WHEELING, W. Va. – One of the Upper Ohio Valley’s favorite fall traditions continues today at Oglebay.
The 49th annual Oglebayfest, presented by WVU Medicine, is underway today and will continue tomorrow so artisan shopping, local food, live entertainment, family activities and time-honored traditions throughout the park.
For nearly five decades, Oglebayfest has welcomed generations of families and friends to come together and celebrate the season. This year’s festival continues that tradition with the Oglebayfest Parade, fireworks over Schenk Lake, the Phil Maxwell Artists’ & Gourmet Market, Ohio County Country Fair, German Rathskeller, live music and more.
Festival Highlights:
- Oglebayfest Parade & Fireworks – Saturday’s festivities begin with the annual Oglebayfest Parade at 9:30 a.m., featuring organizations, schools and clubs from throughout the region. The parade winds around Schenk Lake, Lodge Drive and The Hilltop. Saturday evening, guests can gather above Schenk Lake for the festival’s signature fireworks display.
- Phil Maxwell Artists’ & Gourmet Market – Mansion Woods comes alive throughout the weekend with regional foods and handcrafted goods from talented artisan vendors. The market is open Friday from noon–7 p.m., Saturday from 10 a.m.–7 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m.–5 p.m.
- German Rathskeller – Raise a stein at Hess Shelter, where seasonal and domestic brews, German-inspired dishes, live music, accordion tunes and folk dancing create a lively beer garden atmosphere. The annual Beer Stein Holding Competition returns Saturday at 7 p.m.
- Ohio County Country Fair – A celebration of local traditions at Levenson Shelter, the fair features quilting demonstrations, homegrown foods, a 4-H pet show and favorite competitions including hog calling, rock throwing, donut eating and baby crawling.
- Oglebayfest 0.5K Beer Dash – The popular race around Schenk Lake returns Sunday at 11 a.m. Participants are challenged to make it to the finish line quickly — and with as much beer left in their pitcher as possible. Registration is $20 and includes two beers and a souvenir mug. Non-alcoholic beverages are available for underage participants.
- Pay Like a Kid Weekend at the Oglebay Good Zoo – During Oglebayfest weekend, guests of all ages can explore the Oglebay Good Zoo for the kids admission price of $13, offering families another way to make the most of their festival weekend.
“Oglebayfest has always been about bringing people together, and that spirit is what has made this celebration so meaningful for nearly five decades,” said Bob Peckenpaugh, President and CEO of the Wheeling Park Commission. “Whether you’ve been joining us for generations or you’re experiencing Oglebayfest for the first time, we invite you to come enjoy the traditions, discover something new and celebrate the season with our community. We’re grateful to WVU Medicine for helping us continue this special Oglebay tradition.”
Throughout the weekend, guests can also enjoy live music from regional performers at locations across the park, shopping, food vendors and family-friendly activities. Free parking and shuttle service will be available throughout Oglebayfest weekend, providing convenient access to festival activities across the park.
For the complete schedule, event details and updates, visit oglebay.com/oglebayfest.
