Sternwheel Regatta
June 26–28 / CHARLESTON – Haddad Riverfront Park and Kanawha River waterfront. Admission free. One of West Virginia’s signature summer festivals returns to the banks of the Kanawha River with live music, food vendors, family activities, river events, fireworks, and entertainment throughout downtown Charleston. Visitors can enjoy the state capital’s riverfront district, museums, and historic attractions while attending one of the Mountain State’s largest annual gatherings.
For more information, visit https://www.regattafun.com
Heritage Days Festival
June 27–28 / RIPLEY – Downtown Ripley. Admission free for many activities. This community celebration highlights Appalachian heritage through crafts, live entertainment, local food, historical exhibits, and family-friendly activities. Visitors can explore the charming county-seat community while experiencing the traditions and hospitality that define rural West Virginia.
For more information, visit https://www.ripleywv.com
Independence Day Celebration
July 3–4 / FAIRMONT – Downtown Fairmont and Palatine Park. Admission free. This Marion County tradition features concerts, family activities, food vendors, a parade, and fireworks. Visitors can enjoy the scenic Monongahela River region while exploring Fairmont’s historic downtown and nearby outdoor recreation opportunities.
For more information, visit https://www.visitmountaineercountry.com
USA 250 Celebration at Harpers Ferry
July 4 / HARPERS FERRY – Historic Harpers Ferry National Historical Park. Admission park fees may apply. As America prepares for its 250th anniversary, Harpers Ferry hosts special patriotic programs, living-history demonstrations, ranger talks, and commemorative activities at one of the nation’s most significant historic sites. Visitors can explore Civil War history, scenic river views, and the charming lower town while celebrating Independence Day.
For more information, visit https://www.nps.gov/hafe
Fourth of July Celebration
July 4 / WHEELING – Wheeling Heritage Port. Admission free. This Ohio River city celebrates Independence Day with live entertainment, food vendors, family activities, and fireworks over the waterfront. Visitors can enjoy Wheeling’s historic architecture, riverfront attractions, and heritage sites while experiencing one of northern West Virginia’s most popular holiday events.
For more information, visit https://wheelingcvb.com
Mountain State Art & Craft Fair
July 9–11 / GILMER COUNTY (CEDAR CREEK STATE PARK) – Cedar Creek State Park. Admission varies. One of West Virginia’s premier artisan events showcases traditional Appalachian crafts, fine art, heritage demonstrations, local foods, and live entertainment. Visitors can experience authentic mountain culture while enjoying the scenic beauty of one of the state’s most picturesque parks.
For more information, visit https://www.msacf.com
Alderson Fourth of July Celebration
July 10–11 / ALDERSON – Downtown Alderson and Greenbrier River waterfront. Admission free for many activities. Known for hosting one of the state’s oldest Independence Day celebrations, Alderson continues the festivities with parades, community events, river activities, entertainment, and small-town hospitality. Visitors can enjoy the scenic Greenbrier Valley while experiencing a cherished West Virginia tradition.
For more information, visit https://www.aldersonwv.org
Lewisburg Literary Festival
July 16–18 / LEWISBURG – Downtown Lewisburg and Carnegie Hall. Admission varies by event. This cultural gathering features author presentations, book signings, workshops, discussions, and educational programs. Visitors can explore one of America’s coolest small towns while enjoying the arts, dining, and historic charm that make Lewisburg a favorite destination in the Greenbrier Valley.
For more information, visit https://www.carnegiehallwv.org
West Virginia Hot Dog Festival
July 24–25 / HUNTINGTON – Downtown Huntington. Admission free. This uniquely West Virginia event celebrates the state’s beloved hot dog traditions with food vendors, contests, live music, family activities, and community entertainment. Visitors can sample regional favorites while exploring Huntington’s revitalized downtown and riverfront attractions.
For more information, visit https://www.visithuntingtonwv.org
Marshall County Fair
July 27–August 1 / MOUNDSVILLE – Marshall County Fairgrounds. Admission varies. Opening July 27, this traditional county fair features carnival rides, livestock exhibits, agricultural competitions, entertainment, food vendors, and family activities. Visitors can experience the agricultural heritage of the Ohio Valley while enjoying classic fair traditions.
For more information, visit https://www.marshallcountyfair.org
Appalachian String Band Music Festival
July 30–August 2 / CLIFTON FORGE AREA (CAMP WASHINGTON-CARVER) – Camp Washington-Carver. Admission ticket required. Often called “Clifftop,” this internationally known festival attracts musicians and fans of old-time Appalachian music from around the world. Visitors can enjoy performances, workshops, jam sessions, and mountain traditions in one of the most respected folk music gatherings in America.
For more information, visit https://wvculture.org/stringband
Mountain Heritage Arts & Crafts Festival
July 31–August 2 / KEARNEYSVILLE – Jefferson County Fairgrounds. Admission varies. Opening July 31, this juried festival showcases Appalachian crafts, fine art, demonstrations, local foods, and live entertainment. Visitors can browse handcrafted works while exploring the scenic Eastern Panhandle region near Harpers Ferry and the Shenandoah Valley.
For more information, visit https://www.mountainheritagecrafts.com
Extended Weekend Getaways 
