West Virginia 2025 Calendar - List of Festivals: A Year of Culture, Heritage, and Community Spirit
Overview of West Virginia's 2025 Festivals and Events
West Virginia, fondly known as the "Mountain State," offers a rich tapestry of festivals throughout the year. Celebrating its Appalachian heritage, scenic beauty, and strong sense of community, the state’s events range from small-town parades to internationally recognized music festivals.
The year kicks off with cozy winter celebrations like the Winter Wonderland in Wheeling, showcasing festive lights and family-friendly activities. Spring heralds events like the Ramp Festival, highlighting unique Appalachian culinary traditions. Summer bursts to life with iconic events such as the West Virginia State Fair and the Appalachian String Band Festival, drawing music lovers and adventurers alike.
Autumn brings a kaleidoscope of colors and harvest celebrations, including the Mountain State Art and Craft Fair and the beloved Pumpkin Festival. Winter wraps up the year with holiday charm at events like the Festival of Lights in Oglebay. Whether you’re exploring traditional music, savoring local flavors, or enjoying the great outdoors, West Virginia’s festivals promise unforgettable memories.
Check more: Full List of Festivals in Every State 2025: Date, Location, Significance, and Celebration
List of Festivals and Big Events in West Virginia 2025
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| Festivals in West Virginia 2025 |
January: Winter Wonders
Winter Wonderland at Oglebay
- Date: January 1–7, 2025
- Location: Wheeling, WV
- Significance: A breathtaking holiday light display transforming Oglebay into a winter wonderland.
- Activities: Walking tours, light installations, ice skating, and warm seasonal treats.
- Tickets: $15 per vehicle; additional fees for skating and activities.
- How to Attend: Tickets available online or at the entrance; parking is included.
Charleston Winter Jazz Festival
- Date: January 20–22, 2025
- Location: Charleston, WV
- Significance: A celebration of jazz music featuring performances by local and national artists.
- Activities: Concerts, workshops, and networking for jazz enthusiasts.
- Tickets: $30 per day; weekend passes available for $75.
- How to Attend: Held at the Charleston Civic Center; tickets sold online or at the box office.
February: Winter Festivals
Wheeling Winter Blues Festival
- Date: February 10, 2025
- Location: Wheeling, WV
- Significance: Showcasing blues music and supporting local artists.
- Activities: Live performances, food trucks, and artisan markets.
- Tickets: $20 per person.
- How to Attend: Tickets available at the venue or online.
Snowshoe Mountain Winter Festival
- Date: February 17–19, 2025
- Location: Snowshoe, WV
- Significance: A family-friendly event celebrating winter sports and activities.
- Activities: Skiing, snowboarding competitions, bonfires, and live music.
- Tickets: Lift ticket prices apply; festival activities are free for visitors.
- How to Attend: Reservations for accommodations recommended; parking available at Snowshoe.
March: Spring Awakenings
West Virginia Maple Syrup Festival
- Date: March 16–17, 2025
- Location: Pickens, WV
- Significance: Celebrating the tradition of maple syrup production in West Virginia.
- Activities: Pancake breakfasts, sugarhouse tours, and maple syrup tastings.
- Tickets: Free admission; food priced separately.
- How to Attend: Parking available near festival venues; early arrival recommended.
Charleston St. Patrick’s Day Parade
- Date: March 17, 2025
- Location: Charleston, WV
- Significance: A lively celebration of Irish culture and heritage.
- Activities: Floats, live music, and traditional Irish food and drink.
- Tickets: Free admission.
- How to Attend: Parade route runs through downtown Charleston; arrive early for viewing spots.
April: Appalachian Heritage
Ramp Festival
- Date: April 13–14, 2025
- Location: Richwood, WV
- Significance: Highlighting the unique flavor of ramps, a traditional Appalachian wild leek.
- Activities: Ramp-themed dishes, live music, and cooking demonstrations.
- Tickets: Free admission; food prices vary.
- How to Attend: Parking is available near the festival grounds.
Spring Mountain Festival
- Date: April 20–22, 2025
- Location: Petersburg, WV
- Significance: A family-friendly celebration of spring and the great outdoors.
- Activities: Craft fairs, live music, carnival rides, and hiking tours.
- Tickets: Free admission; activity fees vary.
- How to Attend: Downtown parking available; maps and schedules provided on-site.
May: Outdoor Adventures
New River Gorge Festival
- Date: May 17–19, 2025
- Location: Fayetteville, WV
- Significance: A celebration of outdoor recreation at the iconic New River Gorge.
- Activities: Whitewater rafting, rock climbing, live music, and gear expos.
- Tickets: Free admission; adventure activities priced separately.
- How to Attend: Reservations for adventure activities recommended; parking available at event venues.
Harpers Ferry Heritage Festival
- Date: May 25, 2025
- Location: Harpers Ferry, WV
- Significance: A historical event celebrating the region’s Civil War heritage.
- Activities: Historical reenactments, walking tours, and craft fairs.
- Tickets: Free admission.
- How to Attend: Event details and parking maps available online.
June: Summer Highlights
Mountain Music Festival
- Date: June 7–9, 2025
- Location: Ace Adventure Resort, Oak Hill, WV
- Significance: A music festival celebrating Appalachian culture and outdoor adventure.
- Activities: Live performances, camping, ziplining, and whitewater rafting.
- Tickets: $150 for a weekend pass; single-day tickets available.
- How to Attend: Tickets sold online; camping reservations required.
West Virginia Strawberry Festival
- Date: June 14–16, 2025
- Location: Buckhannon, WV
- Significance: Celebrating strawberry season with food, music, and community spirit.
- Activities: Parades, strawberry shortcake tastings, and live music.
- Tickets: Free admission.
- How to Attend: Parking available near event venues.
July: Summer Celebrations
West Virginia State Fair
- Date: July 11–20, 2025
- Location: Lewisburg, WV
- Significance: A celebration of West Virginia’s agricultural heritage, featuring family-friendly entertainment.
- Activities: Livestock shows, carnival rides, food vendors, and live music concerts.
- Tickets: $10 for adults; $5 for children under 12; ride passes sold separately.
- How to Attend: Tickets available online or at the gate; ample parking on-site.
Appalachian String Band Festival
- Date: July 29 – August 2, 2025
- Location: Clifftop, WV
- Significance: An internationally renowned gathering of musicians celebrating traditional Appalachian string music.
- Activities: Competitions, jam sessions, workshops, and camping.
- Tickets: $40 per day; $100 for a week pass.
- How to Attend: Tickets sold at the entrance; camping reservations highly recommended.
August: Community and Culture
Heritage and Blues Festival
- Date: August 9–11, 2025
- Location: Wheeling, WV
- Significance: A music festival highlighting blues and heritage music in the Appalachian region.
- Activities: Live performances, local food vendors, and artisan markets.
- Tickets: $20 for general admission; weekend passes available.
- How to Attend: Tickets available online; parking located near the venue.
West Virginia Peach Festival
- Date: August 24–25, 2025
- Location: Romney, WV
- Significance: Celebrating the local peach harvest with family-friendly activities and delicious treats.
- Activities: Peach-themed food, live entertainment, and children’s games.
- Tickets: Free admission.
- How to Attend: Held in downtown Romney; parking is free.
September: Fall Beginnings
Mountain State Art and Craft Fair
- Date: September 5–7, 2025
- Location: Ripley, WV
- Significance: A premier craft fair showcasing local artisans and Appalachian traditions.
- Activities: Craft exhibits, live demonstrations, and food vendors.
- Tickets: $8 for adults; children under 12 free.
- How to Attend: Parking available at the venue; tickets sold at the entrance.
West Virginia Black Walnut Festival
- Date: September 27–29, 2025
- Location: Spencer, WV
- Significance: Celebrating the black walnut harvest with community events and local traditions.
- Activities: Parades, walnut baking contests, and craft markets.
- Tickets: Free admission.
- How to Attend: Held in downtown Spencer; public parking available nearby.
October: Autumn Highlights
Pumpkin Festival
- Date: October 3–6, 2025
- Location: Milton, WV
- Significance: A beloved fall festival celebrating pumpkins and local agriculture.
- Activities: Pumpkin carving contests, hayrides, live music, and craft vendors.
- Tickets: $10 for adults; $5 for children under 12.
- How to Attend: Tickets available at the gate; parking on-site.
Bridge Day
- Date: October 19, 2025
- Location: New River Gorge Bridge, Fayetteville, WV
- Significance: A one-day event celebrating the iconic bridge with BASE jumping, rappelling, and scenic tours.
- Activities: Spectator viewing, local food vendors, and outdoor gear exhibits.
- Tickets: Free admission; activity fees vary.
- How to Attend: Arrive early for parking; shuttles available from nearby lots.
November: Holiday Preparations
Veterans Day Parade
- Date: November 11, 2025
- Location: Charleston, WV
- Significance: Honoring veterans with a patriotic parade through the capital city.
- Activities: Floats, marching bands, and community ceremonies.
- Tickets: Free admission.
- How to Attend: Parade route runs through downtown Charleston; arrive early for viewing spots.
Oglebay Festival of Lights
- Date: November 23, 2025 – January 1, 2026
- Location: Wheeling, WV
- Significance: A holiday tradition featuring one of the nation’s largest light displays.
- Activities: Driving tours of light installations, shopping, and holiday dining.
- Tickets: $25 per vehicle.
- How to Attend: Tickets available online or at the park entrance; best viewed after sunset.
December: Holiday Cheer
Christmas in Shepherdstown
- Date: December 6–22, 2025
- Location: Shepherdstown, WV
- Significance: A festive series of events celebrating the holiday season in West Virginia’s oldest town.
- Activities: Tree lighting ceremonies, carriage rides, holiday markets, and live performances.
- Tickets: Free admission; some activities may require fees.
- How to Attend: Parking available near downtown Shepherdstown.
Snowflake Festival
- Date: December 14–16, 2025
- Location: Elkins, WV
- Significance: A winter festival featuring holiday activities for all ages.
- Activities: Ice skating, hot chocolate stands, Christmas caroling, and craft fairs.
- Tickets: Free admission.
- How to Attend: Parking available near event locations; dress warmly for outdoor activities.
Conclusion
West Virginia’s 2025 festival calendar captures the heart of the Mountain State, offering a unique blend of culture, music, and natural beauty. From the lively energy of the Appalachian String Band Festival to the cozy charm of Christmas in Shepherdstown, there’s something for everyone. Whether you’re savoring local flavors, exploring historic traditions, or enjoying the great outdoors, West Virginia’s festivals promise unforgettable memories.
FAQs
1. What is the best time to visit West Virginia for festivals?
Summer (June–August) and fall (September–October) are peak seasons with major events like the West Virginia State Fair and Mountain State Art and Craft Fair.
2. Are West Virginia’s festivals family-friendly?
Yes, most festivals, such as the Pumpkin Festival and Snowflake Festival, include activities for all ages.
3. Do I need tickets for West Virginia festivals?
Many festivals are free, but some, like the Appalachian String Band Festival, require tickets. Check individual event websites for details.
4. Are pets allowed at West Virginia festivals?
Policies vary; outdoor festivals like Bridge Day may allow pets, but confirm with event organizers beforehand.
5. What should I bring to West Virginia festivals?
Comfortable shoes, weather-appropriate clothing, and essentials like water bottles for summer or layers for winter events.
Plan your visit and experience the vibrant traditions and breathtaking beauty of West Virginia in 2025!
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