BECKLEY, WV (LOOTPRESS) – The City of Beckley is gearing up for a lively June, with community events planned every weekend throughout the month.
A collaborative effort between Beckley Events, local car clubs, Downtown Pulse, City Parks and Recreation, and the Bill Withers Committee will bring music, classic cars, shopping, food, and fun to the area.
Fridays in the Park Returns
The popular Fridays in the Park lunchtime concert series kicks off on June 6 at Word Park with music by Jay Milam.
The event runs from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. and features food vendors and booths. The series continues weekly through June:
- June 13: Performances by Mike Kincaid, Michelle and Kate Hontz, and Rebecca Riggs. Kate Hontz recently starred as Dorothy in The Wizard of Oz at WWHS.
- June 20: Country Roads Band performs as part of West Virginia Day festivities.
- June 27: Bragg and Mann take the stage.
Cruise-Ins and Live Music on Main Street
Also starting June 6, Cruise-in and Music on Main will rev up downtown Beckley.
Classic car enthusiasts meet at Leisure Lanes at 5:00 p.m., cruising to Main Street where vehicles will be on display from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m., accompanied by music from Jay Milam.
Restaurants along Main Street will be open to the public.
The event returns June 20, in conjunction with the Eastern Spring Nationals car show, with music by David Runion from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m.
New Monthly Block Party: Second Saturdays
A brand-new downtown tradition begins June 14 with the launch of Second Saturdays.
Organized by the Downtown Pulse committee, this monthly event will feature downtown shops, pop-up booths, live music, and street activities from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Mia Bailey will perform the National Anthem at 11:00 a.m. for Flag Day, followed by a performance from Theatre West Virginia.
Tiffany’s on Main boutique will also celebrate its grand opening during the event.
AACA Car Show Comes to Beckley
From June 18–21, Beckley will host the Antique Automobile Club of America’s Eastern Spring Nationals. Over 125 vintage vehicles will roll into town. Public events include:
- June 20: Cruise-in and live music downtown (6–9 p.m.)
- June 21: Main car show from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. with performances by The Untrained Professionals (11 a.m.) and the Chris Oxley Quartet (1 p.m.). Food vendors and other entertainment will be on site.
West Virginia Day Celebrations
On June 20, the Beckley Exhibition Coal Mine will mark West Virginia Day with music from the Strings of Green bluegrass band. Meanwhile, the Youth Museum will host Birds of Prey owls for an educational exhibit.
Bill Withers Music Festival Highlights Month’s End
The Bill Withers Music Festival returns Saturday, June 28, from 1:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the Bill Withers Plaza on Neville Street. The free event features eight music acts including Trey Waycaster, Moon King, Lady D and Mi$$ion, and Shayar & Kroshal Force.
A dance party will close out the evening from 7:00 to 8:00 p.m., led by dance instructor Clarissa Hall and DJ New York. The event also includes youth art contest awards and a display of painted guitars as part of a new public art initiative.
June 29 caps the celebration with a special screening of Still Bill, a documentary about Bill Withers, at the Raleigh Playhouse and Theatre at 4:00 p.m. Admission is $5.
For details on Beckley’s June events, contact Beckley Events at 304-256-1776 or visit Beckley.Events. For Second Saturdays participation, call the Beckley-Raleigh County Chamber of Commerce at 304-252-7328.
