June 2021
It’ll be summer soon and many businesses in Charleston are dropping the mask mandate for those who have been vaccinated. That is a huge step toward normalcy, but it will be a while before crowd capacities will be as they were “pre-COVID”.
It still feels great to come to town and see our friends and neighbors! “Food Truck Friday” is the newest event to begin in downtown Charleston. It is in conjunction with the closure of Capitol Street during weekends for outdoor dining. “Live on the Levee” will begin in July.
In the meantime, the Charleston Coliseum and Convention Center (the CC&CC) has several events scheduled throughout the month. The “Monster Truck Jam”, the “WV Home Show”, “BrickUniverse LEGO Fan Festival”, and “Disney on Ice” are all coming to Charleston in June.
“Mountain Stage” returns to the WV Culture Center for TWO shows. However, for now, they are seating at 25% capacity. Unfortunately, the first show this month is already sold out. Hopefully soon, with the restrictions easing up, subsequent performances will have bigger audiences.
“Symphony Sunday” will be held at a different venue this year. It will be at the Appalachian Power Park and the audience will be seated in the stadium instead of everyone bringing their own chairs and quilts for picnics.
Appalachian Power Park is being utilized by different businesses and organizations. It is a great stadium in a prime location. It’s terrific that it can be enjoyed by the entire community. The WVSO plans to return to the University of Charleston lawn for the summer 2022 event.
“FestivALL” is returning with some live performances and some virtual events. Many of the in-person concerts and exhibits will be held outdoors. Instead of the usual arts & crafts sales during FestivALL, artisans and vendors will be selling their goods at a booth located at the “FestivALL at the Capitol Market: Summer Art Fair”, from May 1 through July 11. This is a wonderful opportunity to support our local artists and crafters several weeks throughout the summer.
The Clay Center for the Arts & Sciences is open during weekends, Friday-Sunday. Their capacity is limited & reservations are recommended, but not required. Their museums, planetarium, and theaters are open with special events for children.
It has been a tough 15 months, adjusting to so much more than any of us could have ever imagined. But, there is light at the end of the tunnel and all of us will appreciate everything Charleston has to offer with even more gratitude and excitement!
Have a great June!!!
