center, 65 Olde Main Plaza, St. Albans.

• I SWEAR: 7:30 p.m. $12 general admission, $7 students with valid ID. Floralee Hark Cohen Cinema, 226 Capitol St., Charleston.

• LEE STREET DRAG SHOW: 11 p.m. and 12:30 a.m. The Lee Street Lounge, 222 Leon Sullivan Way, Charleston.

Etc.

• COVENANT HOUSE SOUPER CUP: 8 a.m. $500 per team.  Inaugural 4-person golf scramble. Proceeds benefit Covenant House. Little Creek Golf Course, 99 Fairway Drive, South Charleston.

• WV KIDS CONSIGNMENT SALE: 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Thousands of items available. South Charleston Community Center, 601 Jefferson Road, South Charleston.

• POWER UP EXERCISE CLASS: 10:30 a.m. Free. South Charleston Public Library, 312 Fourth Avenue, South Charleston.

• AUTHOR JODIE CAMPBELL MEET & GREET: 5-7 p.m. Free. Coal River Coffee Co., 66 Olde Main Plaza, St. Albans.

• NITRO ANTIQUE CAR CLUB CRUZE IN: 5-8 p.m. Free. Classic cars, DJ, music, and free hot dogs, chips and drinks. This event takes place in front of Nitro City Hall and Living Memorial Park.  Nitro 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.

• THE BOARD ROOM REOPENING PARTY: 6:30 p.m. Enjoy games from Czech Games Edition, Eagle-Gryphon Games and Lonely Hero Games. The Board Room, 1116 Fledderjohn Road, Charleston.

• FAMILY KARAOKE NIGHT: 7 p.m. East Bank Methodist Church, 148 Elm St., East Bank.

• NIGHT LIGHT CAFE: 7-8:30 p.m. Live music with jazz pianist and composer Bob Thompson. Free refreshments. Everyone welcome. For more information call 304-346-9627. Charleston Baptist Temple, Fellowship Hall, 209 Morris St., Charleston.

• BOARD GAME NIGHT: 7-10 p.m. All ages. Bring your own game or play one provided. Outside food permitted. Dog friendly (must be on leash). Wandering Wind Meadery, 422 Washington St. West, Charleston.

• UNITED WAY DANCING WITH THE STARS OFFICIAL AFTER PARTY: 9:30 p.m. No cover. The Hideaway, 189 Summers St., Charleston.

Saturday, May 2

Music

• GABRIEL GORBY VOCAL JUNIOR RECITAL: 2 p.m. Free. West Virginia State University, Davis Fine Arts Theater, 5000 Fairlawn Ave., Institute.

• MADALINE BAILEY (FLUTE) & TABATHA ALKIRE (TRUMPET) JUNIOR RECITAL: 4 p.m. Free. West Virginia State University, Davis Fine Arts Theater, 5000 Fairlawn Ave., Institute.

• CHARLIE MURPHY: 6 p.m. Lola’s Pizza, 1038 Bridge Road, Charleston.

• MAKENZIE HAKES SENIOR HORN RECITAL: 6:30 p.m. Free. West Virginia State University, Davis Fine Arts Theater, 5000 Fairlawn Ave., Institute.

• MONTY & FEDE: 7:30-9:30 p.m. Free. Taylor Books, 226 Capitol St., Charleston.

• WV SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA SEASON FINALE: 7:30 p.m. $15+ per person. Part of the Elliot Foundation Symphonic Series of concerts. Clay Center, 1 Clay Square, Charleston.

• CARIÑO: 8 p.m. $10 per person. The ROQ, 1022 Quarrier St., Charleston.

• LATE NIGHT KARAOKE: 9 p.m.-1 a.m. Free. The Volstead Room, Hale Street Center, 209 Dickinson St., Charleston.

• EMPTY GLASS LIVE: 10 p.m. $7 cover. Ages 21+. Featuring Never Zero and The Heavy Hitters. The Empty Glass, 410 Elizabeth St., Charleston.

Stage/Theater

• FANTASY LIFE: 2:30 p.m. $12 general admission, $7 students with valid ID. Floralee Hark Cohen Cinema, 226 Capitol St., Charleston.

• I SWEAR: 5 p.m. $12 general admission, $7 students with valid ID. Floralee Hark Cohen Cinema, 226 Capitol St., Charleston.

• DARE TO DREAM JR. – A DISNEY MUSICAL REVUE: 7 p.m. $15 adults, $10 seniors/children 12 and under. Alban Arts Center, 65 Olde Main Plaza, St. Albans.

• THE CHRISTOPHERS: 7:30 p.m. $12 general admission, $7 students with valid ID. Floralee Hark Cohen Cinema, 226 Capitol St., Charleston.

• LEE STREET DRAG SHOW: 11 p.m. and 12:30 a.m. The Lee Street Lounge, 222 Leon Sullivan Way, Charleston.

Etc.

• CHARLESTON PARKRUN: 8 a.m. Free. Magic Island, 181 Kanawha Blvd.W., Charleston.

• TOWN OF BELLE COMMUNITY YARD SALE: 8 a.m. Various locations, Belle.

• ST. ALBANS CITY-WIDE YARD SALE: 8 a.m. Various locations, St. Albans. 

• ALUM CREEK COMMUNITY YARDSALE: 8 a.m.-1 p.m. Free entrance. Washington District Community Center, 1313 Sandplant Road, South Charleston.

• CREDE COMMUNITY YARD SALE: 8 a.m.-1 p.m. Multiple homes and families participating.  Crede Drive, between Mink Shoals and Big Chimney.

• CAMPBELL’S CREEK COMMUNITY YARD SALE: 8 a.m.-2 p.m. Ken Ellis Memorial Park, 721 Point Lick Terrace, Charleston.

• INDOOR YARD SALE & HOT DOG FUNDRAISER: 8 a.m.-2 p.m. All proceeds support the competition team’s trip to Spokane, Wash. in July. USA Martial Arts Training Center, 81 Olde Main Plaza, St. Albans.

• SPRING RUMMAGE & HOT DOG SALE: 8 a.m.-2 p.m. Multi-family indoor rummage sale. Hot dogs available for purchase. The Open Door Church, 2630 Kanawha Blvd. E., Charleston.

• RACE FOR THE RIBBON: 9 a.m. $25 adults, $15 students/breast cancer survivors. Proceeds benefit the West Virginia Breast Health Initiative. West Virginia State Capitol Complex, 1900 Kanawha Blvd. E., Charleston.

• FIRST SATURDAY TRAIL WORKDAY: 9 a.m.-Noon. Free. Sponsored by the Kanawha Valley Trail Alliance. Volunteers needed for continued work on Log Town Trail. Meet at the Johnson Hollow parking lot for shelters 8 and 9. Come early for coffee and donuts. Bring water, gloves, and sturdy shoes. Tools are provided. Kanawha State Forest, 7500 Kanawha State Forest Dr., Charleston.

• WV KIDS CONSIGNMENT SALE: 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Thousands of items available. South Charleston Community Center, 601 Jefferson Road, South Charleston.

• C&O HISTORICAL SOCIETY AT THE ST. ALBANS DEPOT: 10 a.m-2 p.m. St. Albans Depot, 400 Fourth Ave., St Albans.

• WORLD SALAMANDER DAY 2026: 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Educational talks, salamander art, exploration and more. Claudia L. Workman Wildlife Education Center, 301 Forks of Coal Way, Alum Creek.

• SCPL MINI-CON: 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Free. Vendors, photo-ops, raffle prizes, retro video games, board games, and more. South Charleston Public Library, 312 Fourth Ave., South Charleston.

• BELTAINE GATHERING: 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Free, but love donation welcome. Sponsored by several local pagan groups. Includes charm divination class, Maypole dance, Walpurgisnacht Blót, memorial service, sandwich potluck picnic, non-perishable food drive, and more. The gathering will be held at the Kanawha State Forest group campsite. To get there, park near the Nature Center and follow the path to the left of the building until you reach the site. Kanawha State Forest, 7500 Kanawha State Forest Drive, Charleston.

• DERBY DAY AT 101: 11 a.m. $30 per person. Includes complimentary drink, Derby-style brunch buffet (11 a.m.-2 p.m.), and all-day entertainment by DJ Woody Woods. Contests for best tie (2:30 p.m.), best dressed (4:30 p.m.), and best hat (after the final race). Prime 101, 101 Capitol St., Charleston.

• FREE COMIC BOOK DAY: 11 a.m. Free. Everyone who shows up will get three free comic books. The Board Room, 1116 Fledderjohn Road, Charleston.

• WV LOTTERY’S BACK TO OUR ROOTS TOUR: 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Dress in your favorite ’80s gear and take home a souvenir Polaroid. Enjoy lottery fun, photo opportunities and more. First 40 guests who make a purchase receive a free 40th Anniversary t-shirt. Joe's Kwik Mart, 2541 Mountaineer Blvd., South Charleston.

• CHARITY CAR WASH IN MEMORY OF JOHN LUCAS: 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Half of all funds will be donated to the Elk River Community Center in memory of John Lucas. Joey’s Car Wash, 193 Campbells Creek Dr., Charleston.

• KENTUCKY DERBY TEA PARTY: Noon. $20 per person. Enjoy a variety of tea samples as well as finger foods. Create your own Fasinator Hat (materials provided). Space is limited. To register, contact Anna Perdue annapstudios@outlook.com. Gallery on 4th, 414 Fourth Ave., Montgomery.

• MULTIFEST FUND-A-THON: Noon-7 p.m. Live music, live performances, vendors and more.  City Center at Slack Plaza, 182 Summers St., Charleston.

• VOTER REGISTRATION & MEET THE CANDIDATE EVENT: Noon-7 p.m. Free. Sponsored by WV House District 58 candidate Alaina Schwechler. Venom & Velvet, 303 Sixth Ave., Suite B, St. Albans.

• BIL LEPP STORYTELLING EVENT: 1 p.m. Free. Nature Center, Kanawha State Forest, 7500 Kanawha State Forest Drive, Charleston.

• PLATTER POTTERY WORKSHOP: 2-5 p.m. $30 per person. All ages welcome. Learn slab pottery with local artist Grace Rose. Echo-Lit, 427 Washington St. W., Charleston.

• KENTUCKY DERBY PARTY: 2-8 p.m. Clendenin Brewing Co., 2 Main St, Clendenin.

• PIRATE NIGHT: 2-10 p.m. $10 per person. Come dressed as a pirate. Wandering Wind Meadery, 422 Washington St. W., Charleston.

• 4TH ANNUAL ROOSTER MEMORIAL KING OF THE HILL 9-BALL TOURNAMENT: 2-11 p.m. $35 entry fee (green fees included). 21 Pool Room, 3742 Sissonville Drive, Charleston.

• BOOK SIGNING WITH ANNA ROLLINS: 3-5 p.m. Taylor Books, 226 Capitol St., Charleston.

• GRÜV PRESENTS DERBY ON CAPITOL: 4 p.m. $25 general admission; VIP tables $250. Best Dressed contest, DJ, corn hole, food, drinks and more. GRÜV, 10 Capitol St., Charleston.

• PAINT & PRAISE: 5 p.m. $25 per person to cover materials. Refreshments provided. Jordan Light Baptist Church, 7298 Wills Creek Road, Elkview.

• BUSH LEAGUE MEN’S BASKETBALL GAME 3: 6-9 p.m. Bigley Field, 1602 Bigley Ave., Charleston.

• GARNET FOUNDATION FUNDRAISER: 6:30-9:30 p.m. Fundraiser to save the historic Garnet Center. Bring a lawn chair and your dancing shoes. Garnet Center Parking Lot, 422 Dickinson St., Charleston.

• REAL SHOOT WRESTLING PRESENTS ANIMALISTIC: 7 p.m. General admission $10, front row $15. Kids under 10 free with paid adult. St. Albans Flea Market, 7101 MacCorkle Ave., St. Albans.

• THE TRAP GALLERY PAINT ‘N SIP: 7-10 p.m. $45 per person, purchase online. The Trap Gallery, 4827 MacCorkle Ave. S.W., South Charleston.

• KIRK FIELD OUTDOOR MOVIE NIGHT: 9 p.m. Free. Featuring Disney’s “Angels in the Outfield.” Concessions available for purchase. Kirk Baseball Field, 1302 Kanawha Terrace, St. Albans.

Sunday, May 3

Music

• JONATHAN WHITE: 10:30 a.m. Free. Elk River Nazarene Church, 143 Dutch Road, Charleston.

• JORDAN DYER: 2-4 p.m. Free. Taylor Books, 226 Capitol St., Charleston.

• MOUNTAIN STAGE: 7 p.m. Tickets $35. Featuring Chris Smither, Joan Shelley, HuDost, Calvin Arsenia, and Yarn. Culture Center Theater, West Virginia State Capitol Complex, 1900 Kanawha Blvd. E., Charleston.

• THE CARPENTER ANTS: 10 p.m. Mountain Stage post show. The Empty Glass, 410 Elizabeth St., Charleston.

Stage/Theater

• THE CHRISTOPHERS: 1 p.m. $12 general admission, $7 students with valid ID. Floralee Hark Cohen Cinema, 226 Capitol St., Charleston.

• DARE TO DREAM JR. – A DISNEY MUSICAL REVUE: 2 p.m. $15 adults, $10 seniors/children 12 and under. Alban Arts Center, 65 Olde Main Plaza, St. Albans.

• FANTASY LIFE: 3 p.m. $12 general admission, $7 students with valid ID. Floralee Hark Cohen Cinema, 226 Capitol St., Charleston.

Etc.

• WV KIDS CONSIGNMENT SALE: 9 a.m.-Noon. Thousands of items available. South Charleston Community Center, 601 Jefferson Road, South Charleston.

• NITRO DINNER THEATER: 1 p.m. $25 per person; $10 children under age 10. Dinner featuring pizza, spaghetti and meatballs, fettuccine alfredo, salad and desserts is in the commons at 1:30 p.m.; show will be in the gym.

• LITTLE GARDENERS – PAINT-A-POT FOR MOM: 1-3 p.m. $25 per person. South Charleston Farmers Market, Muddy Mountain Flower Farm, 4006 MacCorkle Ave. S.W., South Charleston.

• MINING KANAWHA STATE FOREST HISTORY PRESENTATION & WALK: 2 p.m. Free. Sponsored by the Kanawha State Forest Foundation. Slide show followed by optional interpretive walk. Kanawha State Forest, 7500 Kanawha State Forest Drive, Charleston.

• MONTHLY MOUNTAIN BIKE RIDE: 2 p.m. Free. Monthly ride hosted by John’s Cyclery. The ride starts from the trailhead beside the Dynamite Bike Skills Park pump track. Riders of all skill levels are welcome. Helmets are required. You must sign a waiver to participate.  Ridenour Lake, 402 Ridenour Park Lane South, Nitro.

• HAWAIIAN LUAU DINNER & DANCE: 3:30-7:30 p.m. $65 per person, $55 for members. Sponsored by the Charleston Ballroom Dance Club. Berry Hills Country Club, 2188 Berry Hills Drive, Charleston.

Events are subject to change. If you have questions, please reach out to organizers. For events beyond the Kanawha Valley, please see the Arts Amplified website. 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.