Music festivals are fun, exciting, and memorable events for music lovers and outdoor enthusiasts alike. If you want an amazing time with excellent music and activities, look no further than these 10 music festivals in West Virginia.
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1. 4848 Festival
Snowshoe, West Virginia
When: July (three days)
If you’re looking for an unforgettable music experience, the 4848 Festival is the perfect event. With its three-day outdoor event and contemporary music from some of the best local and well-known artists, you can enjoy a unique vacation atmosphere in Snowshoe. Genres such as rock, country, bluegrass, R&B, and more are played throughout the festival.
2. Mountain Music Fest
New River Gorge, West Virginia
When: June (three days)
Mountain Music Fest is a three-day annual event in Lansing. It brings together some of the best local and regional artists with different genres. Activities such as whitewater rafting, zip-lining, and more are available at the festival which provides entertainment to all ages.
As the festival is held at ACE Adventure Resort, camping is available on the grounds and also in cabins if you want to upgrade your experience.
3. Appalachian String Band Music Festival
Clifftop, West Virginia
When: August (five days)
Appalachian String Band Music Festival is one of the longest-running festivals in West Virginia. It is an annual event with activities like traditional music competitions, workshops, and jam sessions. Over 100 bands feature a mix of unique styles ranging from old-time Appalachian to folk rock.
Camping and RV parking on-site is available, so you can enjoy the festival from morning to night. Be sure to explore other activities and attractions near the festival grounds such as dancing, food, crafts, and more.
4. Three Rivers Festival
Fairmont, West Virginia
When: May (three days)
Music is not the only activity at the Three Rivers Festival. The event also features carnival rides, parades, food vendors, and a fireworks display.
Music lovers can enjoy live performances ranging in mixed genres. Contests like pepperoni roll-eating competitions and bake-offs also take place during the event.
5. West Virginia State Folk Festival
Glenville, West Virginia
When: June (four days)
West Virginia State Folk Festival is a four-day event that celebrates traditional music and culture from the Appalachian region. It also showcases art, crafts, and food vendors. The festival offers competitions in many genres such as old-time banjo, bluegrass fiddle, and folk songs.
Besides music, the festival holds various activities like story-telling, singing contests, pie-baking, pet shows, and more. With amazing food and friendly folks, the festival offers much more than just music which makes it worth attending.
6. Back Home Festival
New Martinsville, West Virginia
When: June (three days)
As one of the free music festivals in West Virginia, Back Home Festival offers family-friendly entertainment and activities that you’ll surely love. Local artists perform some of the best regional and bluegrass music, while food vendors provide a variety of delicious treats.
Merchandises, food, and shuttle services are some of the things you might want to save money for to get the best out of the festival.
7. Cheat River Festival
Albright, West Virginia
When: May (two days)
Cheat River Festival is a two-day event that celebrates the beauty and history of the Cheat River and its watershed.
The event’s main attraction is a music stage that features performers from diverse genres such as Americana, folk, bluegrass, old-time country, rock, reggae, and more. Children’s activities and vendors offering delicious food are also available.
8. Pickin’ in Parsons Bluegrass Festival
Parsons, West Virginia
When: August (five days)
Pickin’ in Parsons Bluegrass Festival is a five-day event that celebrates the music and culture of bluegrass music. It offers performances from local, national, and international musicians.
The festival grounds feature camping areas, food vendors, artisans, and free shuttling services for local lodging facilities.
9. Heritage Music Blues Fest
Wheeling, West Virginia
When: August (three days)
All blues music lovers should attend the Heritage Music Blues Fest in Wheeling, for unforgettable performances from both veteran and emerging young blues artists.
The event attracts local, national, and international performers that feature the Blue Music Award winners and additional musicians.
The event is located on the beautiful banks of the Ohio River, and it has everything for a perfect blues experience, including delicious food, craft beer, and merchandise vendors.
10. FestivALL
Charleston, West Virginia
When: October (fifteen days)
The FestivALL in Charleston features multiple arts and music performances from a variety of genres, all produced by volunteers.
From dance, theater, and comedy to visual arts, concerts, and film screenings, there’s something for everyone. It takes place in more than 50 venues, most events are free or low cost.
Conclusion
These are just a few of the many music festivals in West Virginia that provide an unforgettable experience for the whole family. So don’t miss out on your chance to attend one or even all of them!
Appalachian String Band Music Festival Featured Image (Top) by: Flickr user Sheeler, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons