Each year the delightful mountain towns of Randolph County come alive with some of the most interesting and diverse festivals in West Virginia. We’ve got it all – from the oldest festival in the state to small town homecomings. Here you can find the best of Appalachian culture where world class entertainment and international flavor meets downhome hospitality.

In summer our festival season is in full swing with more events than one person can attend. But that means there’s something for everyone! Music fills the air in downtown Elkins, beginning with free concerts two nights a month in Elkins Town Square from June through August. For over 50 years the Augusta Heritage Center hosted weeks of classes and performances that celebrate traditional music, dance, and crafts – now expanded to five weeks covering old-time music, Cajun, bluegrass and other folk traditions – including the Augusta Festival in Elkins City Park chock full of even more music, food, and artisans. Augusta attracts performers and students from around the world, all while honoring local West Virginia traditions. Even more music can be found during regular events like Live on the Lawn at the Beverly Heritage Center, or weekly at venues like Graceland Inn & Restaurant or Beander’s Restaurant & Tavern. Soon the new Railyard Event & Conference Center will bring top acts in comedy and theater to the area in addition to their regular music shows.

Harvest time and the end of summer bring even more family-friendly fun and opportunities to experience local traditions. Every August the Randolph County Fair comes to Camp Pioneer near the town of Beverly. This traditional county fair features a whole week of familiar fun like amusement rides, rodeos, craft and agricultural exhibits, pageants, and unique activities like tractor pulls. The remote Swiss-Appalachian community of Helvetia honors its agricultural heritage with the Helvetia Community Fair in September with even more craft and agricultural exhibits, plus a parade, Swiss folk dancing, flag-swinging, Alphorn playing, yodeling, games, arts and crafts, and a square dance.

The coming of autumn is heralded not only by the falling of the leaves and spectacular colors, but seasonal flavors at festivals both large and small. Community traditions are alive at the annual Autumn on the Dry Fork event in Harman where you can see fall treats made the old-fashioned way: fresh-pressed apple cider and apple butter boiled in a kettle. While you’re there be sure to stop by Boars Nest Distillery to try their ever-changing menu of flavored and infused moonshine. During the first full weekend in October we celebrate our forest heritage at the Mountain State Forest Festival, one of the oldest and largest festivals in West Virginia. Highlights include parades, the largest juried craft show in the state, daily live music, and lumberjack contests with national and internationally recognized competitors.

Beyond our lineup of annual events, foodies can discover even more anytime of the year at our many restaurants. Find familiar favorites and homemade country cooking at diners like Hoots Market or the Lunch Box, or enjoy elevated Appalachian cuisine at the Forks or the Oxley House with rotating menus that celebrate seasonal ingredients. You can even find fresh fare from around the world like Brazilian-style steak and Venezuelan appetizers at El Toro Steakhouse, fresh sushi at Sakura Japanese Steakhouse, or a multitude of Mexican restaurants like the new Tequila Taco Bar.

Find our spin on familiar holidays and unique events you can’t find anywhere else. Taste seasonal food and drink. Experience live music and craft shows. Discover community traditions and local history. Join us as we celebrate what makes Randolph County festive by nature!

Plan your adventure at elkinsrandolphwv.com