Clay County Golden Delicious Apple Festival: Sept. 17-20; Courthouse Square, Clay
Celebrate the birth of the Golden Delicious apple! There is something for all ages: amusement rides, Solomon’s Secret outdoor drama, karaoke, quilt show, live entertainment, antique car show, motorcycle show, children’s activities, baking contest, grand parade, chili cook-off, gospel sing, skillet flinging contest, art auction, fireworks and much more. Visit www.claygoldendeliciousfestival.com for more details or call 304-587-4455.
Mothman Festival: Sept. 19-20; Main Street, Point Pleasant
Celebrate the legend of the “Mothman” on Sept.19, from 10 a.m. until the last hayride and Sept. 20 from 11 a.m. until 5 p.m. The celebration features performances by the “Mothman” Band, Mothman Museum and Research Center tours, Mothman movies and documentaries, lots of vendors, crafters and authors. Mothman hayride tours will be available beginning at 8 p.m. Saturday at the TNT area of Mason County (West Virginia State Farm Museum), where the first reported sighting of the Mothman was documented. For additional information, visit www.mothmanlives.com or contact the Mason County Convention and Visitor’s Bureau at 304-675-6788.
Grape Stomping Wine Festival: Sept. 19-20; Kirkwood Winery, Summersville
This festival is an annual celebration of music, crafts, dance, food and wine in the local area. There will be many vendors, dancers, live music, food, grape stomping contests and more. A family oriented festival with face painting and crafts for the children. The cost is $6 for adults over 21, $3 for those ages 12-21, and free for children under 12. Additional information can be found at www.kirkwood-wine.com or by calling 304-872-7332.
Preston County Buckwheat Festival: Sept. 24-27; Kingwood
Family fun at its best is in store for this annual event. The festival includes buckwheat cakes and sausage dinners, arts and crafts, carnival, coronation, food vendors, livestock exhibits, musical entertainment and three parades. For more information, visit www.buckwheatfest.com or call 304-379-2203.
Mountain Heritage Arts & Crafts Festival: Sept. 25-27; Sam Michael’s Park, Charles Town
Approximately 180 juried artists and crafts people demonstrate and sell at this nationally acclaimed festival with live bluegrass music on Saturday and Sunday and wine tasting. The festival takes place from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, and from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday near Harpers Ferry. Contact the Jefferson County Chamber of Commerce at 800-624-0577 or visit www.jeffersoncountywvchamber.org for additional information.
Hardy County’s Heritage Weekend: Sept. 25-27; Moorefield and throughout Hardy County
Take a step back into the past and enjoy tours of historic houses and farms, historical presentations, demonstrations of Appalachian crafts, craft markets, vintage quilt displays, art shows, a fiddle and banjo contest, bluegrass and mountain music at various venues, a rail excursion through rugged mountain passes and rich valleys and comforting country food. Most events are free. For additional information, visit www.heritageweekend.com or call 304-538-3066.
Harvest Day at Cass Scenic Railroad State Park: Sept. 26; Cass
This is a great family event full of old-fashioned fun, live entertainment, fall colors and a special evening dinner train to Whittaker Station. Mountain dance master Lou Maiuri will be demonstrating and teaching square and traditional Appalachian dance. Joel Holbrook will be offering free train rides on his miniature live steam train. View antique farm engines and tractors, try your hand at Irish Road Bowling and have the opportunity to blow the whistle on a Cass locomotive. Other events include storytelling, blacksmithing, local crafts and a health clinic. Tickets are $36 for adults, $26 children ages 5-12, and $16 for children under 5. Trains depart at 5 p.m. For more information, call 1-800-225-9582 or 304-456-4300, or visit www.cassrailroad.com.
National Hunting and Fishing Days: Sept. 26-27; Stonewall Resort State Park
This year’s event is a must for any hunter or fisherman! There is something for every outdoors person from boat rides to kettle corn. Activities include more than 100 vendors, demonstrations, exhibits, retailers, food, contests, archery, shotgun and black powder shooting, children’s activities and much more. For more information, call 304-558-2771 or 800-296-7329, or visit www.wvdnr.gov/hunting/nathuntfish.shtm.
Mountain State Forest Festival: Sept. 26 – Oct. 4; Elkins
This is the 73rd anniversary for the Mountain State Forest Festival. This year’s festival includes gun shows, ATV races, fishing tournament, poker run, cross country races, musical entertainment for all ages, carnival, three parades, talent show, photo exhibit and contest, distinguished guest dinner, queen coronation and queen’s ball and cabaret. Admission fees vary, depending on event. Hours are 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Additional information may be obtained by visiting www.forestfestival.com or by calling 304-636-1824.