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.
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
This weekend’s Wizard Weekend in Fayetteville, West Virginia, seems ideally suited to the character of the whimsical town on the rim of the New River Gorge, organizers say. Beginning Thursday, the first annual community festival will see many of the town’s shops, restaurants, and attractions transformed into magical venues—wand shops, potion distilleries, and feast halls … Read more
Spring skiing, free concerts, and a vibrant nightlife have conspired to make the annual Ballhooter Festival at Snowshoe Mountain popular with visitors from across the Southeast, Mid-Atlantic, and the Midwest. Snowshoe Mountain has announced the lineup of free village concerts for its eighth annual Ballhooter Festival, scheduled March 13-15, 2020, according to resort spokesman Shawn … Read more
Events that celebrate the arrival of spring in West Virginia are expected to be bigger and more popular than ever, according to the publisher of West Virginia Explorer Magazine. Ramp dinners, wildflower walks, and maple-syrup festivals are all drawing more tourists to the Mountain State, says David Sibray, who says he expects the trend will … Read more
A historic village of lavish homes in a remote corner of West Virginia is adding a new landmark to its annual Christmas tour, hosted every second Saturday in December. Residents of Bramwell, West Virginia, once reputedly home to more millionaires than any other community its size, will open their doors to guests from 5-8 p.m., … Read more
To accommodate a larger attendance, the inaugural gathering of Native Americans for song and dance on the Cheat River on October 5-6 has been moved to a larger venue. The “We Are Still Here” pow-wow—celebrating the native history of West Virginia—has been moved to the Five River Campground at Parsons, in Tucker County, which will … Read more
