Summer Festivals in West Virginia

Are you searching for some great summer festivals to attend this year? West Virginia offers unique and entertaining festivals for everyone all across the state throughout the summer months.

Are arts and crafts your passion? Dive in to the Dogwood Arts and Crafts Festival, taking place April 27 - April 29 at the Big Sandy Arena in Huntington, West Virginia. Hand-crafted jewelry, candles, food, and more are available to see and purchase at this arts and crafts "superstore." The festival also has entertainment from some fine local bands. It runs from 10:00 a.m. through 9 p.m. all three days.

Or if you are in Jefferson County, try the Mountain Heritage Arts & Crafts Festival. Two hundred artisans from across the state demonstrate and sell their crafts, and, of course, there is food and Bluegrass to add to your experience. Find all of the information at http://www.jeffersoncounty.com/festival/.

If you would rather be outside, try out the West Virginia Strawberry Festival, taking place May 16 - 20, 2007 in Buckhannon. You can find directions and additional information on the web at:

http://www.wvstrawberryfestival.com/strawberry/strawberryhome.nsf/?Open

The Strawberry Festival is a traditional celebration supporting the strawberry harvest. Three days of parades, as well as carnival rides, a car show, and block parties, the festival offers something for every member of your family. Try a helicopter ride or take part in the canoe race!

Unique to Appalachia indeed, The Appalachian String Band Festival is a five day gathering of West Virginia musicians, taking place August 1 - 5 at Camp Washington-Carver in Clifftop, West Virginia. The festival features concerts, square dances, and workshops.

Music, culture, and history collide in the The Vandalia Gathering, May 25-27, 2007 at the Cultural Center and State Capitol Grounds in Charleston. Admission is free to this festival featuring traditional dancing, music and food. Find out more at http://www.wvculture.org/vandalia/index.html.

If you miss The Vandalia Gathering at the Capitol, Multifest takes place on the Capitol Grounds August 3 - 5. The three day event, which highlights cultural diversity, offers all kinds of music, from Hip Hop and R&B to Jazz and Reggae. A Heritage Fair, crafts, and food round out the festival's draws.

How about a little Cajun and Creole in West Virginia? Or the blues? Or swing? Or an Irish festival? Throughout the summer, Davis and Elkins College, in Elkins West Virginia offers theme weeks, with festival after festival. Celebrate the traditions of southwest Louisiana, with food and folklore, at Cajun/Creole Week. Experience the blues, guitar, or swing dancing with weekly themed events. Check out everything the college has to offer at www.augustaheritage.com.

No matter what type of festival you are looking for this summer, you can probably find it in West Virginia. I recommend not missing out on the Strawberry Festival! And for a great time later in the summer, the Multifest cannot be beat.