West Virginia is a gorgeous and rugged east coast state with a stunning mountain backdrop. It is not only a nature lovers’ paradise, it also offers great opportunities to spend some enjoyable time in the wilderness. However, with all the fun things to see and copious amounts of natural beauty, it often fades under the glory of other more popular travel destinations. But it is time that West Virginia got its fair dues for its rolling green hills, whitewater rivers, and snow-capped mountains. Plan your next break to this paradise and make sure you coincide your travel plans with one of the many popular festivals in West Virginia, USA.
1. West Virginia Strawberry Festival
This unique festival is celebrated to honour the strawberry harvest. Volunteers come together to provide family-style entertainment to its attendees who can all enjoy the fun activities of the carnival. Look around for craft exhibits or explore the strawberry auction, among other things. Don’t forget to check out the Main Street parties on Friday and Saturday nights.
West Virginia Strawberry Festival
Address: WV Strawberry Festival, Buckhannon, WV 26201
Website: West Virginia Strawberry Festival
Takes place: May
Price: Free
2. State Fair of West Virginia
Posted by State Fair of West Virginia on Friday, 6 December 2019
The State Fair of West Virginia is an annual fair that marks the end of summer in the country’s mountain state. Spend some quality family time enjoying the carnival rides or simply singing along to one of the many concerts that take place on its sprawling grounds. This festival has been around for more than a century and for all the right reasons! It doesn’t matter what brings you here, be it the Ferris Wheel or the many festivities that make these 10 fun-filled days one of your favourite memories!
State Fair of West Virginia
Address: 947 Maplewood Ave Fairlea, WV, USA 24902
Website: State Fair of West Virginia
Takes place: August
Price: 30 USD
3. Augusta Heritage Festival
If you are an art and music lover, this is a festival you should not miss. The Augusta Festival celebrates traditional art, dance, music, and craft. It is a free public event that invites regional artists and artisans to perform on live stages, carry out craft demonstrations, and jam sessions. Don’t forget to attend this festival and encourage local art by participating in it.
Augusta Heritage Festival
Address: Augusta Heritage Center of Davis & Elkins College Jennings Randolph Hall, 1st Floor 100 Campus Drive, Elkins, WV 26241
Website: Augusta Heritage Festival
Takes place: Usually held between July and August
Price: Free
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4. West Virginia Italian Heritage Festival
Rated as one of the Top 100 Events in North America, the 41st Annual West Virginia Italian Heritage Festival started in 1979 and has been a one of a kind ever since. It happens every year on Labor Day weekend in Clarksburg, West Virginia. If you have a hankering for authentic Italian fare, complete with pastries and on-the-go food street food, then this is the place for you! With plenty of entertainment options, such as rides and games, there is no dearth of fun things to do here.
West Virginia Italian Heritage Festival
Address: PO Box 1632 - 340 West Main Street, Clarksburg, WV 26302-1632
Website: West Virginia Italian Heritage Festival
Takes place: September
Price: 45 USD
5. Bridge Day
Bridge Day is West Virginia’s largest single-day festival. It happens on the third Saturday of October and is attended by thousands of visitors from all over the world. If you have an adventurous streak and fancy the idea of cheering for daredevils while they take a plunge in the gorge, don’t forget to drop by. You can also participate in the 5K run that starts from the New River Gorge Bridge and ends in downtown Fayetteville. This adrenaline-packed day will certainly be an unforgettable one.
Bridge Day
Address: 310 West Oyler Avenue, Oak Hill, WV 25901
Website: Bridge Day
Takes place: October
Price: 25 USD
6. Wheeling Winter Festival of Lights
Posted by Bonnies Tours LLC on Monday, 9 September 2019
The Oglebay Winter Festival of Lights started in 1985 and, since then, has never stopped shining! Today it is one of the largest holiday light shows in the country and attracts no less than a million visitors each year. If you want to experience the finest Christmas displays, this is the place to be. Mark your calendars for this amazing show that will amuse visitors of all ages. The festival features 90 lighted attractions using energy-efficient LED lights to put on an impressive show for its visitors.
Wheeling Winter Festival of Lights
Address: 465 Lodge Drive, Oglebay, Wheeling, WV
Website: Wheeling Winter Festival of Lights
Takes place: November to January
Price: 12 USD
7. FestivALL
FestivALL is a creative platform for the arts community, not just in West Virginia, but all over the country! This 10-day festival is dedicated to the spirit of art, with more than 100 events and as many as 300 performances! From theatre and dance to visual art, there is no dearth of indoor and outdoor activities that are either available free of cost or at a nominal price. If you want to see and feel art in all its forms, this festival is a delightful experience. Come be a part of this unique event and contribute to local art and the economy.
FestivALL
Address: 108 ½ Capitol St Suite 201, Charleston, WV 25301, United States
Website: FestivALL
Takes place: June
Price: Free
8. Vandalia Gathering
Posted by Vandalia Gathering on Thursday, 24 May 2018
The Vandalia Gathering is a popular Appalachian music festival that is devoted to classic, bluegrass music, as well as related art forms. It happens every summer in the Capitol Complex in Charleston since 1977. Let your hair down as you enjoy the impromptu jam sessions or simply walk around to experience the cultural heritage, as well as the cuisine of West Virginia. This is the closest you can get to witness the mountain state’s culture first hand!
Vandalia Gathering
Address: State Capitol Complex, Building 6, Room 652, Charleston, West Virginia 25305-0311 United States
Website: Vandalia Gathering
Takes place: Memorial Day weekend
Price: Free
9. Mountain State Forest Festival
Today is the last day of Mountain State Forest Festival. Come out and enjoy our Buckwheat Cake and Sausage Feed, 3D Target Shoot, Muzzle Loading Contest, and Gambil Amusement Carnival.
Posted by Mountain State Forest Festival on Sunday, 6 October 2019
The Mountain State Forest Festival is one of the oldest festivals in the state that celebrates the natural beauty of the mountains and valleys in its autumn splendour. Get the opportunity to get up close with the community and learn about the state’s abundant natural resources, as well as the role it plays in the local as well as the state economy. Not just that, you can also be a part of foot-tapping concerts, fun lumberjack competitions, art shows, photography contests, and lots more!
Mountain State Forest Festival
Address: PO Box 388, 101 Lough Street, Elkins, WV 26241
Website: Mountain State Forest Festival
Takes place: October
Price: 10 USD
10. Pickens Maple Syrup Festival
Opossum Hollow String Band with Guitar players Keith Long and Martha Cordray; Joe Cordray on the Mandolin; and, Jimmy...
Posted by Sandy Burky on Sunday, 4 March 2018
In the mountains surrounding Pickens, the best time is when the city is maple syrup sugaring time! What started as the usual practice of making maple syrup has turned into a full-fledge weekend of fun activities that celebrates the tradition every year. Participate in this cultural event to know more about the art of making maple syrup and enjoy all the festivities that come with it.
Pickens Maple Syrup Festival
Address: PO Box 94 Pickens, WV 26230
Website: Pickens Maple Syrup Festival
Takes place: March
Price: Free
Explore the culture and natural beauty of West Virginia
West Virginia is blessed with abundant natural resources, as well as natural beauty that attracts visitors from not only the country, but beyond its borders! So, if you happen to be around, make sure you time your visit with one of the many popular festivals in West Virginia, USA. Don’t forget to check this list to plan an unforgettable trip into the heart of the nature and culture of this mountain state!
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