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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.

A smiling child with colorful face paint enjoys a day at the State Fair of West Virginia. Fair officials and community partners are providing complimentary all-day midway ride passes to eligible foster children during this year's event, helping more young people experience one of the state's most cherished summer traditions. (Photo courtesy Jeremiah Lawrence)
Festivals / Events

State Fair of West Virginia, state’s biggest festival, opens its midway to foster children

by David Sibray

LEWISBURG, W.Va. — For many West Virginians, memories of the state fair begin in childhood—first rides on the midway, cotton candy shared with family, prize-winning livestock, and long summer evenings spent beneath the glow of carnival lights. For some children in foster care, those memories have never had the chance to begin. This August, a … Read more

The State Fair of West Virginia draws thousands of visitors each August to Lewisburg, where competitive exhibits, livestock shows and carnival attractions highlight the state's largest annual celebration of agriculture. (Photo courtesy Greenbrier Valley Convention and Visitors Bureau)
Festivals / Events

State Fair of West Virginia entry deadlines near as the 101st annual fair approaches

by Clyde Craig

LEWISBURG, W.Va. — From prize-winning quilts and homemade jams to champion livestock and towering garden vegetables, the competitive exhibits at the State Fair of West Virginia have long been among the event’s biggest draws. With the fair’s 101st annual celebration just weeks away, organizers are reminding exhibitors that entry deadlines are rapidly approaching. Livestock entries … Read more

The 230-foot America250 Wheel rises above the West Virginia State Capitol Complex in Charleston during the state's official America250 Capital City Celebration. The observation wheel offers panoramic views of the capital city and is among the event's signature attractions. (Courtesy W.Va. Tourism)
Festivals / Events

Charleston’s America250 Celebration draws thousands for historic Fourth of July weekend

by Clyde Craig

CHARLESTON, W.Va. — One of West Virginia’s largest Independence Day weekends in years is set to unfold in Charleston, where the state’s official America250 Capital City Celebration will coincide with the annual Charleston Sternwheel Regatta, creating four days of concerts, fireworks, history, and family entertainment. The free celebration, July 2-5 on the West Virginia State … Read more

The 230-foot America250 Wheel, billed as the world's tallest portable Ferris wheel, towers above the West Virginia State Capitol during preparations for the state's America250 Capital City Celebration in Charleston. (Photo: W.Va. Tourism)
Festivals / Events

The biggest ride ever to visit West Virginia towers above the capitol

by Clyde Craig

CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Drivers approaching West Virginia’s State Capitol this week may find themselves looking twice. Rising 230 feet above the Capitol grounds, the America250 Wheel has transformed Charleston’s skyline ahead of the state’s celebration of America’s 250th anniversary. Billed as the world’s tallest portable Ferris wheel, the massive attraction is the centerpiece of the … Read more

Fireworks burst over Snowshoe Mountain during the resort's annual Independence Day celebration. From mountaintop resorts to historic river towns, communities across West Virginia host some of Appalachia's most memorable Fourth of July celebrations. (Courtesy Kurtis Schachner / Snowshoe Mountain)
Festivals / Events

Where to watch Fourth of July fireworks in West Virginia in 2026

by Clyde Craig

CHARLESTON, W.Va. — From mountaintop resorts and lakeside parks to historic river towns and courthouse squares, West Virginia offers some of Appalachia’s most memorable Independence Day celebrations. This year carries added significance as communities across the Mountain State join the nation in celebrating America’s 250th birthday. Many destinations are expanding their holiday weekends with concerts, … Read more

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