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Fairs, festivals, and events in West Virginia provide an authentic way to experience the state’s rich Appalachian culture, warm hospitality, and vibrant community spirit, especially as the remote-work revolution brings new residents from big U.S. cities seeking connection and local experiences. From lively music festivals and traditional craft fairs to food and heritage events, West Virginia’s year-round calendar brings people together to celebrate local art, music, food, and history. These gatherings support small businesses, showcase talented local artists and musicians, and create fun, family-friendly entertainment for both longtime residents and newcomers. For remote workers and new residents, attending West Virginia’s fairs and festivals is a wonderful way to meet neighbors, make memories, and feel at home in the Mountain State while enjoying its unique charm and sense of community.

Guests on horseback gather in the gardens of the Pence Springs Hotel during the resort's early years. Horseback riding was among the attractions that drew visitors to the famed mineral springs resort, where the Alderson Horse Show will return horses to the property this summer. (Courtesy photo)
Festivals / Events

Horses return to historic Pence Springs Resort before Alderson Fourth Of July celebration

by Bianca Bosworth

PENCE SPRINGS, W.Va. — Horses will return to the historic Pence Springs resort grounds this summer when the Alderson Fourth of July Celebration hosts its annual horse show at the former mineral-springs resort, reviving an equestrian tradition that helped define the property more than a century ago. Organizers say the June 27 event, part of … Read more

West Virginians celebrate West Virginia Day on June 20, marking the state's 1863 admission to the Union and honoring the history, culture, and traditions of the Mountain State.
Festivals / Events

West Virginia Day 2026: 10 events and festivals celebrating the Mountain State’s birthday

by David Sibray

CHARLESTON, W.Va. — West Virginians will mark the state’s 163rd birthday, West Virginia Day, on Saturday, June 20, with festivals, heritage celebrations, outdoor events, and community gatherings stretching from the Eastern Panhandle to the coalfields of southern West Virginia. West Virginia entered the Union on June 20, 1863, becoming the nation’s 35th state during the … Read more

July 4 Festivals: Spectators line the streets of Alderson during the town's annual Fourth of July parade, one of West Virginia's longest-running Independence Day traditions.
Festivals / Events

Small-town West Virginia festivals that still celebrate July 4 the old-fashioned way

by David Sibray

ALDERSON, W.Va. — As communities across America prepare for Independence Day, some of West Virginia’s most beloved celebrations carry on traditions that have endured for generations. While major cities host large fireworks displays and concerts, many of the state’s most memorable Fourth of July experiences remain in small towns, where parades, community picnics, historic traditions, … Read more

Historic Harpers Ferry is dressed in red, white and blue for Independence Day, drawing visitors to one of West Virginia's most iconic destinations during the Fourth of July holiday.
Festivals / Events

Patriotic destinations worth visiting in West Virginia on Fourth of July weekend

by Bianca Bosworth

HARPERS FERRY, W.Va. — As Independence Day approaches, travelers across West Virginia are planning weekend getaways that combine scenic landscapes with the state’s rich American history. From Civil War landmarks and statehood sites to historic forts and presidential retreats, the Mountain State offers numerous destinations where visitors can reflect on the nation’s past while enjoying … Read more

The Wild Trails Festival is building quickly and is ideally suited to the Greenbrier Valley, a region steeped in history and growing as a national destination for outdoor recreation.
Festivals / Events

Wild Trails Festival 2026 returns to Lewisburg with Koe Wetzel, Tucker Wetmore

by Clyde Craig

LEWISBURG, W.Va. — The Wild Trails Festival will return to the West Virginia State Fairgrounds in Lewisburg June 18-20, bringing a star-studded lineup of country, Americana, and Red Dirt artists to what organizers call West Virginia’s largest country music festival. Headliners this year include Koe Wetzel, Tucker Wetmore, Ian Munsick, and Shane Smith & The … Read more

With its three rivers, Summers County became a popular fishing getaway during Miners' Vacation in the 1950s.
Festivals / Events

Historical society celebrates history of W.Va. Miners’ Vacation with fish fry fundraiser

by Clyde Craig

HINTON, W.Va. — The New River Gorge Historical Society will celebrate a cherished tradition of life in southern West Virginia with a community fish fry and historical program on Saturday, June 13, at the Summers County Memorial Building in downtown Hinton, West Virginia. Inspired by the annual “Miners’ Vacation” once observed throughout the New River … Read more

Musicians gather freely at the Vandalia Gathering in Charleston, West Virginia.
Festivals / Events

49th annual Vandalia Gathering celebrates old-time and bluegrass music at state capital

by David Sibray

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 … Read more

Mary Bemis at Berkeley Springs International Water Tasting
Festivals / Events

West Virginia bottler wins silver award at international water competition 

by Clyde Craig

BERKELEY SPRINGS, W.Va. — Le Sage Natural Water, of Lesage, has been awarded a silver medal for its purified water at the 36th annual Berkeley Springs International Water Tasting competition in the eastern panhandle of the Mountain State. The world’s most prestigious and longest-running water competition, more than 100 entries from five continents competed this … Read more