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.
(NOTE: The time of the movie on September 20 has been changed to 7 p.m. and the final event, storytelling with Adam Booth and Diane Macklin, has been changed to September 27.) Shepherd University’s 24th-annual Appalachian Heritage Festival will take place during the week of September 20-28 and features the work of Affrilachian poet and … Read more
Good weather and gate specials helped the State Fair of West Virginia reach record food and carnival sales in 2019, according to Kelly Collins, CEO for the fair, who provided a breakdown of figures. “Although school calendars have affected attendance for the State Fair of West Virginia, we were fortunate to have great weather,” Collins … Read more
As any student who attends West Virginia University at Morgantown can tell you, there’s an air of mystery that grows over the Monongahela Valley at night. Ranked among the most haunted locales in West Virginia, Morgantown—and all of the Monongahela Valley, from Pittsburgh to the Allegheny uplands—is imbued with a sense of the uncanny. It … Read more
In its tenth year, the hugely popular Fright Nights haunt near Beckley, West Virginia, has been expanded into five attractions and has been relocated to the former equestrian center at Glade Springs, a wonderfully spooky October venue, says its creator. “Utilizing this space will bring a more authentic feel to the haunt and gives us … Read more
Organizers of the annual Mothman Festival at Point Pleasant, West Virginia, say they’re expecting record visitation on the weekend of September 21 as interest in the legend of the winged beast grows world-over. Partly as a result of the recent release of the Fallout 76 video game—which features the Mothman and other alleged West Virginia … Read more
The full extent of the record-breaking 2019 World Scout Jamboree in West Virginia might be difficult to imagine, but photographer Gary Hartley was willing to hang out of an open helicopter to help. “[I] had the opportunity to fly with my good friend Chandler Swope over the Summit Bechtel Reserve/World Scout Jamboree and take photos,” … Read more
The West Virginia State Fire Marshal’s Office is reminding residents and visitors to buy and use consumer fireworks in a safe manner. Fireworks can be dangerous, causing serious burn and eye injuries. According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, on average, 280 people go to the emergency room every day with fireworks-related injuries in the … Read more
Organizers of the 57th annual art and craft fair at Ripley, West Virginia, have returned the landmark event to the July 4 weekend, during which the town and fairground become one of the most celebrated destinations in the Mountain State. After a two-year experiment during which the fair was held in September—a move intended to … Read more
It may have been more than 200 years since the thunder of native drums echoed across the vale of the Cheat River in the Allegheny Mountains. That will change October 5-6 when organizers of the “We Are Still Here” pow-wow welcome what they expect to be hundreds of guests to celebrate West Virginia’s Native American … Read more
Boasting fairies, mermaids, unicorns, and a real elephant, the West Virginia Renaissance Festival is ideal for families with children, according to organizers who say they’re expecting traffic to double during this, its second year. Set for four weekends in June in the Greenbrier Valley near Lewisburg, West Virginia, the 2019 festival is set in an … Read more
