7 mountain arts events that transform the whole town

Immerse yourself in West Virginia’s rich creative talent with community-wide celebrations!

Here are 7 mountain arts events that transform the entire town:

1. FestivALL

Charleston

It’s true what they say: “A City Becomes a Work of Art.” From street fairs to concerts and dance performances, film screenings to theater productions, Charleston’s multi-day arts extravaganza, FestivALL, has hundreds of events.

Some annual highlight include: The Mayor’s Concert, Festiv-ALT, giant balloon sculptures, The Capitol Street Art Fair, Wine & All That Jazz, FestivALL Dance Gala, Taste-of-All and more. Add that to surprises like pop-up performances, drum circles, public art projects and flash mobs, and you’ll begin to get an idea of this all-out event.

2. First Fridays After Five

Lewisburg

What better way to kick off the weekend than exploring the artistic charm of downtown Lewisburg, one of “America’s Coolest Small Towns”? During First Fridays After Five (every month except January), merchants stay open late to help the public unwind after a long work week with music, sales, snacks and beverage tastings.

3. Downtown Charleston ArtWalk

Charleston

Take a stroll down the quaint Capital City streets, stopping in to enjoy refreshments, special exhibits, classes and programs along the way. The self-guided Downtown Charleston ArtWalk is every 3rd Thursday in the warmer months.

4. ArtSpring

Thomas, Davis, Canaan, Parsons

Take a tour of 4 small but lively Tucker County towns during the annual ArtSpring on Memorial Day weekend. Studio tours, demonstrations, musical performances, a traditional square dance, nature photography walks, an outdoor farmers and artisan market, and silent art auction are just a few items on the agenda.

5. All Together Arts Week

Princeton, Bluefield

Princeton’s All Together Arts Week brings together the 2 neighboring towns that earned the county an official “Certified Arts Community” title for one big bash. Hop from venue to venue on the trolley to explore. The excitement ends with a “Grand Finale Parade and Day of Merriment.”

6. Wheeling Arts & Culture Fest

Wheeling

Not only can you enjoy the artisans and live performers, you can also give the arts go yourself with workshops between each downtown venue. The festival touches on all types of art, from classical to culinary, and goes way beyond the traditional into Appalachian heritage, with a Civil War encampment, fishing derby and more.

Which town-wide arts event will you explore?

This post was last updated on March 16, 2022