This Festival Spreads Music through the Mountains & Valleys of Southern West Virginia

Since 1990, one of West Virginia’s most beloved festivals has brought the sounds of old-time music and dance to the mountains and valleys Fayette County. The Appalachian String Band Festival returns to Clifftop from July 31 through Aug. 4 and will bring with it thousands of musicians from around the world.

Musicians from almost all 50 states as well as more than 20 different countries have been in attendance at past years’ festivals, bringing with them sounds and melodies that span various cultures and histories. These musicians, bands and dancers celebrate old-time music and the preservation of the tradition by competing in fiddle, banjo, traditional band, Neo-traditional band and flat-foot dance contests at Camp Washington-Carver. However, the festival offers many activities other than music and dance. Attendees also have the opportunity to participate in basket making, yoga, square dancing, art projects, movies, family activities, bingo, and storytelling, among other things.

The festival takes place just minutes from Babcock State Park, and it’s only a short drive from Hawks Nest State Park, the New River Gorge Bridge, Tamarack, Fayetteville and numerous other popular Almost Heaven attractions. If you’re visiting Clifftop, make a stop at some of these other destinations for incredible Mountain State views and experiences.

If you’d like to be a part of the timeless tradition this year, order tickets through the West Virginia Department of Arts, Culture & History. The hills will be alive with traditional music before long, so don’t miss your chance to join in on the fun.

What’s your favorite Almost Heaven festival?

This post was last updated on March 18, 2022