Your humble blogger is just off the train, back from Chicago right in time to tell you about  STUFF TO DO in and and around Charleston this weekend. The big thing is MultiFest, but there’s more.

Again, remember, if you are attending an outdoor event, stay hydrated and please don’t smoke or vape around any humans who might find the associated stank to be offensive.  With that bit of preachery, let me tell you about plenty of STUFF TO DO in Charleston and all over the Mountain State and beyond as we jump headfirst into August.

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. I won’t be offended if you volunteer to do the work I was too busy having fun in the Windy City to finish.

As I said, the big thing in Charleston this week is MultiFest. Beginning August 1, MultiFest brings together various cultural and ethnic communities in an atmosphere of tolerance and goodwill through art, music, education, cultural programs and cuisine at Haddad Riverfront Park. This is the 34th year for what started out as a diverse and inclusive alternative to Charleston’s Sternwheel Regatta, and it’s grown into a top-notch event of its own.

The Multi-Cultural Festival of West Virginia, Inc., aka Multifest, is a non-profit organization that seeks to enrich, develop & enhance multiculturalism in the lives of those they serve in the community. This is done by providing a friendly, family-oriented environment, non-violent tolerance & safe venue to celebrate diversity for all citizens through art, music, education, ethnic cuisine, health & wellness and cultural programming. You can see select events listed below, or check out the full schedule HERE.

Live Music is on tap at Taylor Books. There is no cover charge, and shows start at 7:30 PM.  Friday it’s Danielle & Steve. Saturday Emmy of the Mountaints takes the stage at the beloved bookstore/cafe/art gallery.

The World Famous Empty Glass Cafe has some great stuff this week  to tell you about.  Thursday at 5:30 PM Swingstein and Robin return with music for a cause.  Later that evening, Mike Pushkin & The Loyal Opposition, featuring Alasha Al Qudwah, celebrate Jerry Garcia’s birthday.  Friday Tim Courts and friends will fill the Happy Hour with music starting at 5:30 PM. Sunday evening at 8 PM, The Liquid Canvas–John Vernon Acoustic, holds down the fort at the Glass.  Check the graphics below for more weekend shows.

Please remember that the pandemic is still not entirely over yet. It’s a going concern with the ‘rona still lurking about. And now there are nasty seasonal allergies, Weird people who aren’t fun like Weird people used to be, giant balloons, susbstitute postmen 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.

Here we go, roughly in order…