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West Virginia culture is a captivating blend of rich Appalachian traditions and vibrant high culture infused with the jazz of surrounding U.S. cities like Pittsburgh and Washington, D.C. The state is renowned for its deep-rooted Appalachian heritage, which is showcased through folk music, storytelling, and traditional crafts such as quilting and woodcarving. Visitors can experience this authentic culture at local festivals and heritage museums throughout the Mountain State. At the same time, West Virginia also embraces high culture, with world-class performances at the West Virginia Symphony Orchestra, acclaimed theater productions at the Greenbrier Valley Theatre, and art exhibitions at the Huntington Museum of Art. This unique mix of mountain traditions and refined artistic offerings makes West Virginia a true cultural gem in the heart of Appalachia.

West Virginia Veterans Art Show
Culture

West Virginia announces 2026 veterans art show for America250 celebration

by David Sibray

CHARLESTON, W.Va. — The W.Va. Department of Tourism has announced plans for a 2026 Veterans Art Show, inviting West Virginia veterans to help commemorate the nation’s 250th anniversary through original works of art. The exhibition, part of the statewide America250 celebration, will open on May 9, 2026, in the West Virginia Culture Center Museum Gallery in Charleston, … Read more

Thanksgiving in West Virginia by Karolina Grabowska
Culture

West Virginia family communications expert shares Thanksgiving conflict tips

by Bianca Bosworth

CHARLESTON, W.Va. — With Thanksgiving approaching, a West Virginia family communications expert says the stress that builds long before the holiday can set the stage for arguments at the dinner table, but there are effective ways to keep gatherings calm, meaningful, and focused on connection. Jessica Troilo, associate professor and associate dean for research, engagement, … Read more

Directors gauge lighting while filming a scene from the comedy "Ambrosia!"
Culture

West Virginia-made comedy “Ambrosia!” nominated at Delaware film festival

by Clyde Craig

BECKLEY, W.Va. — The momentum behind “Ambrosia!”—an award-winning West Virginia–made screwball comedy—continues to build as filmmakers announced that the film has been nominated for Best Picture at the Rehoboth Beach International Film Festival. A contingent from the production that was filmed in Beckley will attend the festival screening in Rehoboth Beach, with hopes high for … 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.
Culture

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

David Sibray and Amanda Hinchman visit the Criel Mound in South Charleston, West Virginia.
Culture

Prehistoric burial mound in West Virginia contains remarkable secret

by Amanda Larch Hinchman

SOUTH CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Rising above the end of this city’s central avenue, the prehistoric Criel Mound—one of the largest burial mounds in West Virginia—has long captivated both onlookers and archaeologists alike. Over the years, its origins have sparked countless theories—ranging from tales of mythic giants to speculation about a lost tribe of Israelites. In … Read more

From cult classics to indie horror debuts, here’s a look at some of the cinematic highlights scaring up excitement across West Virginia this Halloween.
Culture

Friday Night frights and delights light up West Virginia this Halloween season

by David Sibray

HUNTINGTON, W.Va. — Film fans across West Virginia are in for a frightfully fun weekend as Halloween-themed screenings, premieres, and film festivals take over theaters and community spaces from Huntington to Saint Albans. From cult classics to indie horror debuts, here’s a look at some of the cinematic highlights scaring up excitement across the Mountain … Read more

In "Self Help, Landry Bender plays a college student who infiltrates a self-actualization group after her mother becomes entangled with its enigmatic anti-cult leader.
Culture

Horror film shot in West Virginia, ‘Self Help’ to hit theaters nationwide on Halloween

by Clyde Craig

HUNTINGTON, W.Va. — A horror-thriller filmed in Huntington in 2024, “Self Help” is set for a nationwide theatrical release on Halloween through Mainframe Pictures. The rollout will include “Mischief Night Sneak Previews” on Thursday, Oct. 30, followed by a digital release from Cineverse in early 2026, according to Dave Lavender, director of the West Virginia … Read more