Arts and Culture

In The Heart Of The Mountains

West Virginia has a rich tradition of arts and culture. The area around the New River Gorge Preserve is no different. With plenty to see and do year round, it’s easy to get immersed in mountain traditions and river lore.

Summer Fests

Summer strikes big around the New River Gorge Preserve. With river season is full swing, there’s always something to do. Many of the whitewater outfitters have bar and grilles on the premises, and at night on the weekends, they let loose with lots and lots of live music.

The Earth Day Celebration in Fayetteville is held every year on or near April 22. It’s a time when the whole community comes together to learn about issues facing our community, and the world. The celebration brings us closer to nature, and, in turn, closer to the New River Gorge.

In August, the Appalachian String Band Festival is held at nearby Camp Washington Carver. It’s the nation’s oldest old-time music festival, and there are fiddlers and dancers galore. The music goes on late into the night- walking around the campground is a highlight that’s not to be missed.

Changing Seasons

Fall is always officially kicked off by Bridge Day, a celebration of the New River Gorge Bridge. Every year, the bridge is closed to traffic as people from all over the world come to walk across the enormous structure. Parachutists and rappellers dazzle crowds above and below at this, one of the state’s largest get-togethers.

Winter is a great time to get together for music. Fayetteville’s Leland Guitars hosts a regular Tuesday night jam for musicians and non-musicians alike.

The Historic Fayette Theatre produces plays year-round. People from the community put in practice after practice to bring the stage to the mountains. The Theatre is just another way we celebrate the community in and around the New River Gorge Preserve.