Festivals / Events

CHARLESTON, W.Va. — This weekend, the grounds of the West Virginia Capitol will host the 48th Vandalia Gathering, the state’s annual celebration of West Virginia heritage. Thousands of visitors from around the state and nation attend the event, which is free to the public, features traditional West Virginian music, dance, art, crafts, food, and storytelling. … Read more

BEAVER, W.Va. — Spring ramp festivals are drawing more attention than ever, thanks to a renewed interest in West Virginia and Appalachia, says the publisher of West Virginia Explorer Magazine, one of the Mountain State’s chief guides to the feasts. Ramp festivals witnessed a leap in attendance in 2024, according to David Sibray. He expects … Read more

MARLINTON, W.Va. — Skiing, hiking, biking, and other outdoor pursuits in the West Virginia highlands can work up monster appetites. That’s why the travel bureau in Pocahontas County, where those pursuits are chief, is celebrating its diverse restaurants. “After a big day on the slopes and trails, there’s nothing like a big meal,” says Jake … Read more

RICHWOOD, W.Va. — Enthusiasm for attending ramp festivals in West Virginia is growing along with tourism, says the publisher of the state’s leading travel publications. More than ever, visitors are searching for information on ramps and ramp festivals online at West Virginia Explorer Magazine, according to publisher David Sibray, where more than 50,000 interactions have … Read more

CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Gov. Jim Justice is inviting all West Virginians to the state culture center at the capitol complex in Charleston, West Virginia, at noon today for a day of fun in celebration of West Virginia’s 160th birthday. The first 160 people to arrive will receive a limited edition 160th birthday commemorative gift handmade … Read more

RICHWOOD, W.Va. — Ramp dinners in West Virginia are growing in popularity, and their non-profit hosts are benefitting from the burgeoning interest in all things West Virginian, says the publisher of West Virginia Explorer Magazine. “Ramp dinners have become a much bigger thing all of a sudden,” says David Sibray, whose online guide to the … Read more

RIPLEY, W.Va. — A community known for its events—including the state’s premiere arts-and-crafts festival—the City of Ripley is ushering in the Christmas season with a line-up that expands well beyond the usual. A two-mile race, a classical ballet, an old-fashioned parade, a World War II Christmas play, and a prize-filled “snowball drop” in the town’s … Read more

West Virginia will suffer six more weeks of winter, French Creek Freddie predicted on Wednesday during a Groundhog Day celebration at the West Virginia Wildlife Center in Upshur County. Freddie, the state’s most popular weather-predicting groundhog, came out of hibernation on Wednesday to provide his annual forecast to fans and followers in attendance. “Freddie was … Read more

Would-be pets are among the victims of decline in the coalfields of southern West Virginia, but one community in Mingo County has managed to spearhead a rescue effort that’s off to a remarkable start. Gilbert Happy Tails, to host its first “Fur Ball” fundraiser this month in Gilbert, West Virginia, has already received support from … Read more