Annual Vandalia Gathering Returns to Charleston this Weekend

Free festival celebrating Appalachian music, arts, and heritage 

Charleston, W.Va. – The annual Vandalia Gathering returns to the State Capitol grounds in Charleston this weekend for its 49th year. A beloved celebration of Appalachian heritage, this event is free and open to the public. Guests will notice the Capitol Complex is decorated in recognition of America’s 250th anniversary, providing a festive patriotic backdrop to the weekend.

Attendees can enjoy traditional Appalachian music and dance, storytelling, arts and crafts, food vendors, and more. Honoring West Virginia’s roots, this festival continues to attract thousands of visitors from across the country.  

“The Vandalia Gathering is one of West Virginia’s most cherished traditions, inviting everyone to experience the rich history and unique culture that sets the Mountain State apart,” said West Virginia Department of Tourism Secretary Chelsea Ruby. “We look forward to welcoming guests from near and far for a weekend full of some of Almost Heaven’s greatest treasures.”

The 2026 Vandalia Gathering begins, Friday, May 22, in the Culture Center State Theater with an awards ceremony for quilt and wall-hanging winners as well as the presentation of the 2026 Vandalia Award — the state’s highest folklife honor. A concert will follow the award ceremonies. Saturday evening’s concert will begin at 7 p.m. in the Culture Center State Theater.

Outdoor activities begin at 11 a.m. on Saturday, featuring old-time fiddle, bluegrass banjo, and mandolin contests. Sunday’s events also begin at 11 a.m. with a one-hour gospel set by Angie Richardson, followed by half-hour concerts by local West Virginia musicians. Traditional dance offerings, including square dancing, flat-foot dancing, and highland dance will take place in the North Plaza, where guests are encouraged to join in. 

The popular Liars Contest returns on Sunday in the Culture Center State Theater at 2:30 p.m., with registration beginning at 1:30 p.m, as storytellers compete for the coveted Golden Shovel Award. 

Guests can visit the Culture Center for family-friendly storytime, crafts, live demonstrations, and interactive tours of the State Museum throughout the weekend. Visitors can also experience the Founders Exhibit, a recreation of the White House’s own exhibition that brings the nation’s founding to life. In honor of America’s 250th anniversary, this exhibit highlights the signers of the Declaration of Independence and the revolutionary women who sustained the cause, with a special focus on West Virginia’s contributions to that history. 

Official Vandalia Gathering and Almost Heaven merchandise will be available for purchase throughout the weekend. Free parking for attendees is available in the metered spots and parking garage located within the Capitol Complex. To view the full schedule, click here. 

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This post was last updated on May 21, 2026

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