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Spend October out on the town

By Visit Mountaineer Country CVB 5 min read

It is many locals’ favorite time of year in Mountaineer Country, when the events calendar fills up, sweaters come out of the closet and fall foliage begins to paint Morgantown in beautiful shades of red and orange. As you add events to your own planner, we encourage you to put some of these local events on your schedule. Lots of variety awaits, so get out on the town and experience something new!

You may find yourself enjoying outdoor recreation, the arts or unique Halloween activities.

City of Morgantown Weiner Dog Race

This Thursday, Oct. 15, the City of Morgantown is hosting its inaugural Weiner Dog Race as part of the 2026 Municipal Government Week celebration! With categories for every Dachshund, there will be no shortage of puppy love at Liberatore Field.

Pups can also participate in a costume contest, and owners can connect with local pet-related organizations. If you do not have a four-legged friend accompanying you, there will be food trucks, vendors and children's activities. Participate in the interactive "Vote for your Favorite Weenie" polling booth experience to prepare for the upcoming election, and learn more about voter registration, becoming a poll worker or running for City Council while spending time with your Morgantown community. Weiner dog check-in begins at 5 p.m., and the first race kicks off at 6:15 p.m. Ready, set, go to Liberatore Field this Thursday!

For more information, visit: visitmountaineercountry.com/event/morgantown-wiener-dog-race/

Water Witch Paddle

Co-hosted by the Mon River Trails Conservancy and the Morgantown Area Paddlers, get out on the water this weekend for a flatwater, Halloween-themed adventure. The Water Witch Paddle on Oct. 18 at 3 p.m. is a perfect way to experience fall's beauty and enjoy outdoor recreation in Mountaineer Country. Participants will meet at 10 Walnut St., across from Morgantown Adventure Outfitters. If you are interested in this activity but do not own the proper equipment, no need to worry! You can rent a kayak or paddleboard from Morgantown Adventure Outfitters for only $20 for all 3 hours of the event. Renters should park at Hazel Ruby McQuain Park or the Beechurst Ave Parking garage, and participants bringing their own kayak should park at the Walnut Street Landing. This is a free event, but be sure to pre-register! Do not be afraid to explore the outdoors in a new, fun way this weekend.

For more information, visit: visitmountaineercountry.com/event/water-witch-paddle/

The Wiz

WVU's Canady Creative Arts Center is welcoming the first Broadway musical performance of the 2026-2027 University Arts Series to the stage on Oct. 20. If you are looking for a hit performing arts experience in your own backyard, look no further. The Wiz is a Tony Award-winning Best Musical that reimagines The Wizard of Oz and took the world by storm when it premiered. Dressed in colorful costumes, delivering unforgettable performances and incredible choreography, this production and its cast bring new life and vibrant culture to a beloved classic. The score blends soul, rock and funk to tell the story of Dorothy's journey. Experience a childhood favorite in an extravagant, musical setting. Come to the Lyell B. Clay Concert Theatre on Oct. 20 for a spectacular 7:30 p.m. performance.

For more information, visit: visitmountaineercountry.com/event/the-wiz/

Mon County Health Department Trunk or Treat

Why wait until Halloween weekend to begin the festivities? The Monongalia County Health Department will be hosting its last Trunk or Treat at its current location on Oct. 22 at 5:30 p.m. If you and the kiddos just can not wait to start trick-or-treating, this is the perfect community event for you! This Trunk or Treat will feature additional area businesses and MCHD staffers handing out candy and other fun treats to participating costumed kids until 7:30 p.m.

MCHD strives to educate families on how to have a safe and fun Halloween, with advice on costumes, food and candy to keep everyone healthy this year. Make sure to check out their resources and recommendations for our Mountaineer Country community!

For more information, visit: visitmountaineercountry.com/event/mchd-trunk-or-treat-2/

Red Bull Chariot Race

On Oct. 24, you can catch teams of four ambitious participants flying down High St. in the 2026 Red Bull Chariot Race. This non-motorized race features teams that have dreamt up and built their wacky chariot rides from scratch to race the Chariot course in hopes of becoming champions. These races take place across the United States, and Morgantown is thrilled to host this competition in the heart of downtown.

Race speed, creativity and overall performance will declare Morgantown's winning team. Brave and fun-loving participants will face obstacles and trivia questions along the way, sure to amuse spectators. The Chariot Paddock will open at 1 p.m. for spectators to meet the participants and check out the chariots up close. The race will begin at 2 p.m., and High St. will no doubt be brimming with fearless fun!

For more information, visit: visitmountaineercountry.com/event/red-bull-chariot-race/

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