A Preview Of Pocahontas County Fall Festivals
As the leaves begin to turn in Pocahontas County, West Virginia, the season brings a full lineup of festivals and community gatherings. From creative culinary competitions to heritage celebrations, there’s no shortage of ways to enjoy autumn in the mountains. Here’s a look at some of the highlights coming up this fall.
Cass Harvest Day
Date: September 13
Location: Cass
Cass Scenic Railroad State Park hosts Cass Harvest Day, a full-day event featuring hands-on activities and traditional demonstrations. Watch blacksmiths at work, try apple cider making, take a hayride, and browse displays of quilts, homemade soaps and baked goods.
Rockin’ RoadKill Square Dance, West Virginia RoadKill Cook-Off & Autumn Harvest Festival
Dates: September 26 & 27, 2025
Location: Marlinton
Start your weekend with the Rockin’ RoadKill Square Dance on Friday from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Pocahontas County Opera House. No experience required! Everyone is welcome to join in and dance to the lively mountain music.
On Saturday, the West Virginia RoadKill Cook-Off and Autumn Harvest Festival takes over Marlinton. This one-of-a-kind cook-off challenges chefs to get creative with wild game dishes. Purchase a $10 wristband to sample a variety of entries starting at 11 a.m.
Plus, be sure to catch the Hudson Cream West Virginia Biscuit Bake-Off, where you can taste and vote on the region’s best biscuits. Between tastings, browse artisan vendors, listen to live music and take part in the Possum Trot 5K.
Cranberry Shindig
Date: September 28, 2025
Location: Hillsboro
The Cranberry Shindig at the Cranberry Mountain Nature Center is a one-day celebration of Appalachian culture surrounded by vibrant fall color. Pack a picnic and bring a chair to relax while enjoying live music and old-time square dancing.
View artisans demonstrate blacksmithing, pottery, spinning and woodturning, and shop for handcrafted goods, maple syrup, apple cider, fudge and jellies.
Huntersville Traditions Days
Dates: October 3 & 4, 2025
Location: Huntersville
Huntersville, Pocahontas County’s first county seat (settled in 1821), comes alive with history during the annual Huntersville Traditions Days.
Friday evening features live mountain music, clogging performances, a hearty country dinner and the ever-popular pie auction. On Saturday, take a wagon ride, explore a Civil War encampment and watch traditional craft demonstrations, including blacksmithing, quilting, chair caning, broom-making and wool spinning. Guided tours of the Huntersville Jail, Museum and Presbyterian Church, which served as a Civil War hospital, bring history to life.
Additional Fall Events
Pocahontas County Opera House Fall Performances
Head to the Pocahontas County Opera House for upcoming shows, including Deera’s Country Funeral (September 12), The Hackensaw Boys (September 20), Christina Vane (October 18) and Driftwood (October 24).
Boyer Campground 45th Anniversary Celebration (September 13)
Celebrate the 45th anniversary of the Boyer Campground! Enjoy movies, crafts, dinner, live music and more.
Droop Mountain Open Studio Tour (September 13-14)
Take a self-guided drive along the backroads of Pocahontas County to visit artists in their studios. Watch demonstrations, complete make-and-take activities and shop handcrafted items.
Hammons Family Fiddle and Banjo Contest (September 27)
Appreciate Appalachian music in Marlinton with the annual Hammon Family Fiddle & Banjo Contest, featuring top talent in all-style fiddle and traditional/bluegrass banjo divisions.
CW’s Corn Maze Opening Day (September 27)
Kick off the season with a family-friendly corn maze, pumpkin patch, games, food and more.
Greenbrier River Trail Marathon & Half Marathon (October 5)
Race along the Greenbrier River Trail on a point-to-point course with a steady downhill slope, perfect for taking in the surrounding natural beauty.
Snowshoe Bike Park Closing Weekend (October 11-12)
Close out the biking season at Snowshoe Bike Park with one last weekend on the trails. Gather your friends and make it a ride to remember.
October Old Time Retreat (October 15-19)
Join the October Old Time Retreat at Cass Scenic Railroad State Park for a week of Appalachian tradition. Participants can stay in historic company houses, join classes with accomplished musicians, share meals and jam together.
Plan Your Trip
From local flavors and live music to history and heritage, Pocahontas County’s fall festivals showcase it all. Extend your visit with a cozy cabin stay and take in the beauty of autumn outdoors. For more details on upcoming events, visit our calendar.