This week we need to bend the boilerplate a little for a new batch of STUFF TO DO in and around the Charleston/Huntington WV area (and beyond) this weekend, because before we get to the usual coolness, it’s time for a big annual event in Charleston.

Today we’re going to cover The Celtic Calling, which actually started yesterday. The 8th Celtic Calling Gathering is taking place downtown and around Charleston WV from last night until Sunday.

This celebration of all things Celtic has become an annual tradition here in Charleston.  If you can, come out to enjoy this immersion into Celtic culture.

Many of the events are free, and it’s a way better way to celebrate the home countries of many Appalachians than green beer and leprechauns.

Here’s The Schedule:

Thursday, February 29th
9 – 7.30pm: Children’s Craft and Story Book Activities – 4th Floor, Kanawha County Public Library, 123 Capitol Street – FREE.

Noon – 1pm: Celtic Poetry Sharing and Workshop with James Cochran – Kanawha County Public Library: 123 Capitol Street. – FREE.

*5.30-7.30pm: Celtic Open Mic/Jam: Celtic musicians can request a time slot in advance by contacting pepstein52@gmail.com or 304.343.5074 – All tips donated to Celtic Calling. The Empty Glass, 410 Elizabeth St. – FREE.

7.30pm: Film: ‘Let the Wrong One In’ – ‘Let The Wrong One In’, an Irish horror comedy. Floralee Hark Cohen Cinema by WVIFF, 230 Capitol Street — Admission – $10 Adults, $5 Students. Tickets in advance at: https://www.wviff.org/floraleeharkcohen/

Friday, March 1st
9 – 4pm: Children’s Craft and Story Book Activities – 4th Floor, Kanawha County Public Library, 123 Capitol Street – FREE.

5pm: Film – ‘Let The Wrong One In’, an Irish horror comedy. Floralee Hark Cohen Cinema by WVIFF, 230 Capitol Street — Admission – $10 Adults, $5 Students. Tickets in advance at: https://www.wviff.org/floraleeharkcohen/

6 – 10 pm: Beni Kedem Highlanders Tartan Ball 2023, Bedi Kedem Temple, 100 Quarrier St, Charleston, WV 25301. Admission – $50 Call Shrine for Tickets: Phone: (304) 343-9405

*7-10pm: 7-10pm: Celtic Ceilidh – Scottish Country Dancing – Music by St Albans Scottish Fiddle Orchestra. Kanawha United Presbyterian Church, Fellowship Hall, in rear of Church, 1009 Virginia Street East, or enter adjacent Parking from Kanawha Boulevard – Admission – $5-10; Children under 10 Free.

7 30- 9 30pm: Dave Haas and Friends – Taylor Books, 226 Capitol Street, Charleston, WV 25301 – FREE

Saturday March 2nd
9am: Celtic Calling 5K Kilt Run and 2K Walk
Spring Hill Cemetery, 1555 Farnsworth Drive –

Downtown Charleston Venues: All Events FREE unless indicated:

4pm: Celtic Calling Parade- Lee Street Triangle to Kanawha Blvd – 3 Pipe Bands, Dancers, Loch Ness Monster, St Patrick, Unicorns, and more.

*10am- 3 45pm: Celtic Calling Village – City Center at Slack Plaza, 169, Summers Street. including:
Clan Tents, Craft Vendors, Food Trucks Children’s Crafts and Games,
– Children’s Mini Highland Games (Age sections 5-8 and 9-12)
12:15pm – Toss the Sheaf – t-shirt prizes
1:15pm – Toss the Caber – t-shirt prizes
2:15pm – Tug O’ War – For all Children to participate in.

Music and Dance Stage
Times are approximate.
10 30am: Opening Music
10.45am: Lincoln County Cloggers
11 15am: Kinnfolk
12 15pm : Savanna Brown, Scottish Dance/Bagpipes, Kanawha Valley Pipes And Drums
1pm: Crowning of Chieftain, Queen and Court – Who will wear the crowns, and win a prize package of Gift Certificates, Celtic Calling T-shirts, Tickets to the FOOTMAD, ‘Daimh’ Concert. Wear your best Celtic Garb, sections for the young ones as well. Contest judged by Celtic Calling Board Trustees.
1 20pm: Lincoln County Cloggers
1 50pm: West Virginia Highlanders Pipe and Drum
2 15pm: Childrens Tug O’War in front of Stage.
2 30pm: Celtic Calling Dog Show – All breeds welcome. Awards for best Celtic Breeds, Fancy Dress (best Celtic garb), Red Head and more
3pm:Kinnfolk

Kanawha County Public Library: 123 Capitol Street.
9 – 4.30pm: Children’s Craft and Story Book Activities. Making Irish Badges – 4th Floor
10- 11 30am: Ireland- A Travelogue and International Discussion- Andy Gallagher
Noon – Elementary Age Children Dance Workshop , with Appalachian Lads and Lassies, 4th Floor.
2-3 30pm: Celtic Container Gardening with Kanawha County Extension Master Gardener Program
3pm: Celtic Storytime: Read Along with Ricky the Red Bearded Dragon

Rock City Cake Company: 205 Capitol Street.
1130 – 12 30am: Aubrey Cale – Harp Performance, Q&A, ‘petting zoo’.
1- 2 30pm: Tim and Maggie share Different Tunes and Instruments in the Celtic Tradition
3pm : Almost Heaven Dulcimer Club
5pm: Appalachian Lads and Lassies, Scottish and Irish Dance Performance

Sam’s Uptown Cafe, 28 Capitol Street
11 30-2pm: Legendary Celtic Brunch

Short Story Brewing Charleston: 186 Summers St
12.30pm: George Daugherty Tall Tales Contest—Short Story Brewing
5.30pm: Father Son & Friends at Short Story Brewing Charleston
8.30pm: Father Son & Friends –

5-7pm: The Charleston Rogues – World’s Greatest Happy Hour at the The Blue Parrot, 14 ½ Capitol Street – $5

7 30pm: FOOTMAD presents: Dàimh from Scotland in Concert. Capitol Theater, Resurrection Church., Ticket information: FOOTMAD.org or Info: 304-729-4382

7:30-9:30pm: An evening with Tim and Maggie – Music – Taylor Books, 226 Capitol Street, Charleston, WV 25301 – FREE.

10 pm: Traditional Music Session hosted by Kinnfolk – Adelphia Sports Bar & Grille, 218 Capitol St. -FREE.

Sunday March 3rd
11am: Kirkin of the Tartans, Kanawha United Presbyterian Church, 1009 Virginia Street.

11 30-2pm.: Celtic Brunch – Sam’s Uptown Cafe, 28 Capitol Street

Noon – 4.30pm: Children’s Craft and Story Book Activities – 4th Floor, Kanawha County Public Library, 123 Capitol Street – FREE.

1-3pm: Celtic Calling Highlander at Rock City Cake Company March 3rd -‘Paint a Highlander’ by Alto Design Paint Party & Craft Classes, Rock City Cake Company: 205 Capitol Street. – $35

2 pm: Team Irish Road Bowling at KSF – Registration from 1 30pm- Kanawha State Forest – FREE.

2pm: Film – ‘Let The Wrong One In’, an Irish horror comedy. Floralee Hark Cohen Cinema by WVIFF, 230 Capitol Street — Admission – $10 Adults, $5 Students. Tickets in advance at: https://www.wviff.org/floraleeharkcohen/

4pm: Celtic Readers Theatre–5 plays , Stage Readings of 5 Top Playwright Competition Entries – Short Story Brewing: 186 Summers St

So go get all geared up and ready for when Saint Patrick’s Day in a couple of weeks.

As I have been copying and pasting of late, this a good time to remind you that THIS IS NOT A COMPLETE LIST OF EVENTS.  It’s just a starting point, so don’t expect anything comprehensive, and if you feel strongly about me leaving anything out, feel free to mention it in the comments.

Live Music is back at Taylor Books. There is no cover charge, and shows start at 7:30 PM.  Friday it’s Dave Haas and Friends, as part of a weekend tie-in with Celtic Calling. Saturday Tim & Maggie take the stage at the beloved bookstore/cafe/art gallery.

RFC faves, Golden, will be at Louie’s Loungeat Mardi Gras Casino Saturday at 8 PM.

The World Famous Empty Glass Cafe has some great stuff this week  to tell you about. Thursday at 5:30 PM the Helping Hour with Swingstein & Robin turns into a Celtic open mic. Friday Tim Courts plays during happy hour.   You can check below for the graphics for other cool weekend shows at The Empty Glass.

Please remember that the pandemic is not over yet. It’s still a going concern with the ‘rona surging again. And now there are seasonal allergies, the flu, turtles announcing their retirement, grumpy Leprachauns, tp-dancing street squids and other damned good reasons to be careful. Many people who have very good reasons are still wearing masks, and many of us, understandably, are still nervous about being in crowds, masked or not. Be kind and understanding  while you’re out.

Keep in mind that all shows are subject to change or be cancelled at the last minute.

If you’re up for going out, here are a few suggestions for the weekend, roughly in order…