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Best events in
Dunbar

While it has a quieter profile than nearby Charleston, there's no shortage of community events and things to do in Dunbar, WV. The local scene is built around family-friendly sports, neighborhood gatherings, and unique annual traditions. For a wider range of entertainment, Charleston's venues are just a short drive away.

Weekends often revolve around the Shawnee Sports Complex, where youth sports tournaments create a lively atmosphere and families can grab a bite at The Pitch Sports Bar & Grill.
For live music, Live at The Shop is an intimate, 100-capacity venue that serves as the area's hub for heavy metal, hardcore, and punk rock shows.
The city's character shines through in its annual events, from the Dunbar Fall Festival that serves as a community homecoming to the quirky Commode Bowl football game on Thanksgiving.

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BLAK JESUS & FRIENDS COMEDY SHOW Presnted by SUMTHIN' FUNNY & WOW PROD. primary image

BLAK JESUS & FRIENDS COMEDY SHOW Presnted by SUMTHIN' FUNNY & WOW PROD.

Saturday • 7:30 PM

Sumthin' Good Soul Food

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Honky Tonk Night: Josh Pantry and Bent River primary image

Honky Tonk Night: Josh Pantry and Bent River

Sat, Oct 24 • 9:00 PM

The Empty Glass

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WV ACHE 2026 Annual Conference primary image

WV ACHE 2026 Annual Conference

Mon, Oct 26 • 8:00 AM

Four Points by Sheraton Charleston

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Charleston West Virginia Anime-Fest primary image

Charleston West Virginia Anime-Fest

Sat, Oct 31 • 10:00 AM

Holiday Inn & Suites Charleston West by IHG

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HALLOWEEN R&B SOUL B!NGO primary image

HALLOWEEN R&B SOUL B!NGO

Sat, Oct 31 • 7:30 PM

Sumthin' Good Soul Food

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2026 Mac & Cheese Cook-Off primary image

2026 Mac & Cheese Cook-Off

Sat, Nov 7 • 11:00 AM

Capitol Market

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2026 West Virginia Energy Summit primary image

2026 West Virginia Energy Summit

Wed, Nov 11 • 4:30 PM

Charleston Coliseum & Convention Center

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Greensky Bluegrass, Hiss Golden Messenger, and more on Mountain Stage primary image

Greensky Bluegrass, Hiss Golden Messenger, and more on Mountain Stage

Sun, Nov 15 • 7:00 PM

Charleston Theater at the Convention Center

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BLAK JESUS & FRIENDS COMEDY SHOW Presnted by SUMTHIN' FUNNY & WOW PROD. primary image

BLAK JESUS & FRIENDS COMEDY SHOW Presnted by SUMTHIN' FUNNY & WOW PROD.

Saturday • 7:30 PM

Sumthin' Good Soul Food

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Honky Tonk Night: Josh Pantry and Bent River primary image

Honky Tonk Night: Josh Pantry and Bent River

Sat, Oct 24 • 9:00 PM

The Empty Glass

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WV ACHE 2026 Annual Conference primary image

WV ACHE 2026 Annual Conference

Mon, Oct 26 • 8:00 AM

Four Points by Sheraton Charleston

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Charleston West Virginia Anime-Fest primary image

Charleston West Virginia Anime-Fest

Sat, Oct 31 • 10:00 AM

Holiday Inn & Suites Charleston West by IHG

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HALLOWEEN R&B SOUL B!NGO primary image

HALLOWEEN R&B SOUL B!NGO

Sat, Oct 31 • 7:30 PM

Sumthin' Good Soul Food

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2026 Mac & Cheese Cook-Off primary image

2026 Mac & Cheese Cook-Off

Sat, Nov 7 • 11:00 AM

Capitol Market

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2026 West Virginia Energy Summit primary image

2026 West Virginia Energy Summit

Wed, Nov 11 • 4:30 PM

Charleston Coliseum & Convention Center

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Greensky Bluegrass, Hiss Golden Messenger, and more on Mountain Stage primary image

Greensky Bluegrass, Hiss Golden Messenger, and more on Mountain Stage

Sun, Nov 15 • 7:00 PM

Charleston Theater at the Convention Center

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Nearby cities

Charleston

6 miles away

Huntington

38 miles away

South Charleston

1 miles away

Point Pleasant

40 miles away

Teays Valley

13 miles away

Jefferson

2 miles away

Pomeroy

49 miles away

Barboursville

29 miles away

Ashland

50 miles away

Danville

20 miles away

Summersville

48 miles away

St. Albans

4 miles away

Pea Ridge

33 miles away

Hico

43 miles away

Gallipolis

40 miles away

Charleston

6 miles away

Huntington

38 miles away

South Charleston

1 miles away

Point Pleasant

40 miles away

Teays Valley

13 miles away

Jefferson

2 miles away

Pomeroy

49 miles away

Barboursville

29 miles away

Ashland

50 miles away

Danville

20 miles away

Summersville

48 miles away

St. Albans

4 miles away

Pea Ridge

33 miles away

Hico

43 miles away

Gallipolis

40 miles away

Online Events

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A Norman stitch-up? The story behind the Bayeux Tapestry primary image

A Norman stitch-up? The story behind the Bayeux Tapestry

Today • 7:30 PM GMT+1

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AI Animation Studio: Create Kids' Cartoons

Tomorrow • 6:00 PM EDT

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HBR Press Webinar: Resilient Optimism

Thu, Oct 15 • 8:00 AM EDT

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HBR Book Webinar: Resilient Optimism

Thu, Oct 15 • 1:00 PM GMT+1

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Coming Together for Multilingual Children with DLD primary image

Coming Together for Multilingual Children with DLD

Thu, Oct 22 • 6:00 PM GMT+2

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(ONLINE) Women on the Move with Ann Patchett primary image

(ONLINE) Women on the Move with Ann Patchett

Tue, Oct 27 • 11:30 AM EDT

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Congreso Internacional de Dirección de Proyectos - Tour PMI Buenos Aires

Wed, Nov 11 • 6:00 PM GMT-3

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Washington Crossing the Delaware / The Crossing - Film History Livestream

Sat, Dec 19 • 8:00 PM EST

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A Norman stitch-up? The story behind the Bayeux Tapestry primary image

A Norman stitch-up? The story behind the Bayeux Tapestry

Today • 7:30 PM GMT+1

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AI Animation Studio: Create Kids' Cartoons primary image

AI Animation Studio: Create Kids' Cartoons

Tomorrow • 6:00 PM EDT

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HBR Press Webinar: Resilient Optimism primary image

HBR Press Webinar: Resilient Optimism

Thu, Oct 15 • 8:00 AM EDT

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HBR Book Webinar: Resilient Optimism primary image

HBR Book Webinar: Resilient Optimism

Thu, Oct 15 • 1:00 PM GMT+1

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Coming Together for Multilingual Children with DLD primary image

Coming Together for Multilingual Children with DLD

Thu, Oct 22 • 6:00 PM GMT+2

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(ONLINE) Women on the Move with Ann Patchett primary image

(ONLINE) Women on the Move with Ann Patchett

Tue, Oct 27 • 11:30 AM EDT

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Congreso Internacional de Dirección de Proyectos - Tour PMI Buenos Aires primary image

Congreso Internacional de Dirección de Proyectos - Tour PMI Buenos Aires

Wed, Nov 11 • 6:00 PM GMT-3

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Washington Crossing the Delaware / The Crossing - Film History Livestream primary image

Washington Crossing the Delaware / The Crossing - Film History Livestream

Sat, Dec 19 • 8:00 PM EST

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Frequently asked questions about Dunbar

What are some family-friendly things to do in Dunbar?

Families often gather at the Shawnee Sports Complex for its many youth sports tournaments. The complex also hosts free community events like the annual Shawnee Sports Spooktacular for trick-or-treating and includes The Pitch Sports Bar & Grill for a casual meal.

Where can I find live music events in Dunbar?

Check out Live at The Shop for an intimate concert experience. This small venue is the local hub for heavy metal, hardcore, and punk rock bands, offering a raw and energetic atmosphere for fans of heavier music genres.

What is the nightlife scene like in Dunbar?

Dunbar's nightlife is relaxed, with spots like The Legacy Lounge & Hotspot offering themed evenings. Look for their weekly "Tequila & Tacos" or "Tipsy Line Dance Thursdays." For a broader variety of bars and clubs, many residents head to nearby Charleston.

Are there any unique food events in Dunbar?

Yes, the city hosts the annual City of Dunbar Critter Dinner fundraiser at the Dunbar Recreation Center. This unique spring event features a wild game menu. For more conventional fare, The Legacy Lounge & Hotspot has weekly wing and taco specials.

How can I find free events in Dunbar?

Free community events are a local staple, especially at parks and community centers. The Dunbar Fall Festival offers free daily entertainment, and the Shawnee Sports Spooktacular provides a free, safe trick-or-treating experience for families each year.

What kind of outdoor activities does Dunbar offer?

Outdoor recreation is popular, with many parks along the Kanawha River. Wine Cellar Park is a notable historic spot with walking trails and a lake for fishing. The city's parks also feature ballfields and boat ramps for public use.

Which annual festivals are held in Dunbar?

Dunbar is known for its annual community traditions that bring residents together. The Dunbar Fall Festival is a homecoming event with crafts and food, while the Commode Bowl is a unique Thanksgiving football game that divides the town by the train tracks.

Can I find arts and crafts events in the area?

The annual Dunbar Fall Festival is the main destination for arts and crafts. It features a large street fair where local and regional artisans sell their work, alongside food vendors and free entertainment, creating a lively community atmosphere.