CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Now in its 49th year, the Vandalia Gathering—West Virginia’s signature celebration of folk music, arts, and heritage—returns May 22–25 to the grounds of the state capitol in Charleston. The free, public event attracts more than 10,000 visitors and participants each year.
The free, public event features live music and dance events, storytelling competitions, arts and food vendors, and attracts more than 10,000 visitors each year, according to Chelsea Ruby, cabinet secretary for West Virginia tourism.
“The Vandalia Gathering is one of West Virginia’s most cherished traditions, inviting everyone to experience the rich history and unique culture that sets the Mountain State apart, “Ruby said.
The Capitol complex is decorated in recognition of America’s 250th anniversary, providing a festive, patriotic backdrop for the weekend.
Saturday Highlights
The event begins Friday, May 22, at the state theater at the W.Va. Culture Center with an awards ceremony honoring quilt and wall-hanging winners and the presentation of the 2026 Vandalia Award, the state’s highest folklife honor. A concert follows the award ceremonies. Saturday evening’s concert will begin at 7 p.m. in the Culture Center State Theater.
Saturday Highlights
Outdoor activities begin at 11 a.m. on Saturday, featuring old-time fiddle, bluegrass banjo, and mandolin contests. Sunday’s events also begin at 11 a.m. with a one-hour gospel set by Angie Richardson, followed by half-hour concerts by local West Virginia musicians. Traditional dance offerings, including square dancing, flat-foot dancing, and highland dance, will take place in the North Plaza, where guests are encouraged to join in.
Sunday Highlights
The popular West Virginia Liar’s Contest returns on Sunday in the culture center theater at 2:30 p.m., with registration beginning at 1:30 p.m, as storytellers compete for the coveted “Golden Shovel Award.”
Throughout the weekend, guests can visit the culture center for family-friendly storytime, crafts, live demonstrations, and interactive tours of the state museum
Official Vandalia Gathering and Almost Heaven merchandise will be available for purchase throughout the weekend. Free parking for attendees is available in the metered spots and parking garage located within the Capitol Complex.
About the Vandalia Gathering
The Vandalia Gathering showcases traditional Appalachian musicians performing throughout the weekend. Established artists and younger musicians perform in concerts, competitions, and informal jam sessions across the Capitol Complex. Visitors can attend fiddle, banjo, mandolin, and guitar contests during the day and evening concerts at the State Theater.
The event also features a variety of traditional dance performances and demonstrations that reflect West Virginia’s cultural heritage. Irish, Scottish, Morris, Swiss, Croatian, and Appalachian dances are presented in the Great Hall, with opportunities for audience participation. Native American dance and music performances are held outdoors on the Capitol grounds. Square dancing, flatfooting demonstrations, and public dances take place throughout the afternoon at the outdoor Dance Stage.
The gathering also highlights West Virginia folklife, crafts, and food traditions. Food vendors offer a range of regional and ethnic dishes. The Craft Circle features West Virginia artisans who demonstrate and sell handmade items, including pottery, glasswork, folk toys, and other traditional crafts. The Old-Time for Young’uns area offers children activities that reflect the daily life and traditions of earlier generations in West Virginia.
The name “Vandalia”
The name “Vandalia” comes from a proposed British colony considered in the late 18th century. Organized in part by members of the Great Ohio Company, including Benjamin Franklin, the proposed colony would have included most of present-day West Virginia and parts of Kentucky. The plan was abandoned as political tensions mounted before the American Revolution. The name derives from Queen Charlotte, wife of King George III, whose ancestry was linked to the Vandals through German nobility.
Vandalia Gathering Schedule
May 22–24 | State Capitol Complex, Charleston, West Virginia
Friday, May 22
Indoor Concert — Culture Center State Theater
- 6:30 p.m. — WV Juried Quilt and Wall Hanging Award Ceremony
- 7:00 p.m. — Vandalia Award Presentation
- 7:15 p.m. — Evening Concert featuring:
Bill Kimmons (Emcee)
The MacAbre Brothers
Long Point String Band
Slow Train
Lady D Ron & Rory Mullennex
Dave Bing & Friends
Saturday, May 23
Festival Opens — 10:30 a.m.
Old-Time Stage — State Capitol West Wing
- 11:00 a.m.–Noon — Fiddle Contest Registration
- 11:30 a.m.–Noon — Concert: Andrew Dunlap & Tessa McCoy
- Noon — Senior Fiddle Contest
- 1:30–2 p.m. — Concert: Jenny Alliner
- 2:00 p.m. — Senior Fiddle Awards
- 2:15 p.m. — Youth Fiddle Contest
- 3:15 p.m. — Fiddle Contest
- 5:00–5:30 p.m. — Concert: Dave Bing
- 5:30 p.m. — Fiddle Contest Awards
Circle Stage — State Capitol Concrete Stage
- 11:00 a.m.–Noon — Bluegrass Banjo & Mandolin Registration
- 11:30 a.m.–Noon — Concert: Robin & Dan Kessinger
- Noon–1 p.m. — Bluegrass Banjo Contest
- 1–1:30 p.m. — Concert: Jim Gabehart & Steadfast
- 1:30 p.m. — Bluegrass Banjo Awards
- 1:45–2:30 p.m. — Mandolin Contes
- 2:30–3 p.m. — Concert: Buck McCumbers & the Hillbillies
- 3 p.m. — Mandolin Awards
- 3:00–3:30 p.m. — Concert: Luke & the Cool Hands
Evening Concert — Culture Center State Theater
- 7:00 p.m. — Concert featuring:
Bill Hairston (Emcee)
Musical Tribute for Terry Vaughn
Ginny Hawker
Gerry Milnes & Mike Miller
John Morris & Ruth Randall Angie Richardson
Kanawha Tradition
The Mack Samples Band
The State Birds
Sunday, May 24
Festival Opens — 10:30 a.m.
Old-Time Stage — State Capitol West Wing
- 11 a.m.–Noon — Gospel Sing: Angie Richardson
- 11:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m. — Old-Time Banjo & Mountain Dulcimer Registration
- 12:30–1:30 p.m. — Senior Old-Time Banjo Contest
- 1:30–2 p.m. — Concert: Bare Bones
- 2 p.m. — Senior Old-Time Banjo Awards
- 2:15–3 p.m. — Mountain Dulcimer Contest
- 3–3:30 p.m. — Concert: Andy FitzGibbon & Rory Mullennex
- 3:30 p.m. — Mountain Dulcimer Awards
- 3:45–5 p.m. — Old-Time Banjo Contest
- 5:15 p.m. — Old-Time Banjo Awards
Circle Stage — State Capitol Concrete Stage
- Noon–1 p.m. — Youth & Flatpick Guitar Registration
- 12:30–1 p.m. — Concert: Jesse Milnes & Emily Miller
- 1–2:00 p.m. — Youth Flatpick Guitar Contest
- 2–2:30 p.m. — Concert: Southridge
- 2:30–3:30 p.m. — Flatpick Guitar Contest
- 3:45–4 p.m. — Flatpick Guitar Awards
- 4–4:30 p.m. — Concert: Hillbilly Tradition
Liars Contest — Culture Center Theater
- 1:30–2:30 p.m. — Registration
- 1:30–2:30 p.m. — Storytelling by Judges
2:30 p.m. — Contest Begins
Saturday & Sunday Activities
Vandalia Dance Stage — State Capitol North Plaza
Heritage Dancing
Square Dancing
Open Flatfoot Dancing
Performances by Appalachian Lassies, Poteen, Juanita Fireball & the Continental Drifters, and Bob Smakula & Friends
Young Un’s Tent
Family crafts and weaving demonstrations throughout the day
Storytime (Saturday Only)
Storytelling with members of the West Virginia Storytelling Guild
4-H Projects & Demonstrations (Saturday Only)
Displays and demonstrations by the Kanawha County 4-H Club
Follow along on Facebook at Vandalia Gathering.