🍭 A candy store's grand opening

West Virginia's sales tax holiday runs through the end of Monday. The 6% sales tax is waived on qualifying school supplies, clothing, laptops, and sporting equipment - a real savings if you're outfitting kids for the new school year.

A true old-fashioned county fair, all week long: rides, livestock shows, fair food, and nightly entertainment. The big night for local music fans is Thursday - see below.

The annual community-police get-together returns for National Night Out: free food, bounce houses and family activities from Mountaineer Bounce, public safety demos, and giveaways. The first 1,000 attendees get free pool admission, plus chances to win Pirates tickets, Idlewild Park tickets, a Mountaineer jersey, and more.

This week's featured event - handmade chocolates, old-fashioned sodas, and a walk-in Candy Vault in a converted bank building. Full details up top.

Trade sports cards with fellow collectors and vendors in the Fan Cave at the local card shop. Concessions and games on site - non-smoking, alcohol-free, and sensory-friendly, so it's a great low-key outing for kids and collectors alike.

Harrison County's own Davisson Brothers Band headline Thursday night at the fair. There's nothing quite like hearing the hometown boys play under the lights on a summer night - pair it with fair food and you've got a proper West Virginia evening.

A longtime downtown tradition and one of Harrison County's biggest free summer gatherings: two days of live Christian music, with Billboard-charting artist Jordan St. Cyr headlining Friday and Sidewalk Prophets ("The Words I Would Say," "Live Like That") also on the bill. Expect regional worship bands, speakers, kids' activities, prayer tents, and food vendors serving everything from cotton candy to hot Italian sausages. Bring lawn chairs - seating goes fast once the music starts.

Viral comedy sensation Darren Knight - better known as Southern Momma - brings his stand-up tour to the Robinson Grand, just a short drive away, with special guests Red Squirrel and Nicole Starnes. Tickets start at $35 at therobinsongrand.com or 855-773-6283.

A brand-new summer evening market with a full-on '90s theme - think boombox nostalgia, local vendors, food, music, and golden-hour vibes. Nearly 700 people have their eye on this one, so expect a crowd.

Peak-season produce is rolling in - sweet corn, tomatoes, peaches - plus baked goods and handmade items from local vendors. Get there early for the best pick. Runs every Saturday through October.

Bridgeport's Sunday tradition: 100+ vendors this season, live music, ready-to-eat food, and the new Wonder Bar Steakhouse communal dining area. This week the Bridgeport Public Library sets up its nonprofit tent - stop by and say hi. And mark your calendar: BFM2's first-ever After Hours evening market is coming Aug 21.

Sensory-friendly, alcohol-free, and packed with games - a perfect early-evening outing for young collectors.

Free admission, kids' activities, food trucks, and a festival atmosphere built for all ages - an easy, no-cost family night out both evenings.

Pools, courts, turf, and the Clip 'n Climb wall - the reliable answer to "I'm bored" in the last stretch of summer break. Check the program schedule for open swim and climb times. Heads up: registration for the Aug 15 Weather the Storm Triathlon closes Aug 8.

Mon - Makerspace: Sewing Machines, 2:30-4:30 PM. All ages, no registration, bring your own fabric.
Tue - Tabletop Adventures (D&D), 3-5 PM. Ages 10-17, new players welcome.
Wed - Craft Collective: Insect Pinning, 5:30 PM. Learn to pin and display butterflies and beetles. Teens 15+ and adults.
Thu - Trading Card Game Adventures, 5 PM. Pokemon, Magic, or just show off your baseball cards. All ages.
Fri - History Alive! Meet Thomas Ingles, 3:30-5 PM. A costumed first-person history program; real 18th-century weapons will be on display.
Sat - Building Club: Free Build, 12-1:30 PM. Blocks, bricks, and imagination. Ages 3+.
Sun - Library tent at the Farmers & Makers Market, 10 AM-1 PM. Sign up for a library card.

That is one pick a day; the calendar also has storytimes, yoga, Tai Chi, quilting, and more.

Double-header Friday: catch free live music at Jesus Fest downtown, or grab tickets for big laughs with Southern Momma at the Robinson Grand at 7:30. Ambitious? Do both - the venues are minutes apart, and the festival runs all evening.

Throwback '90s soundtrack, local food, and vendor browsing in the evening light - a low-effort, high-charm Saturday plan.