West Virginia’s Music Festivals
West Virginia has a rich musical heritage, and never is it more apparent than at a Mountain State music festival. These events celebrate all kinds of music from both across the region and around the world. In May-October, music fans make their way to these outdoor festivals that bring West Virginia’s hills and hollows to life. From hometown talent to national acts, from bluegrass to heavy rock, music in the Mountain State has something for everyone.
Vandalia Gathering
Charleston, May 24-26
Photo by Steve Brightwell/West Virginia Department of Arts, Culture and History.
The West Virginia State Capitol Complex comes alive with the sounds of traditional Appalachian music every Memorial Day weekend as the region’s finest pickers, fiddlers and other musicians celebrate the state’s musical history at the Vandalia Gathering. This year will mark the 43rd annual gathering, with last year’s festival drawing in 25,000 for music competitions, food, arts, crafts and children’s heritage activities. The West Virginia Department of Arts, Culture and History organizes this annual opportunity for the public to enjoy free performances from popular veteran musicians as well as exciting newcomers as they compete for honors or break into impromptu jam sessions. For more information, visit www.wvculture.org/vandalia/.
Mountain Music Festival
Oak Hill, May 30-June 2
Thousands of music lovers and outdoor enthusiasts kick off their summers by heading to ACE Adventure Resort in Oak Hill for Mountain Music Festival, which, for its sixth year, is planning an eclectic lineup that includes classic Americana, rock, jam bands and even some electronic musical experiences. This event gives festival-goers a chance to enjoy all variations of music while throwing in a whole lot of outdoor fun at the resort, which features a water park and 1,500 acres of adventures in the New River Gorge area. Camping, rafting, mountain biking and rock climbing—guests can do it all and enjoy great food, art and the festival’s exciting mix of bands, all in one jam-packed weekend. To learn more, visit http://mountainmusicfestwv.com.
Metal in the Mountains
Pipestem, May 31-June 1
Photo by Hannah Lee Photography.
Metal heads will converge at Pipestem Resort State Park this year for the third annual Metal in the Mountains, which has sent this usually serene mountain scene into positive metal mayhem for the past two years. This year’s event will feature 20 national and regional metal bands plus a chance to get some tattoo art on-site and watch professional wrestlers throw down. If you like the sound of metal coming at you loud and clear through state-of-the-art audiovisual equipment, do not miss this madness. Learn more at www.metalinthemountains.com.
Mid-Ohio Valley Multi-Cultural Fest
Parkersburg, June 21-23
In a commitment to celebrating diversity, the citizens of Parkersburg founded the Mid-Ohio Valley Multi-Cultural Fest in 1996. The event, held in City Park, is a celebration of music from different cultures, as well as foods, arts and crafts. This is a place where guests can enjoy bluegrass, bohemian, African and Native American music, as well as Middle Eastern dancing, martial arts and a variety of other acts celebrating places around the globe. Now gearing up for its 24th year, the event offers a feast for the palate as well as the eyes and ears, offering delights from a variety of countries. For more information, visit http://movmcf.org.
MountainFest Motorcycle Rally
Morgantown, July 25-28
Photo by Greater Morgantown CVB.
Thousands of bikers from across the country will be making their way to Mylan Park in Morgantown this summer for the 15th annual MountainFest Motorcycle Rally. The weekend will be packed with live music, stunt shows, vendors selling their biker wares, collectors’ showcases and food. This is also a great chance for bikers to meet up with old friends, make some new friends and bond with others over their love of bikes. The rally is a charity event that has raised some $70,000 for local causes in the last 14 years. To learn more, visit http://wvmountainfest.com.
Pickin’ in Parsons Bluegrass Festival
Parsons, July 30-August 3
Photo by Jeromie Stephens.
Some of the finest bluegrass bands around will be heard this summer at the annual Pickin’ in Parsons Bluegrass Festival. The event, held at the Five River Campground, hosts more than 20 bluegrass bands in a family-friendly, alcohol-free atmosphere. Here, guests can do a little camping, a little fishing and a little lawn chair sitting as they enjoy the live performances. While there for the festival, guests often take advantage of the wealth of outdoor adventures found in and around Tucker County. For more details, visit www.fiverivercampground.com.
Appalachian String Band Festival
Clifftop, July 31-August 4
Camp Washington-Carver is home to the annual Appalachian String Band Festival, which brings five days of music, workshops, square dances and contests to Fayette County. Throw in food, camping and the always popular hymn sing, and you have a fantastic family getaway in what the West Virginia Department of Arts, Culture and History calls the state’s mountain cultural arts center. For more information, visit www.wvculture.org/stringband/.
Earth Rocker Festival
Inwood, August 3
Photo by Caeser Towboatus.
Shiley Acres, a private family farm outside of Martinsburg in West Virginia’s Eastern Panhandle, is the host of Earth Rocker Festival, a daylong feast of food, beer and rock and roll. This festival ends at sundown with overnight camping permitted. Kids under 12 are admitted for free. Because this is a private property, some restrictions apply. To learn more, visit http://earthrockerfest.com.
Heritage Music BluesFest
Wheeling, August 9-11
Photo by Jim Hartzell.
The blues can be enjoyed from two different stages near Wheeling’s waterfront at Heritage Port Amphitheater this summer during the three-day Heritage Music BluesFest. Celebrating almost two decades of bringing the best blues to the Mountain State, this festival features a broad range of blues singers and bands. Guests will also enjoy artisan food and other vendors in a scenic setting along the Ohio River. For more information, go to www.heritagemusicfest.com.
Sleepy Creek HarFest
Berkeley Springs, October 4-6
HarFest is one of only a few events the production outfit Sleepy Creek Presents hosts each year at Sleepy Creek Campground on the Potomac, which is located along the Potomac River in the Eastern Panhandle. In a family-friendly atmosphere, bands offer up a fun, eclectic mix of rock, blues, bluegrass and even some funk. Kids enjoy the large sandbox play area in front of the stage, and guests enjoy the bonfire jam sessions at the firepit after the sun goes down. Local and national acts entertain music lovers of all ages. Limited camping is available. To learn more, visit http://sleepycreekpresents.com/home.
Editor’s Note: This is not a comprehensive list of music festivals. For additional events or to learn more, contact a local convention and visitors bureau or visit the event calendar at www.wvtourism.com.
