FESTIVAL EXPLORER: 8 Ways to Experience a Wild and WonderFall Season in Greater Morgantown

Susan Riddle and the GMCVB team, Festival Explorers

It’s that time of year again when family, friends and visitors journey to Greater Morgantown for fun-filled events and activities everyone can enjoy. Throughout September and October, Morgantown is jam-packed with school spirit, art, jazz, craft beer, delicious bites and wine tasting.

1. Wine & Jazz Festival

September 21 & 22 | Camp Muffly

Grab your friends and sip on local wine while listening to the soothing sounds of jazz at the West Virginia Wine and Jazz Festival! The event takes place Saturday, September 21 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday, September 22 from 12 to 6 p.m. at Camp Muffly. Tickets are $22.50 per person/per day and admission includes a souvenir wine tasting glass. The festival seeks to return the proceeds back to the community in various ways, such as endowed scholarships to the WVU School of Music, sponsorship of educational endeavors and classes at WVU, and more. Buses from the Mountainlair to Camp Muffly will be provided free of charge on both days. Whether rain or shine, the fun still goes on, so bring a raincoat and an umbrella and enjoy!

2. Morgantown Marathon

September 22 | WVU Coliseum

The FifthAnnual Morgantown Marathon with 26.2 “Heavenly Miles” starts at 7 a.m. on Sunday, September 22 … and yes, it is hilly! The marathon continues to support the program, Operation Welcome Home, which helps veterans find employment. Races include the Tour Morgantown Marathon, Mon Health Half Marathon and the Mylan Mountain Mama 8K. Not a runner? No worries! Show your support by sponsoring a mile on the course for a military hero or cheer on the runners!

3. Arts Walk

September 27 | Downtown Morgantown

Mark your calendars for September 27 for 6-9 p.m. and head to Downtown Morgantown for the annual Arts Walk, a free and kid-friendly event, featuring a variety of artwork from local artists.

Stroll through more than 40 businesses and view paintings, pottery, photography and more! Participating businesses and establishments with artists’ work will be marked by lit tiki torches. Plus, enjoy live music and entertainment as your tour downtown and receive specials at some of your favorite shops.

4. Preston County Buckwheat Festival

September 26-29 | Kingwood, WV

The 78th Preston County Buckwheat Festival theme is “A Treasure Trove of Sights & Sounds”! Kicking off Thursday, September 26 at 9 a.m, the festival is full of family-friendly fun!

The Buckwheat Festival activities include a parade, arts and crafts, a car show, carnival, livestock, a pageant, and of course those delicious Buckwheat Cake dinners served all weekend long.

5. Parents Fall Family Weekend

September 27-29 | WVU Downtown Campus

Hop in the car on and head to West Virginia University’s campus for a first-hand view of a day in the life of your son or daughter’s college experience.

The WVU Mountaineer Parents Club is kicking off its annual Fall Family Weekend starting Friday, September 27 through Sunday, September 29 afternoon. You can take a tour through campus, become a student and sit in on a class, ride the PRT and dine at one of the many restaurants near both campuses.

To learn more about Fall Family Weekend and how to get involved with Mountaineer Parents Club, visit the website.

6. Home Run and Hops Craft Beer Festival

September 27 | Monongalia County Ballpark

The West Virginia Black Bears are back this year at the Monongalia County Ballpark with the Home Run and Hops Beer Festival! Beer lovers (21 and older) are invited to enjoy local craft beer, food from various vendors, games and live music… all while standing on the field! The festival takes place directly on the baseball field, making you feel like a part of the team.

7. Hops on the Mon Craft Beer and Food Festival

September 28 | Downtown Morgantown

Sample more than 150 different offerings from local, regional, national and international breweries at Hops on the Mon Craft Beer and Food Festival! Another beer lover’s dream featuring quality brews from around the globe and delicious food options from Greater Morgantown eateries. Be sure to vote for your favorite brewery and restaurant at the end of the event!

8. GMCVB Giveaways

Everyone has the opportunity to journey to Greater Morgantopwn this fall. Enter the GMCVB’s Wine & Jazz Festival Giveaway, as well as the Morgantown Marathon Giveaway to experience one of these weekends for free!

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BIOGRAPHY

The GMCVB is a non-profit organization that generates tourism through marketing, advertising, public relations and communication with tourism partners in Monongalia and Preston counties.

This post was last updated on March 17, 2022