Youngstown will be busy this weekend as community organizations, local venues and Youngstown State University host a mix of events, including the Rotary Club of Youngstown’s Pints for Polio fundraiser and YSU’s Homecoming parade and football game, as well as several Halloween-themed activities for families.
Rotary Club of Youngstown: Pints for Polio
The Rotary Club of Youngstown will host Pints for Polio in partnership with Penguin City Brewing Co., 460 E. Federal St., from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Thursday. The event also marks the ticket launch for the club’s annual Groundhog Beerfest, scheduled for Jan. 31 at Stambaugh Auditorium.
To mark World Polio Day on Friday, Penguin City will donate $1 from every pint sold that day to Rotary’s Polio Plus Fund. The Youngstown Rotary Foundation will match that donation with every dollar of that amount matched two for one by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.
Penguin City Brewing Co.
Penguin City Brewing will feature several events throughout the week.
The fun begins with Pumpkin Carving Night for all ages from 6 to 9 p.m. Thursday. On Friday, the brewery will host country line dancing, with doors opening at 8:30 p.m. and lessons from 9 to 11 p.m., followed by open dancing late into the night. There is a $5 charge for the line dancing.
On Saturday, the brewery will be transformed into an interactive haunted venue for a Rocky Horror Picture Show 50th Anniversary celebration. Doors open at 7 p.m. for a spooky cocktail hour with DJ Spruce, a costume contest, a live performance by Weird Paul from Pittsburgh and a Haunted Experience Walk-Through.
The film begins at 9 p.m. There is a $5 door charge with audience participation bags available for $5, with all proceeds donated to Rebel Rescue Ranch.
Youngstown State University
The YSU Women’s Volleyball team will host Milwaukee at 4 p.m. Friday and 11 a.m. Saturday, followed by Robert Morris at 6 p.m. Wednesday at the Beeghly Center.
The Ward Beecher Planetarium’s annual Halloween shows also return, continuing a local tradition since 1974. The spooky and spectacular “Nightlights” shows begin at 8 p.m. Friday and 3 p.m. and 8 p.m. Saturday with a Night-LITE matinee at 2 p.m. Saturday for younger audiences. All shows are free with doors opening 30 minutes before showtime.
The YSU Homecoming Parade will begin 11:45 a.m. Saturday along an expanded downtown route from Wick Avenue down Federal Street and up Fifth Avenue to the East Bound Service Road near Stambaugh Stadium. The Homecoming Game against Murray State University kicks off at 2 p.m. at Stambaugh Stadium.
Community Events
Ballet Western Reserve will have its Nutty Night Out from 6 to 9 p.m. Thursday at The Varsity Club, 131 W. Commerce St., benefiting its annual Nutcracker production.
The Youngstown Parks & Recreation Department will host Trails of Treats from 4 to 7 p.m. Saturday at Wick Park, offering candy, hayrides and activities for kids and families.
Film lovers can catch Nosferatu: A Symphony of Horror with live organ accompaniment at 2:30 p.m. Sunday at Stambaugh Auditorium, and Art @ Nite: Downtown Night Market will fill The Federal from 5 to 11 p.m. Saturday with vendors, food and live music.
The Regional Chamber, a partner in advancing downtown redevelopment, continues to help connect businesses and organizations so local retailers, restaurants and bars can prepare for the city’s growing schedule of events.