Fall Events You Can’t Miss in West Virginia

Looking for some exciting activities this fall season? We’ve got you covered! Explore this list of festivals, events, and more to plan your next autumn adventure in West Virginia.

Mothman Festival

Point Pleasant, WV – Sept. 21-22, 2024

This one-of-a-kind event celebrates the spooky lore encircling the Point Pleasant legend, Mothman, and occurs annually on the third Saturday of September. This humanoid creature and paranormal phenomenon was reportedly spotted in Point Pleasant, West Virginia between 1966 and 1967. Now, the creature has a festival, museum, statue, 5K, and various memorabilia dedicated to him. Enjoy live music, movies, games, face painting, costumes, and more at this year’s Mothman Festival!

Mountain State Forest Festival

Elkins, WV – Sept. 28-Oct. 6, 2024

The Mountain State Forest Festival is one of the oldest and largest festivals in the state and is held every year around the end of September and beginning of October. With its headline concerts and music shows, forestry and wood exhibits, amusement rides, parades, lumberjack competitions, and arts and crafts, this festival is always sure to bring something new to the table. Gather your friends and family and head to the Potomac Highlands for some fall fun!

Taste of Our Towns

Lewisburg, WV – Oct. 12, 2024

Held on the second Saturday of October each year, Taste of Our Towns is a menagerie of food stalls that culminate in the streets of downtown Lewisburg. Purchase your tickets online or at the entrance and taste a variety of fall delicacies curated by local restaurants, shops and organizations. This festival is a West Virginia favorite, so you’re not going to want to miss out! All proceeds benefit Carnegie Hall in Lewisburg, a historic cultural and performing arts center. The event runs from noon to 4 p.m.

Preston County Buckwheat Festival

Kingwood, WV – Sept. 26-29, 2024

The Preston County Buckwheat Festival is a five-day festival in September celebrating the history, heritage, and prosperity of buckwheat in the Preston County area. The celebration was created by the Kingwood Volunteer Fire Department in 1938 and has continued to grow fiercely in the following years. Enjoy events ranging from bingo to lamb dressing contests, live entertainment from renowned artists, carnival rides, car shows, and the festival’s infamous buckwheat cakes, which are made from scratch using locally-sourced buckwheat.

Bridge Day

Fayetteville, WV – Oct. 19, 2024

Bridge Day is an iconic single-day festival unique to West Virginia that is held every year on the third Saturday of October. It features BASE jumpers and rappellers that leap from the New River Gorge Bridge, the longest single-span arch bridge in the United States, and descend into the canyon. This spectacular event began in 1980 and has been attracting thrill-seekers and spectators for years. Bridge Day is unparalleled to other events in the United States – you won’t want to miss it!

Oglebayfest

Wheeling, WV – Oct. 4-6, 2024

This three-day celebration in October features elaborate quilt displays, animals, regional foods, local artisans, butter making, hog calling and more. Located at Oglebay Park in Wheeling, Oglebayfest has grown into a major event celebrating all those who visit Oglebay throughout the year. While at the resort, make sure to stop by the West Spa, Good Zoo, golf courses, Almost Heaven Swing, restaurants and shops.

Twelvepole Manor

Wayne, WV

Located on Hall Street near the Wayne County Courthouse, Twelvepole Manor is an old, two-story house that turns into a haunted hotspot in the evening. The manor’s season lasts from the end of September (21st and 22nd) to the beginning of November – open on Fridays and Saturdays from 7:30 p.m. to 12 a.m. This spooky spot is guaranteed to get your adrenaline running, so don’t miss this the Twelvepole Manor this fall!

FestivFALL

Charleston, WV

FestivFALL serves as an exciting fall extension of the popular summer event, FestivALL, which is a celebration of art, history, and culture in the capital city of Charleston. For ten days in October, Charleston becomes a work of art, offering activities such as the Harvest Art Fair, Glow in the Park, the Three Things speaker series, Art Scavenger Hunt, City Center Dead and more. There are an abundance of activities for people of all ages, making it the perfect event to add to your autumn agenda.

Asylum Ball

Weston, WV – Oct. 19, 2024

The Asylum Ball at the historic Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum is held each year in October for a night of spooky entertainment. Round up your friends and pick out your best costumes to enter into the Costume Contest, and enjoy food, drinks, live music and more. While at the asylum, test out other Halloween-inspired adventures, such as The Haunted House, Asylum After Dark, ghost tours, overnight flashlight tours and Fall Festival.

West Virginia Pumpkin Festival

Milton, WV – Oct. 3-6, 2024

The West Virginia Pumpkin Festival has graced the town of Milton since 1986, with over 50,000 people traveling to the area for the function each year. Held annually at the start of October, this festival hosts an array of activities and events, such as a 5K, a parade, a pageant, live music, skilled artisans, contests, animals, gift shops and more. During your visit, make sure to check out the Giant Pumpkin Contest and the Living History Encampment!

Balloons Over Morgantown

Morgantown, WV – Oct. 3-6, 2024

Held each year in October, Balloons Over Morgantown is a hot air balloon event featuring five balloon launches and Nightglow, a special light-up balloon event. Watch the balloon launch at the Morgantown Airport or chase the balloons through the beautiful mountains of West Virginia. Regardless of where you’re perched, the view is spectacular!

Mansion By Candlelight

Parkersburg, WV – Oct. 11-12, 2024

For two nights only, enjoy Mansion By Candlelight, a whirlwind experience that takes you back to 1805 on Blennerhassett Island. While on the island, docents dressed in period clothing will welcome you and invite you to partake in a special candlelight “harvest supper”, horse-drawn carriage ride, and lively game of cards. Over this weekend in October, listen to traditional Appalachian music, see clogging, listen to local folklore and more at this extraordinary experience!

Mountain State Apple Harvest Festival

Martinsburg, WV – Oct. 17-20

The Mountain State Apple Harvest Festival is a celebration of the apple harvest, community, heritage, and local history of Martinsburg. Presented each year for four days in October, the festival is always a smashing success, offering events ranging from an apple eating contest to a rodeo. You can also enjoy the annual pageants, featuring Queen Pomona and Little Miss and Little Mister Appleseed. This festival is an absolute blast!

Pumpkin House

Kenova, WV – Oct. 25-31, 2024

There is nothing quite like the Pumpkin House in Kenova. This historic Queen Anne Victorian home boasts over 3,000 carved pumpkins each year, drawing groups of people from West Virginia, Ohio, Kentucky, and more. The first full night of the display coincides with the Ceredo-Kenova AutumnFest in October and continues for 7-10 days, with weather permitting. You have to visit this place at least once!

Potomac Eagle Fall Foliage Trough Canyon

Romney, WV

Throughout the months of October and November, enjoy the Potomac Eagle Scenic Railroad‘s magical Fall Foliage Trough Canyon adventure. During this 3-hour round trip ride, enjoy vibrant fall colors, spot American bald eagles, learn about the area’s historical significance, and take in the canyon’s breathtaking landscape. Choose from five different classes of service and relish the time spent in mountains with family and friends.

Request your free vacation guide to plan your next fall adventure!

This post was last updated on September 4, 2024