West Virginia Family & Heritage Events
April 17
Valley Gem Sternwheeler First Sightseeing Cruise of 2010 - Parkersburg - Celebrate spring. Cruise on the Ohio River and return to our landing on the Mskingum River. Get a great view of Marietta from the river. Enjoy live commentary. Cruises continue Saturdays and Sundays. www.greaterparkersburg.com
May 1
Family Trail Days - Canaan Mtn - Enjoy this guided 8 mile guided hike through Canaan Mountain between Blackwater Falls & Canaan Valley Resort State Parks with our park naturalist. Shuttle service & lunch included. Registration/fee is required for this event. To registe www.canaanvalley.org
May 1-2
Rowlesburg Civil War Reenactment Weekend - Rowlesburg - The West Virginia Reenactors Association brings up to 40 Union, Confederate and civilian Reenactors to Rowlesburg on the first weekend in May for the Semi-Annual Rowlesburg History in Review Festival, featuring live reenactments of the Battles of Greenland Gap and Rowlesburg. The Battle of Rowlesburg, April 26, 1863, saved the B&O for Lincoln. If both bridges had been destroyed in Rowlesburg, the rail line would have been cut to the Ohio.
May 5-8
Rendezvous on the River - Parkersburg - Muzzleloaders and mountain men gather on Blennerhassett Island to recreate early 18th-century frontier life with authentic camps, demonstrations and period dress. For reservations or event info: 304-420-4800
May 6-9
49th Annual Wildflower Pilgrimage - Blackwater Falls State Park - An interpretive weekend packed with bird walks, wildflower tours, nature programs, craft exhibits & sales. Annual event co-sponsored by WV Federation of Garden Clubs and WVDNR. Advanced registration required. For reserva www.canaanvalley.org
May 7-8
15th Annual Bluegrass Festival - Cairo - Come out for a weekend of pickin' and singin'. There will be two days of live bands and craft vendors. Advance ticket sales available at reduced rate. At the North Bend State Park Amphitheater. For reservations and info: 304-643-2931
May 7-8
Bluegrass Festival - Parkersburg - Come on out for a full weekend of pickin' and singin'. There will be two days of live bands, crafts, and more. www.greaterparkersburg.com
May 8
Bramwell Tour of Homes - Bramwell - Step back in time and visit Bramwell for the Self-guided walking tour of Millionaire homes with Costumed Interpreters. Starting at 2:00 PM. There is a fee of $15.00 per person, reservations are not required. Tours conducted regardless of weather conditions. Meeting place will be the Bramwell Presbyterian Church located in the heart of Bramwell. Directions: Exit 1 off I-77 to Rt. 52 North. Bramwell located along Rt. 52 North approximately 8 miles from Bluefield, WV. For more information phone: 1-800-221-3206 or 304-248-8381.
May 9
Mother's Day Founders Festival - Grafton - Events take place at the birthplace of Anna Jarvis located at the junction of 119 and 250, 4 miles south of Grafton. Family oriented events honor all Mothers with food, crafts, and music. A special program on Saturday and Sunday at 2:00. Anna Jarvis will stop by and visit.
May 14-16
Youth Environmental Weekend - Statewide - Youth groups throughout the state will gather to honor one another for their conversation efforts. www.greaterparkersburg.com
May 21-23
Battle of Lewiburg Living History and Reenactment - Lewisburg - The theme for 2010 is “The Un-Civil War.” The event will feature lectures and a musical presentation that highlight certain aspects of the War Between the States rarely found in most history books in use today nor presented by other Civil War reenactments; actions that, by today’s standards, might even be considered as “war crimes.”
May 21-23
43rd Rail Fan Weekend - Cass - A 3-day event for train enthusiasts. Exciting photo opportunities arranged. Three-day ticket covers full weekend. Reserved tickets are required. Contact: www.msrlha.org/frs.html or call 304-456-4300
May 22
Regional Chili Cook-off - Canaan Valley - Categories: Red Chili, Chili Verde, Salsa & People’s Choice Lodge Room Rate: $69 per night / Registrants & Vendors only Join us for our annual Smokin' in the Valley Chili Cook-off. Sanctioned by the International Chili Society. The www.canaanvalley.org
May 27-31
West Virginia Dandelion Festival - White Sulphur Springs - Join White Sulphur Springs for their five-day Dandelion Festival, May 27-31, 2010. The event is a celebration for the determination of the dandelion. The gutsy little flower fights its way through velvety lawns, dodges mowers and weed killers and, against all odds, reigns supreme as it blankets our towns each spring. Activities for the weekend feature kid’s activities, contests, an art show, flea market, antique car show, Veterans’ appreciation activities and live music and entertainment.
May 31
Memorial Day Program - Fairmont - Come learn about those who served in various military units throughout the history of Pricketts Fort, including the French and Indian War, Revolutionary War, and Civial War. Regular admission applies. www.tourmorgantown.com
May 31-October
Free public tours - Every top of the hour 9am-6pm www.nrao.edu/index.php/learn/gbsc
June 4-5
Woodland Indian Gathering - Point Pleasant - Fort Randolph will host Native re-enactors who will entertain with presentations, portrayals and demonstrations. Workshops will be held on proper clothing of the period and life skills of Native Americans in the region.
June 4-6
Farmer's Day Festival - Union - Celebrate an old fashioned annual event in downtown Union honoring Monroe County’s agricultural past, present and future. Typical activities include: “Photograph Monroe County” Annual Show; Street Dance with music by Sundown Express; Rock Climbing Wall; Carnival; Games and Fun for the kids; Pancake Breakfast and other great food; Horse Show; Grand Parade; Live Entertainment on the Stage; Amateur Horseshoe Pitching Contest; Union Star contest; NWA Mountain State Wrestling; Fireworks; and Mud Boggin. Sunday local churches host special worship services and breakfasts.
June 5
Hike Across WV - Cacapon Resort State Park - Hikers Wanted! Hike across a short cross-section in WV’s eastern panhandle and essentially walk across the state! Help celebrate National Trails Day by hiking a ten-mile stretch across the ridge of Cacapon Mountain. Fairly level hiking
June 5
National Trails Day - Statewide - Come hike forest trails and celebrate being outdoors-- additional hike/activities will be posted. www.wvstateparks.com
June 12
Mountain Lakes Food and Wine Festival - Roanoke - A relaxing summer retreat in the mountains! West Virginia craft wines, such as those produced by the Weston, West Virginia-based Lambert's Winery, will be featured along with Appalachian crafts, music and food. $ For reservations and event info: 304-269-7400
June 12
18th Civilian Conservation Corps Reunion - Marlinton - CCC members & families gather to share. Visit CCC museum. Covered dish. An American history lesson.
June 12-13
Celebrate Princeton - Princeton - Enjoy a day of family fun and activities -music, crafts, vendors, pony rides, video-scavenger hunt, car show and much more! Time: 9:00 am - 5:00 pm. Information:(304) 487-1502. www.visitmercercounty.com
June 15-19
West Virginia Coal Festival - Madison - An annual celebration of coal and its heritage, held the third week of June in Madison, WV, the coal capital of West Virginia. Events include: mine machinery displays, Nashville entertainment, parade, downtown coal museum, pageants, fireworks, miners memorial service, gospel singing, food vendors, arts and crafts, carnival, and more. The 2010 Festival will be the 17th annual event. All concerts are free. There is no admission charge. Driving to Madison from Charleston take corridor G (U.S. 119) and exit at the Madison-Danville exit onto Route 85. Stay on Route 85 for approximately two miles.
June 18-20
West Virginia Days Celebration - Davis - Celebrate West Virginia's birthday with civil war reenactments, battlefield surgery demonstrations, authentic West Virginia artisans & craft vendors, hayrides, and more. For reservations and event info: 304-866-4121
June 22-27
HAIRSPRAY - Morgantown - Presented by the West Virginia Public Theatrue, for more information visit www.wvpublictheatre.com www.tourmorgantown.com
June 24-26
Carnegie Hall's Rhythm, Blues & All that Jazz - Lewisburg - Held the last Thursday, Friday and Saturday in June, this jam-packed event features some of the best jazz and blues artists you can find anywhere. Skip work and head to Carnegie Hall Thursday evening for a free kick off concert outside on Carnegie’s Ivy Terrace. Bring food and drink for the perfect summer evening picnic. Spend Friday sightseeing and shopping in downtown Lewisburg, but report back to the Hall that evening for a night of jazz. Saturday is a full day event featuring 3 blues artists throughout the afternoon and into the evening. Come and go as you please, step into the Back Alley Lounge for wine and beer, or grab some of the best barbeque you’ll ever taste on the lawn. Come once and you’ll make Rhythm, Blues and All That Jazz a yearly retreat!
June 24-27
West Virginia Rails 2010; Celebrating 100 Years - Petersburg - West Virginia Rails 2010 celebrates 100 years of the Railroad built by the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad in 1910. Steam trains will once again whistle in the deep valleys. Three steam locomotives will be brought in. It has been nearly 50 years since a steam locomotive traveled these rails. This could be the only chance you will have to ride behind a vintage steam locomotive over this line so reserve your place in history by booking your tickets today!
July 1-3
20th Point Pleasant Sternwheel Regatta - Point Pleasant - Our main goal is promoting a safe and fun atmosphere for all ages. We hold a Kids Day with free games and activities. The Regatta is an alcohol-free event. All events and entertainment are free of charge.
July 4
Independence Day at Prickett's Fort - Morgantown - Celebrate Independence Day with a look back through the eyes of our historic interpreters. www.tourmorgantown.com
July 7-10
Green Bank Star Quest VII - The Largest Optical and Radio Astronomy Star party in the nation, four days jammed full of the best astronomical speakers in America. 2010 theme is "Asteroids, Comets, Meteors and Messier Objects" www.nrao.edu/index.php/learn/gbsc
July 7-11
Pocahontas County Pioneer Days - Marlinton - If there is only one festival you can come to this year - this is the one! Three days of fun, frolic and food. Step back to yesterday with friendly people, exceptional artisans, and tasty treats throughout the event. Music, games, and demonstrations highlight the event that many come "back home" to celebrate.
July 10
Celtic Heritage Day - Fairmont - Come celebrate the Celtic heritage of many of this region's settlers including food, music and crafts. For event or fort info: 304-363-3030
July 16-18
Barboursville Civil War Days - Barboursville - Civil War Reenactment on July 16-18, 2010 with guest speakers and activities throughout the weekend. This event is to commerate the Battle of Barboursville which occurred on July 14, 1861. Our event features 2 day Battle Reenactments, Ladies Tea and Camp Dance and 1860 style church service. Event is open to all reenactment units and sutlers.
July 16-18
Music Fest - Davis - The Resort will host a day long concert at Canaan Valley Resort's outdoor covered pavilion. A variety of eclectic bands will feature bluegrass, rockabilly, jazz, and reggae music. $ Event info: 304-866-4121
July 21-24
Durbin Days - Durbin - Remember the fun times of long ago when you went to fireman's parade's and entered your grand daughter in the beauty contest? Well those times are still around in Durbin WV. Come enjoy the fun. Antique car show, carnival, craft show, train rides, a Grand Parade, fireworks, live entertainment and much, much more. This is the one event where people who now live all over the country return to enjoy these special festivities.
July 24-26
Weirton African-American Festival - Weirton - History, pictures, programs, presentations, costume party, food, displays,and more!
July 31
Mid Summer Walk Between the Parks - Canaan Valley Resort State Park - Join us for a guided fall walk - 8 miles between Blackwater Falls SP to Canaan Valley Resort SP through Canaan Mountain. Shuttle service provided. $ www.wvstateparks.com
August 9-14
49th Mason County Fair - Point Pleasant - 49th Annual Mason County Fair. Exhibits, livestock shows, contests, entertainment, carnival, races, tractor/truck pulls, Senior Citizens Day, Kids Day.
August 13-14
South Bluefield Lemonade Days - Bluefield - Live music; Lemonade Stands; Crafts; Food; Entertainment for the whole family
August 13-21
State Fair of West Virginia - Fairlea - Save the dates of August 13-21 for the largest end-of-summer celebration in West Virginia. This year's theme is "Genuine Homegrown Fun." Enjoy food, fun, rides and family entertainment for nine award-winning days and nights at the State Fair of West Virginia.
August 21-23
Snowshoe Taste of the Mountain Food, Wine and Jazz - Snowshoe - Taste of the Mountains Food, Wine & Jazz Festival is exactly what you would imagine. Delectable treats combined with fine wines set to the backdrop of appetizing jazz and incredible mountain scenery. Partake in wine tasting seminars, enjoy some self-indulgent dining experiences and listen to memorable musical performances for three days that celebrate the finer things in life. The fun starts on Friday evening with a champagne and chocolate reception. On Saturday, enjoy the grand tasting where you can mingle with distributors showcasing over 100 fine wines from around the world, as well as enjoy West Virginia artisans, an art auction and scrumptious food from Snowshoe's chefs. The event wraps up Sunday with a palate-pleasing brunch.