The shops and restaurants of downtown Lewisburg are so excited to have the Literary Arts Festival return with literary and arts events, interesting activities and unique window displays the whole family will enjoy. Everyone is invited to this free festival!
Live Music will be performed in the Greenspace by musical artist Matt Evans from 5 to 8 p.m.
The Greenbrier County Public Library will post two short stories that you can read as you walk by merchants’ windows where a page or two of the story will be posted. One will start at The Humble Tomato and continue on the north side of Washington Street ending at Cooper Gallery. The other story will begin at the General Lewis on the south side of Washington Street ending at Harmony Ridge. The library is also having a used book sale from 12 noon to 6 p.m. on Friday and on Saturday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. (152 Robert W. McCormick Drive 304-647-7568)
(StoryWalk® is an innovative and delightful way for children – and adults – to enjoy reading and the outdoors at the same time. The StoryWalk® Project was created by Anne Ferguson of Montpelier, VT and developed in collaboration with the Kellogg-Hubbard Library. Storywalk® is a registered service mark owned by Ms. Ferguson.)
Stop in the Greenbrier Valley Visitors Center as they kick off the Lewisburg Literary Festival. Authors and book vendors will be on hand to talk about, sell and sign their literary works. In conjunction with the festival, Greenbrier Artists will present a show titled “Poetry Inspires Art.” Various artists write poetry and members paint works based on the poems. Also featured in the center will be an exhibit of handmade wood creations by Greenbrier Valley Woodturners. Both art shows will be on display throughout August. Enjoy the festival! (905 Washington Street W. 304-645-1000)
Greenbrier Valley Theatre: Join us for the closing weekend of Little Shop of Horrors. This classic piece of sci-fi theatre has been delighting audiences for 40 years with songs like “Somewhere That’s Green” and “Suddenly Seymour.” Don’t miss out on seeing the movie starring Rick Moranis, Ellen Greene, and Steve Martin come to life right in downtown Lewisburg! (1038 E Washington Street 304-645-3838)
Harmony Ridge invites you to “Caption This!” In celebration of the Lewisburg Literary Festival you can show off your creative writing talents and win. The best caption wins the item! While here, check out our themed literary festival window and enjoy a summery glass of wine. (886 Washington Street, 304-645-4333. Next door to Food & Friends)
Bella’s Corner Gourmet Celebrating the ‘Lit Fest with a Cookbook exchange and tasty wines, too! At Bella the Corner Gourmet we’re cookbookish celebrating the LWB Literary Festival weekend! It’s a cookbook exchange weekend! Simply bring one, get one. We’ve a couple new wines and cheeses to taste, too! (1017 Washington Street East. @BellaGourmetWV 304-520-4921)
Carnegie Hall’s August/September/October Exhibits open Friday, Aug. 5. Carnegie Hall features three rotating galleries, which display the works of regional artists. The upcoming exhibits feature works by artists Shari O’Day (Old Stone Room), Susanna Robinson (Lobby Gallery), and Steven Hutchins (Museum Gallery). There will be opening receptions at 5 p.m. in conjunction with Lewisburg’s First Fridays after 5. Jazz musicians Bill Hoffman and William Penn will be providing entertainment for the Lobby Gallery. (611 Church Street. 304-645-7919)
Visit the American Legion Post 69 located upstairs at 818 Jefferson Street S. for FREE Hot Dogs and soft drinks. Stop in and tour our newly renovated Hall and learn about the history of the Post and Veteran activities in Greenbrier County. Look for the American Flag!
Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Central features artists Bruce and Jeanne Brenneman. A retired forester, Bruce has worked with wood his entire life and creates decorative objects made from wood. Jeanne is a signature member of the West Virginia Watercolor Society and a founding member of the Greenbrier Artists. (1018 Washington Street)
Be sure to stop by the Sheena Pendley Studio this First Friday from 5 to 8 p.m. for a complimentary Storybook photo in celebration of the Lewisburg Literary Festival!! Pop in for a quick photo before you head across the street to The Lewis Theatre for their show at 7! You LITERALLY can’t pass this up! (SPDP Boutique Photo Studio is located on Court Street next to Corn + Flour, 846 N Court Street)
Stardust will have a Tolkien cocktail special, and it’s prime rib night! (1023 Washington Street 304-647-3663)
To help kick off the literary festival Edith’s Store will offer 15% off all books and a sample of its newest line of kombucha from Rowdy Mermaid Kombucha. Stop by and get Rowdy for first Friday! (1035 E Washington Street 304-645-7998)
Little Miss has found The Shoe Box! What Little Miss or Mr. Men character will you be? We shall see! Stop by and search through our Summer Sale items, get those Back to School shoes, and join us for a fun kick off to the Literary Festival weekend. (847 N Court Street 681-318-3377)
Countyseat Arts and Music: What happens when literature and art meet? Find out Aug. 5 from 6 to 8 p.m. at the opening reception for Spaces – and photography exhibit by WVU Literature Professor Michael Germana. This is Michael’s first art exhibit EVER! Show your support for new art while enjoying the sounds of Absolute Love Affair. (848 Court Street next to Merry Weathers and across from The Shoe Box)
Mountain Momma will feature lots of sales including all you can fit consignment items in a plastic bag for $10, also 20% off all new shoes. We also have a new website! mountain-momma.square.site/
Peoples Bank will be giving away some promotional items so stop by their table that will be set up outside of the bank. (1085 Washington Street 304-647-4530)
Stop by Patina for Live Celtic music by Patrick O’Flaherty along with complimentary drinks and Girl Scout cookies. (1046 Washington Street E, 304-520-4960)
Cooper Gallery will be open ‘til 8 p.m. featuring Gallery artists. (1067 E Washington Street 304-661-1752)
Also open late till 8:00 for shopping:
- Aggies and Vest (979 Washington Street W 304-645-4063)
- Little Black Box (818 Jefferson Street S 304-645-6646)
- Wolf Creek Gallery (967 Washington Street W 304 645-5270)
Finish off your evening at The Asylum with Thomas Taylor Band! (399 Randolph Street East, 681-318-3515)
First Fridays is sponsored by City National Bank and the Shops & Restaurants of Downtown Lewisburg. For more information check us out online at facebook.com/firstfridaysafter5 and instagram.com/firstfridaysafter5 and visitlewisburgwv.com or call 304-645-6646.