The Best Festivals in West Virginia

Experience the Best Festivals in West Virginia and Create Lasting Memories

West Virginia is known for its beautiful mountains, scenic small towns, and rich history. But did you know that it also offers some of the best festivals in the country? From music festivals to food festivals, West Virginia has something for everyone. In this article, we will explore the top festivals in West Virginia that you don’t want to miss.

🎶 Almost Heaven BBQ Bash

The Almost Heaven BBQ Bash is held in Weston, West Virginia, every year in June. This festival brings together some of the best pitmasters in the country to compete in a barbecue cook-off. In addition to the delicious barbecued meats, the festival also features live music, craft vendors, and a car show.

🍁 Mountain State Forest Festival

The Mountain State Forest Festival is held every year in Elkins, West Virginia, in October. This festival celebrates West Virginia’s rich forestry industry and features parades, live music, and arts and crafts vendors. The highlight of the festival is the coronation of the queen and her court, who represent the state’s forestry industry.

🌮 West Virginia Hot Dog Festival

The West Virginia Hot Dog Festival is held in Huntington, West Virginia, every year in July. This festival celebrates the state’s unique take on hot dogs, which includes chili, coleslaw, onions, and mustard. In addition to the hot dogs, the festival also features live music, a cornhole tournament, and a hot dog eating contest.

🎭 FestivALL Charleston

FestivALL Charleston is held in Charleston, West Virginia, for two weeks every June. This festival celebrates the arts and features music, theater, dance, and visual art performances. In addition to the performances, the festival also features art exhibits, food vendors, and a street fair.

🎡 West Virginia State Fair

The West Virginia State Fair is held in Lewisburg, West Virginia, every August. This festival is a celebration of West Virginia’s agricultural heritage and features livestock shows, carnival rides, and live music. In addition to the traditional fair activities, the festival also features a demolition derby and a truck and tractor pull.

🎷 Vandalia Gathering

The Vandalia Gathering is held in Charleston, West Virginia, every May. This festival celebrates the state’s traditional music, dance, and crafts. The festival features live music, square dancing, and a craft fair.

🍎 West Virginia Apple Harvest Festival

The West Virginia Apple Harvest Festival is held in Martinsburg, West Virginia, every October. This festival celebrates the state’s apple industry and features live music, arts and crafts vendors, and a parade. The highlight of the festival is the coronation of the queen and her court, who represent the state’s apple industry.

🍷 West Virginia Wine and Jazz Festival

The West Virginia Wine and Jazz Festival is held in Morgantown, West Virginia, every September. This festival celebrates West Virginia’s wine industry and features live jazz music, wine tastings, and food vendors. In addition to the traditional wine festival activities, the festival also features a classic car show.

🎨 Tamarack Artisan Festival

The Tamarack Artisan Festival is held in Beckley, West Virginia, every November. This festival celebrates West Virginia’s artisans and features arts and crafts vendors, live music, and food vendors. In addition to the festival activities, visitors can also shop at the Tamarack Arts and Crafts Center, which features the work of over 2,000 West Virginia artists.

🍁 Bridge Day

Bridge Day is held in Fayetteville, West Virginia, every October. This festival celebrates the state’s outdoor recreation industry and features a base jumping festival off of the New River Gorge Bridge, which is the second-longest single-arch bridge in the world. In addition to the base jumping, the festival also features live music, food vendors, and a craft fair.

🎭 Shakespeare and Company Renaissance Festival

The Shakespeare and Company Renaissance Festival is held in Weirton, West Virginia, every September. This festival celebrates the Renaissance era and features live theater performances, medieval combat demonstrations, and arts and crafts vendors. Visitors can also participate in archery lessons and watch falconry demonstrations.

🐎 West Virginia Breeders Classic

The West Virginia Breeders Classic is held in Charles Town, West Virginia, every October. This festival celebrates the state’s horse racing industry and features a day of horse races, live music, and food vendors. In addition to the horse races, the festival also features a Wiener Dog Derby.

🎄 Dickens of a Christmas

Dickens of a Christmas is held in Wellsburg, West Virginia, every December. This festival celebrates the holiday season and features live music, horse-drawn carriage rides, and a craft fair. Visitors can also take a tour of the historic Wellsburg mansion.

🔥 Fire on the Mountain Chili Cook-off

The Fire on the Mountain Chili Cook-off is held in Snowshoe, West Virginia, every August. This festival brings together some of the best chili cooks in the country to compete in a chili cook-off. In addition to the chili, the festival also features live music, a beer garden, and a hot pepper eating contest.

🐟 Trout Fest

Trout Fest is held in Marlinton, West Virginia, every May. This festival celebrates West Virginia’s trout fishing industry and features live music, food vendors, and a trout fishing tournament. Visitors can also participate in fly tying demonstrations and watch casting demonstrations.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best time of year to visit West Virginia for festivals?

The best time of year to visit West Virginia for festivals is from May to October, as most festivals are held during this time. However, there are some festivals that are held during the winter months, such as Dickens of a Christmas.

Are the festivals in West Virginia family-friendly?

Yes, most festivals in West Virginia are family-friendly and offer activities for children.

Do I need to purchase tickets for the festivals?

It depends on the festival. Some festivals are free to attend, while others require tickets. Check the festival’s website for more information.

What should I wear to the festivals?

The dress code for festivals in West Virginia is typically casual. Wear comfortable shoes and clothing appropriate for the weather.

Can I bring my own food and drinks to the festivals?

It depends on the festival. Some festivals allow outside food and drinks, while others do not. Check the festival’s website for more information.

Are there accommodations near the festival locations?

Yes, there are accommodations near most festival locations, including hotels, cabins, and campgrounds. Check the festival’s website for more information.

Can I bring my pet to the festivals?

It depends on the festival. Some festivals allow pets, while others do not. Check the festival’s website for more information.

What is the parking situation at the festivals?

The parking situation at the festivals varies. Some festivals offer ample parking, while others require attendees to park in nearby lots and take shuttles to the event. Check the festival’s website for more information.

Can I volunteer at the festivals?

Yes, many festivals in West Virginia offer volunteer opportunities. Check the festival’s website for more information.

Are there any festivals that are wheelchair accessible?

Yes, most festivals in West Virginia are wheelchair accessible. However, it is recommended that you check with the festival’s organizers to ensure that they can accommodate your specific needs.

What is the best way to get to the festivals?

The best way to get to the festivals is by car. However, some festivals offer shuttle services from nearby towns. Check the festival’s website for more information.

What should I bring to the festivals?

You should bring comfortable shoes, sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, and a camera. You may also want to bring a blanket or chairs for seating.

What is the best festival for foodies?

The West Virginia Hot Dog Festival is the best festival for foodies, as it celebrates the state’s unique take on hot dogs.

What is the best festival for art lovers?

FestivALL Charleston is the best festival for art lovers, as it celebrates the arts and features music, theater, dance, and visual art performances.

Conclusion

West Virginia is home to some of the best festivals in the country. From the Almost Heaven BBQ Bash to the Mountain State Forest Festival, there is something for everyone to enjoy. Whether you’re a foodie or an art lover, there’s a festival in West Virginia that will capture your heart. So why wait? Start planning