West Virginia Explorer West Virginia Explorer News
Browse

Festivals / Events

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.

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

At ski destinations like Snowshoe Mountain, midwinter typically marks the heart of the season.
Festivals / Events

Jan. 15 marks Midwinter Day, but the most wintry weather is ahead in West Virginia

by Clyde Craig

CHARLESTON, W.Va. — By mid-January, many West Virginians will notice a subtle but welcome change: daylight is beginning to stretch a little longer each afternoon. That small gain of sunlight can create the impression that winter is already easing its grip. Meteorologically speaking, however, the opposite is true. January 15 is widely recognized by climatologists … Read more

This year marks the launch of the First Lady’s inaugural Gingerbread House Competition, open to K-12 classrooms and adult participants statewide.
Festivals / Events

First Lady invites community for gingerbread contest, mansion tree decorating

by Bianca Bosworth

CHARLESTON, W.Va. — West Virginia First Lady Denise Morrisey is inviting students, educators, and artisans from across the state to help celebrate the holiday season through two creative initiatives hosted at the state culture center. This year marks the launch of the First Lady’s inaugural Gingerbread House Competition, open to K-12 classrooms and adult participants … Read more

Speakers at Create Your State Convening 2019
Festivals / Events

Arts gathering will spotlight creative revitalization Oct. 24-26 in Princeton

by Bianca Bosworth

PRINCETON, W.Va. — Artists, educators, and community leaders from across West Virginia will converge in Princeton’s Grassroots District from Oct. 24–26 for the Create Your State Convening, a three-day program focused on how the arts can drive economic and social revitalization in small towns. Hosted by the RiffRaff Arts Collective, the event turns Princeton’s downtown … Read more