Soak in the Summer Days at These Almost Heaven Events

Nothing compares to the plethora of cultural experiences in West Virginia, and they shine bright like the summer sun. You will be welcomed by the charming mountain towns and soon find yourself getting acquainted to the Mountain State. Famous for its scenic Appalachian-inspired music, food and events, Almost Heaven has memories waiting for you to claim as your own.

Mountain Music Festival

June 1-3 | Oak Hill, WV

Experience three magical days of mountain music at ACE Adventure Resort, just a 20-minute drive from the famous New River Gorge Bridge. Mountain Music Festival features over 25 bands and artists including Rising Appalachia, Les Claypool, The Infamous Stringdusters and many more Almost Heaven favorites. While you are blessing your ears, explore the New River through whitewater rafting, zip lining, mountain biking and other outdoor recreational activities at your heart’s content. If you’re bringing the whole family along, your kids will love the Upper New as it is the perfect way to get a feel for small rapids and calm waters.

Almost Heaven BBQ Bash

June 16-17 | Downtown Buckhannon, WV

If you are an avid BBQ fan, you will certainly enjoy visiting West Virginia’s biggest BBQ festival. In the heart of Downtown Buckhannon at Jawbone Park, the Almost Heaven BBQ Bash features some of the best BBQ prepared by more than 50 top-rated KCBS teams from 20 states. Explore food vendors to enjoy some WV pepperoni rolls, homemade ice cream and award-winning BBQ. Admission and parking are free, and a new “Art Cars” show will feature unique art cars traveling from the Art Car nation in Houston, TX and other areas. The whole family can enjoy extreme balloon sculptures, inflatables, sand art, corn hole tournaments and much more.

Tour de Coal

June 17 | Tornado, WV

If you are looking for a scenic adventure, float your way toward the Tour de Coal at the Coal River Water Trail. The kayak float begins at Meadowood Park for a 12-mile trip to St. Albans. Bring your kayak, take in the fresh air and let the river do the rest of the work.

Sternwheel Regatta

June 30-July 4 | Charleston, WV

The Sternwheel Regatta pays tribute to Charleston’s rich river history with sternwheel boat races, or “Anything That Floats.” This event is the ultimate all-rounder as there are five days of nearly all things West Virginia: concerts, car shows, a carnival, several authentic Mountain State vendors and even a wiener dog race. Expect to see well-known music artists like Flo Rida, Jo Dee Messina, Better Than Ezra and Kool & The Gang take the stage.

State Fair of West Virginia

Aug. 10-19 | Fairlea, WV

In the rural town of Fairlea just outside of Lewisburg, the State Fair of West Virginia promises entertainment for all to enjoy. Visitors can indulge in some delicious fair foods like funnel cakes, cinnamon rolls and mountaineer burgers in between rides and games. Some of the most famous features include the Fair Food Contest, the Draft Horse Pull and the Best Dressed Cow Contest. Country artists like Luke Combs, Chris Young and Adam Doleac once made an appearance in the lineup. You will never be short of entertainment at the state fair.

Mountaineer Brew Fest

Aug. 19 | Wheeling, WV

The Mountaineer Brew Fest will give you a taste of what Almost Heaven beer is all about. Enjoy a selection of about 50 to 70 craft beers, and you can get a feel for the Mountain State culture with live entertainment to accompany your heavenly sips. Proceeds will benefit local Wheeling, WV charities selected by the Mountaineer Brewfest Committee.

West Virginia Spartan Trifecta

Aug. 26-27 | Oak Hill, WV

Are you feeling a rush of adrenaline? Make some moves or cheer on your friends at the highly anticipated West Virginia Spartan Trifecta race. Summit Bechtel Reserve’s 100 acres of rolling hills, daring inclines and varied terrain make this the perfect location for the three different race categories: Beast, Super and Sprint. Kids can get in the action too by participating in the Spartan Kids Race – ranging from half a mile to two miles with different obstacles. If you complete all three races in a calendar year, you will receive a Spartan Trifecta Medal to flex your Mountain State pride.

Nature Wonder Wild Food Weekend

Sept. 15-17 | Cairo, WV

At the tail-end of summer is the longest-running annual wild food event in North America. Nature Wonder Wild Food Weekend will take place in the foothills of the Appalachian mountains – North Bend State Park. This is a great opportunity to learn about sourcing, processing and consuming edible wild plants for a healthier lifestyle. Learn from the best as you can register for workshops with professional foragers and keynote speakers. What could be more Wild and Wonderful than that?

Learn about more exciting summer 2023 events taking place in West Virginia with the help of our brand-new vacation guide!

This post was last updated on May 31, 2023