A bridge over a waterfall with a sunset in the background.

West Virginia Festivals Near New River Gorge

The New River Gorge Park and Preserve area of West Virginia is home to a variety of annual festivals and events that travelers from around the world come to enjoy. Whether you’re looking for a music inspired event, a marathon, a nature activity, or a purely local celebration, the New River Gorge area has it all!

A bridge over a river at sunset with the sun shining through the clouds.

Known as the largest single-day festival in West Virginia, Bridge Day at New River Gorge brings together BASE jumpers and their enthusiasts at an all-day event. At the festival, jumpers leap from the New River Gorge Bridge into the gorge hundreds of feet below while thousands watch their daring plunge. The day’s activities include more than just BASE jumping though. Visitors can also enjoy:



  • A 5k race 
  • An Into The Gorge bus ride
  • A car show
  • A chili cookoff
  • More than 160 vendors


 The event is held every third Saturday in October from 9AM-3PM. Admission is free.

New River Gorge Bridge Day

The Appalachian String Band Festival is a five-day event featuring old time string band music performed by live musicians for an audience of more than 3000 people. Visitors come from across the country and from around the world to attend this annual festival. Held in the beautiful West Virginia mountaintops, the Appalachian String Band Festival is something the whole family will enjoy. In addition to the music, attendees can also participate in activities such as: 



  • Contests
  • Workshops
  • Square dances
  • Shopping the local vendors 


Adult day pass tickets begin at $15.00 per person.

Appalachian String Band Festival

A man with a backpack is running down a trail in the woods.

New River Gorge Trail Festival

Come run in some of the most beautiful scenery in the U.S. at the New River Gorge Trail Festival. This event gives participants the chance to run through New River Gorge Park and Preserve while taking in the amazing views of the gorge and experiencing the lovely local flora and fauna. Runners can choose to participate in one of three races:


  • The 50k - this race features single-track trails with almost 6,000 feet of elevation gain and loss. 
  • The half marathon - the dirt and gravel path takes runners along Dalton Trail and Kaymoor Top.
  • The 5k - this race features 500 feet of elevation gain along a single-track, dirt trail.


This annual race is typically held in June of each year and has different admission rates depending on the race selected.

This birding and nature event brings together individuals from around the country who enjoy all things outdoors. The New River Birding & Nature Festival offers daily birding tours that highlight more than 100 different species of birds. The tours connect guests with the beauty of the Appalachian Mountains and New River Gorge Park and Preserve. The festival also offers: 



  • Speakers
  • Experienced birding guides
  • Food
  • Nature excursions
  • Mingling with other enthusiasts


This six-day event features a variety of package options that range in price depending on the amenities chosen. Each day includes a field trip, three meals, two presentations, and plenty of time to visit with other participants

New River Birding & Nature Festival

A group of people are sitting in front of a fire pit watching fireworks.

Located just outside of New River Gorge Park and Preserve in Fayetteville, the annual Heritage Festival and 4th of July Celebration provides attendees with lots of hometown fun! This family-friendly event hosts activities such as the patriotic pet contest and an annual hot dog eating contest. The festival takes place each July 3rd and 4th and features:


  • A parade
  • Contests
  • Fireworks
  • Shopping
  • Food
  • Live music
  • Dancing 
  • Cake walk


The Heritage Festival and 4th of July Celebration also brings local vendors, unique local crafts, and fresh local food to attendees to provide them with a taste of Fayetteville’s rich history.

Heritage Festival and 4th of July Celebration

The Ansted Hometown Heritage Festival is a three-day celebration that features lots of local fun that attendees of all ages will enjoy. Located just 15 minutes north of New River Gorge Park and Preserve, this hometown festival also offers:


  • A parade
  • Live music
  • Chainsaw carving
  • Food
  • Fireworks
  • Crafts
  • Dancing
  • Games


Set against the beautiful backdrop of West Virginia’s Appalachian Mountains, this festival is one of the most lovely and unique New River Gorge area events.

Ansted Hometown Heritage Festival

Thurmond, West Virginia is just a half hour drive from New River Gorge Park and Preserve and is home to the Thurmond Triathlon. This event takes participants through the picturesque scenery and rich history of Thurmond. The race includes:



  • Biking - a 2 mile ride from the Thurmond Depot to Stonecliff.
  • Paddling - a 1.5 mile route to the Dun Glen Day Use Area.
  • Running - a 2 mile loop around historic Thurmond and back to the Dun Glen Day Use Area.


The Thurmond Triathlon can be done solo, as partners, or as a team of three or more people. The race is considered a beginner-friendy event and can include children as well as teens and adults.

Thurmond Triathlon

Book Your Stay at The Meadows RV Park Today

Located in Meadowcreek and situated within the lovely New River Gorge Park and Preserve, The Meadows RV Park is the perfect place to begin your exploration of scenic West Virginia. With 24 campsites all featuring Wi-Fi, a fire ring, and a picnic table,The Meadows RV Park connects you with nature and provides you with a gateway to some of the most beautiful scenery in the Appalachian Mountains. Call or visit our website today to book your stay, then get ready to enjoy all the festivals and events West Virginia has to offer!