Locals around the region have spent their time and money preserving classic opera houses and theaters where performances of all types can be seen, classes are held, and community members meet. Historic buildings around the region are being preserved and reused for artistic purposes. Statuary work, painting, cloth work, and other more quirky means of creation, many of which make sustainable use of re-purposed materials, are among the artistic products the Winding Road encourages which are already being created in this region.
And we know that cherished routines and regular hangouts are a part of good living. In response, local “creative partners” around the region are organizing street fairs, farmers markets, and cultural programs on a regular day of the week or month so artists and farmers can share their goods and talents. Citizens and visitors know that shops are open and their neighbors may be around for a chat, a cold beer, or a cup of coffee. Check out our current and always-growing list.
Performance Venues
Stuart’s Opera House – Nelsonville Public Square, Hocking County
Wonderfully restored and expanded after several fires in recent year, Stewart’s Opera House hosts numerous events and performances year-round!
Tecumseh Theater – Shawnee, Perry County
Also built in the late 1800s when bustling industry created a massive demand for entertainment and cultural enrichment, the theater is still in the midst of restoration in its top floors. The Tecumseh Theater is still an authentic representation of a community theater during the Hocking Valley Coal Boom and still hosts events on the ground floor.
Twin City Opera House – McConnelsville, Morgan County
Built in 1892 when Morgan County was at its most prosperous when railroads and river boats crisscrossed the county and the people in McConnelsville and neighboring Malta wanted a place for leisure. The beautifully preserved opera house still hosts performances and shows movies.
The Ohio Valley Opry – McConnelsville, Morgan County
The Opry, a beautifully preserved venue, holds shows on the third Saturday of the month, March through November, and on the first Saturday in December.
Victoria Opera House – Baltimore, Fairfield County
Dubbed the “last Opera House in Fairfield County,” this historic gem has an organ, which, though it no longer functions, has a very interesting history, having spent some time in Lancaster and a few other places.
Festivals
Ohio PawPaw Festival – Lake Snowden, Albany – September
Parade of the Hills – Nelsonville, Athens County – August
Big Bend Blues Bash – Pomeroy, Meigs County – July
Wild Turkey Festival – Downtown McArthur, Vinton County – May
Community Days Festival – Lancaster, Fairfield County – May
Pickerington Village MayFest – Pickerington, Fairfield County – May
ColorDance Music and Arts Festival – Pomeroy, Meigs County
Moonshine Festival – New Straitsville, Perry County – May
Wildzfest – The Wilds, Muskingum County – May
Athens International Film Festival – April
This multi-day film festival features many film features, including full-length and short films, all at the historic Athena Cinema on Court Street.
Arts
Final Fridays Art Walk – Zanesville, Muskingum County
The First Friday of every month, from 5 to 8 p.m., visitors to Zanesville’s historic district can stroll the sidewalk, popping into the many art galleries that have found their homes in preserved buildings.
Alan Cottril Sculpture Gallery – One of Ohio’s most popular and talented sculptors, one of his Statues resides in Congress’s Statuary Hall and much of his work can be seen in and next to his gallery on 6th Street in Zanesville.
Kennedy Museum of Art – Athens, Athens County
The Kennedy Museum, run as a part of the arts programs at Ohio University, offers many changing exhibits throughout the year.
Decorative Arts Center of Ohio – Lancaster, Fairfield County
Located inside the Historic Reese-Peters House, the Decorative Arts Center offers four revolving exhibits a year.
Ohio Glass Museum – Lancaster, Fairfield County
Zanesville First Friday– Muskingum County
Creating and sustaining community development and economic growth through the arts in downtown Zanesville and surrounding communities.
Destination Days
Glouster First Fridays– Athens County
Food, Fun, Festivities, Friends and Live Music
Marietta First Fridays- Washington County
Small businesses are open late from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. the First Friday of each month with lots of great local experiences to enjoy!
Shawnee Second Saturday– Perry County
Special events and activities will be happening in Shawnee Ohio every Second Saturday of the month.
Amesville Coonskin Saturdays- Athens County
Coonskin Saturday is a monthly event that highlights the talents, history and foods of Amesville by providing a regular array of concerts, movies, classes and other programs in Gifford Park, Masonic Lodge, Village Productions Community Center and ACRE
Final Friday Nelsonville– Athens County
On the Final Friday of every month (excluding December), galleries and retail shops on Nelsonville’s Historic Square stay open late for special events.