Your Guide to Summer in West Virginia
Summer in West Virginia is that special time of year when everything looks and feels perfect! The trees are lush and green, flowers of every color are in bloom, and the sunny sky creates the perfect backdrop for our gorgeous Mountain State. There are some amazing events and festivals this summer that will create those incredible memories you’ll never forget and leave you longing for more of those one-of-a-kind West Virginia summers.
Outdoor Events
Get outside and experience the best of West Virginia by attending one of the unique events that take place outside. Whether it’s a sporting event or the town fairs, each one is sure to be a great time:
- 2019 MountainFest Motorcycle Rally – This summer, 50,000 motorcycle enthusiasts will travel to Mylan Park in Morgantown to enjoy live music, motorcycles and old and new friends. The Annual MountainFest will feature live musical performances.
- State Fair of West Virginia – Attend the State Fair of West Virginia for an incredible and unique West Virginia experience. The state fair will feature performances by Luke Combs, Chris Young, Mercy Me and many more. There will also be carnival rides, competitive exhibits, livestock animals, horse shows and agricultural education, which makes for an event you wont want to miss.
Food & Drink Festivals
For all the foodies out there, this summer is filled with incredible festivals dedicated to delicious foods and West Virginia craft beers. Each festival serves up something different yet equally delicious, so you won’t want to miss out on any of them:
- Blues, Brews & BBQ Festival – Missing out on this mountain showcase of the region’s best craft beers and finger licking good barbecue isn’t an option. Paired with live music and the scenic beauty of Snowshoe Mountain Resort this festival is the ultimate summer get together.
- West Virginia Blackberry Festival – This August head to the Clarksburg City Park for three days filled with lots of delicious blackberry dishes, arts and crafts, 5K run, fireworks, games and much more.
- Rails & Ales Craft Beer Festival – Head to Huntington for the Rails & Ales Craft Beer Festival on the banks of the scenic Ohio River at Harris Riverfront Park. This festival provides a large and diverse selection of craft beers from around the world as well as artisan vendors, live entertainment and a selection of the area’s best cuisine.
- Mountaineer Brewfest – Experience over 70 different craft beers at the Mountaineer Brewfest in Wheeling. This festival showcases some of the best West Virginia craft beers from breweries across like state like Mountain State Brewing Co., Swilled Dog Hard Cider and Greenbrier Brewing Co. Enjoy some amazing live music while you’re there as well.
Unique Festivals
- FestivALL – This summer attend FestivALL a city-wide and multi-arts festival that includes over 100 events, performances and exhibitions from music, theatre, dance visual art, humanities and more that take place in over 30 indoor and outdoor venues.
- Wheeling Arts and Culture Fest – This June head to the beautiful Wheeling Heritage Port for a weekend of arts and cultural programs, including live music, visual arts, theater, dance, literature, culinary demonstrations, historical arts and much more at the Wheeling Arts and Culture Festival.
- Shadefest Music Festival – Spend two days this summer enjoying incredible live music and a fun, friendly familial atmosphere at the beautiful Pegasus Farm Campground in Elkins.
- Jackson Mill Jubilee – Step back in time this summer at the Jackson Mill Jubilee in Weston. This event celebrates Appalachian heritage and includes educational demonstrations featuring Indigenous and Bluegrass music concerts, Native American style dancing, chainsaw carvings, gristmill demos, homestead activities, needle arts and quilt show and much more.
- Festival of the Rivers – Spend Labor Day weekend at the Festival of the Rivers at the Hinton Freight Depot. This festival features grass-roots Appalachian music in celebration of West Virginia’s rivers and railroad culture.
Which fun festivals do you plan on attending this summer?
This post was last updated on March 17, 2022