Food lovers, water lovers, travelers…lend me your ear…or eyes. This post is for you! Remember my trip to Parkersburg, WV this past spring? If you missed that post, be sure to check it out! I shared 5 things you’ve got to do when you’re in Parkersburg. I’ve got something else for you to do, but you can only do it September 14-16, 2018! It’s Paddlefest, a fun-filled three-day festival dedicated to people-powered watercraft. Kayaks, canoes, and stand-up paddleboards! And lucky for you, Downtown Throwdown is right in the middle of this fun-filled weekend!

Paddlefest Weekend in Parkersburg, WV

Paddlefest weekend begins on Friday night, September 14, with a glow paddle at 8 p.m. Electric lights and glow sticks will illuminate boats as the group paddles up the Little Kanawha River from Point Park. The boat with the most spectacular light display will win a prize!

I visited Point Park while I was in Parkersburg, and it is beautiful. Looking out over the Ohio River and the Little Kanawha River is something you’ve got to do near sunset! Be sure you take a selfie with the Welcome to Parkersburg sign that’s on the flood wall while you’re there!

Saturday’s Paddlefest Events

On Saturday, September 15, the main events are happening! From 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., participants in Paddlefest can paddle a three-mile stretch of the Ohio River, from Point Park downriver to Blennerhassett Island and back! Blennerhassett Island is one of my five things, so be sure you read about it in my prior post.

During Paddlefest, the staff and volunteers at Blennerhassett Island Historical State Park will welcome participants to tour Blennerhassett Mansion, enjoy horse-drawn wagon rides, special events and activities. Be sure you’ve got cash on hand if you are interested in taking tours of Blennerhassett Mansion, horse-drawn wagon ride, or purchasing anything from the concession stand while on Blennerhassett Island. And I highly recommend that you do!

Downtown Throwdown

When I visited Parkersburg, I attended Taste of Parkersburg, where I got to try different foods from restaurants around the city all in one centralized location. Downtown Throwdown is a similar event that features live music, BBQ and craft beer from restaurants and vendors around Parkersburg. It takes place Saturday, September 15, from 6pm to 10pm in Bicentennial Park, just three blocks from Point Park in historic downtown Parkersburg. You can find out more about Downtown Throwdown on the Greater Parkersburg website.

North Bend State Park Lake on Sunday

Take a farewell lake paddling excursion on North Bend State Park Lake beginning at 11am on Sunday. The lake, located 40 minutes east of Parkersburg, is only 17 years old and still has lots of standing trees in the water which have become habitat for what is arguably the largest congregation of Red-headed woodpeckers in the United States.

Paddlefest coupon code

I have a coupon code for Paddlefest participants to save $5 off each Paddlefest ticket. Go to the 5th annual Parkersburg Paddlefest ticket site here and use the coupon code: PKBpaddlefest5. You will also receive a FREE ticket to Downtown Throwdown BBQ and Brewfest ($20 value- tickets will be on sale in August). There are a limited number of tickets. so this offer is a first come, first serve basis.