N※N

Arts and entertainment events happening October 16-19 across the Mid-Ohio Valley

  //media-entertainment.news-articles.net/content/ .. ng-october-16-19-across-the-mid-ohio-valley.html
  Published in Media and Entertainment on Thursday, October 16th 2025 at 7:32 GMT by TheNewsCenter

Mid‑Ohio Valley Arts & Entertainment Calendar: Oct. 16–19, 2025

The Mid‑Ohio Valley’s cultural scene is buzzing this week, with a diverse slate of concerts, theater, visual‑art exhibitions, and family‑friendly festivals. Whether you’re a long‑time resident or just passing through, there’s a program to suit every taste. Below is a roundup of the most highlighted events, complete with dates, times, venues, and key details—plus a few bonus links that give you direct access to tickets or additional information.

1. “Echoes of the Appalachians” – Folk‑Music Festival

• Dates: Oct 16–17 (Friday & Saturday)
• Time: 3 p.m. – 11 p.m. (each day)
• Venue: Hometown Park, Gallipolis
• Highlights: This two‑day showcase celebrates traditional Appalachian folk music, featuring local groups like the Riverbend String Band and visiting acts such as The Blue Ridge Harmonics. There will be live jam sessions, a craft vendor tent, and a free kids’ corner with folk‑themed arts and crafts.
• Tickets: General admission $25 (early‑bird $20). Children under 12 enter for free.
• More info: [ Echoes of the Appalachians ]

2. “Revolutionary Rhythms” – Jazz & Blues Concert Series

• Dates: Oct 18 (Sunday)
• Time: 7:00 p.m. – 10:30 p.m.
• Venue: Mid‑Ohio Valley Cultural Center, Marietta
• Line‑up: The Marietta Jazz Ensemble will perform classic swing pieces, followed by a duet with blues guitarist Eli “Blue” Thompson on the second set. The evening will conclude with a special 60‑minute jam with a surprise guest from the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra.
• Tickets: $30 general, $45 VIP (includes reserved seating and a meet‑and‑greet).
• More info: [ Revolutionary Rhythms ]

3. Mid‑Ohio Valley Theatre’s “The Ghost of Old Mill” – Historical Play

• Dates: Oct 16–18 (Friday to Sunday)
• Time: 7:15 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.
• Venue: Mid‑Ohio Valley Theatre, Zanesville
• Plot: This original play blends regional history with supernatural intrigue, telling the story of a vanished mill worker who returns as a specter to protect the valley’s secret. The cast features regional favorites Mara Collins and Tom “Stone” Rios, with a cameo by the famed Mid‑Ohio Playwrights Collective.
• Tickets: $18 (standard), $30 (premium). Early‑bird discounts available until Oct 12.
• More info: [ Mid‑Ohio Valley Theatre ]

4. “Paint the Valley” – Community Art Exhibition

• Dates: Oct 17–19 (Wednesday–Friday)
• Time: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
• Venue: The Gallery, West Portsmouth
• Overview: A rotating exhibit featuring work from local artists across genres—from landscape photography to mixed‑media installations. Visitors can meet the artists, attend live painting demonstrations, and purchase limited‑edition prints. The exhibition is free to the public; suggested donation $5.
• More info: [ Paint the Valley ]

5. “Kids in Motion” – Family Dance Workshop

• Dates: Oct 18 (Saturday)
• Time: 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
• Venue: Marietta Recreation Center, Marietta
• Details: This free, open‑to‑all workshop introduces children ages 5–12 to basic hip‑hop and contemporary dance moves. Instructors from the Ohio Valley Dance Academy will guide participants through warm‑up routines, choreographed segments, and a short performance for parents. No prior dance experience required.
• More info: [ Kids in Motion ]

6. “Savor the Seasons” – Autumn Food & Wine Fair

• Dates: Oct 19 (Sunday)
• Time: 12:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
• Venue: Zanesville Downtown Convention Center
• Activities: Taste seasonal produce from local farms, sample craft brews from the Mid‑Ohio Valley Brewing Co., and enjoy live acoustic performances by the Riverfront Jazz Trio. A kids’ cooking station and a “DIY hot sauce” booth add extra flavor to the day.
• Tickets: $10 per person (includes access to all food stalls).
• More info: [ Savor the Seasons ]

7. Mid‑Ohio Valley Poetry Slam – “Verses in the Valley”

• Dates: Oct 19 (Sunday)
• Time: 4:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
• Venue: The Speakeasy, Gallipolis
• Format: Open mic and judged competition featuring local poets, with a special “Emerging Voice” award. The event culminates in a communal “write‑in‑the‑blank” poetry wall where attendees can contribute.
• Tickets: Free admission. Bring your own coffee!
• More info: [ Verses in the Valley ]

8. “Starlight Cinema” – Outdoor Movie Night

• Dates: Oct 17–19 (Friday–Sunday)
• Time: 7:30 p.m. – 10:30 p.m.
• Venue: Baker Park, Marietta
• Feature Film: “The Last Autumn” (2023 indie drama).
• Tickets: $8 (family pack available). Parking is free, and the park offers picnic tables and a small snack bar.
• More info: [ Starlight Cinema ]

9. “Mid‑Ohio Valley Book Fair” – Literary Celebration

• Dates: Oct 18–19 (Saturday & Sunday)
• Time: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
• Venue: Central Library, West Portsmouth
• Features: Over 100 local and regional authors, book signings, children's storytelling corner, and a panel on “Writing in a Rural Landscape.” All ages welcome; kids under 5 enter free.
• More info: [ Mid‑Ohio Valley Book Fair ]

10. “Midnight Market” – Artisan & Food Vendors

• Dates: Oct 18 (Saturday)
• Time: 6:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m.
• Venue: Marietta Main Street, Marietta
• Highlights: Night‑time bazaar featuring local artisans selling jewelry, pottery, and handcrafted décor. Food trucks offering everything from vegan tacos to classic Ohio potato chips. Live DJ will spin local bands during the late‑evening slot.
• Tickets: Free entry.
• More info: [ Midnight Market ]

How to Make the Most of Your Week

1. Plan Ahead: Many events have limited seating or early‑bird ticket prices, so check the links above for availability and buy tickets in advance.
2. Explore the Valley: The Mid‑Ohio Valley is a compact area—take advantage of the walkable downtowns in Marietta, Zanesville, and Gallipolis. Many venues are within a few miles of each other.
3. Family‑Friendly: If you’re traveling with kids, the kids’ dance workshop, the art exhibition, and the outdoor movie nights are especially engaging.
4. Taste the Local Flavor: The food & wine fair and the midnight market provide a great opportunity to sample local produce and craft beverages.
5. Stay Safe: For outdoor events, especially the folk‑music festival and the outdoor cinema, bring sunscreen, hats, and a light jacket for cooler evening temperatures.

Quick Access Links

Enjoy your week of arts, music, and community spirit in the Mid‑Ohio Valley. Whether you’re looking to immerse yourself in the local culture, discover new artists, or simply relax with a good book or movie under the stars, there’s something here for everyone. Stay safe, stay curious, and enjoy the valley’s creative heartbeat!