One of the best ways to experience the vibrant fall season in Pocahontas County, West Virginia, is by attending a local festival or event. From one-of-a-kind cook-offs and outdoor races to live music and cultural celebrations, there is something to enjoy all season long.
First Friday at Discovery Junction
Date: September 4
Location: Marlinton
Join us for the final First Friday of the year at Discovery Junction! Listen to live music, grab a bite to eat and explore local businesses in downtown Marlinton.
Seven-Course Autumn Harvest Wine Dinner at Appalachia Kitchen
Date: September 4
Location: Snowshoe Mountain Resort
Savor the flavors of the season at Appalachia Kitchen’s Seven-Course Autumn Harvest Wine Dinner. This thoughtfully curated menu pairs seasonal dishes with carefully selected wines, presented by Appalachia Kitchen’s James Beard-nominated chef and sommelier.
The menu includes a butternut fritter paired with Bieler Sabine Provence Rosé, roasted beet and kale salad with Ceretto Arneis Blangé, butter-poached trout with Stoller Oregon Chardonnay, wild mushroom tagliatella with Quilt Pinot Noir, concord grape sorbet, roasted lamb saddle with Bonanza Vinekeeper Napa Cabernet Sauvignon and cinnamon apple tart with Dr. Thanisch Kabinett Riesling.
Watoga Art in the Park
Date: September 4-6
Location: Watoga State Park
Spend Labor Day weekend surrounded by art and culture at Watoga Art in the Park. Browse local food and craft vendors, participate in art workshops and enjoy activities and games for the kids. Camping and cabin rentals are available at Watoga State Park for a full weekend getaway.
Ballhooter Music Festival
Date: September 4-7
Location: Snowshoe Mountain Resort
The Ballhooter Festival was once a beloved winter tradition at Snowshoe Mountain Resort. Now, it’s back with the same name and energy in a brand-new season. Enjoy three days of music, from daytime sets to late-night parties across multiple stages, featuring artists like Turnpike Troubadours, 49 Winchester, Morgan Wade and more. Between sets, explore the mountain with outdoor activities, delicious dining and drinks.
Snowshoe Epic Enduro Race
Date: September 6
Location: Snowshoe Mountain Resort
Take on some of the sweetest backcountry lines at Snowshoe Mountain Resort during the Snowshoe Epic Enduro Race. Competitors will tackle a series of timed, mostly downhill stages connected by pedal and lift transfers. The rider with the fastest cumulative time across all stages takes home the win. The race is the sixth stop in the West Virginia Enduro Series.
Catch Me If You Can Performance
Date: September 11-13
Location: Pocahontas County Opera House in Marlinton
Spend an evening at the Pocahontas County Opera House and enjoy a live production presented by the Pocahontas County Drama Workshop. “Catch Me If You Can” is a fast-paced mystery-comedy filled with mistaken identities, deception and unexpected twists.
CW’s Corn Maze
Date: Late September through October
Location: Cass
Nothing says fall quite like a corn maze! Every weekend from late September through the end of October, CW’s Corn Maze is open for fall fun. Find your way through the 10-acre corn maze, then pick out the perfect pumpkin at the you-pick patch. Keep the kids entertained with a barrel train, corn pit, petting zoo and more.
Hammons Family Fiddle + Banjo Contest Square Dance
Date: September 25
Location: Pocahontas County Opera House in Marlinton
Kick off the weekend ahead of the Hammons Family Fiddle and Banjo Contest with a lively square dance. Listen to live music and join your family and friends on the dance floor.
Hammons Family Fiddle and Banjo Contest
Date: September 26
Location: Discovery Junction in Marlinton
Celebrate Pocahontas County’s rich musical heritage at the Hammons Family Fiddle and Banjo Contest. Skilled musicians compete for sought-after awards in two divisions: All-Style Fiddles and Traditional and Bluegrass Banjos. Throughout the event, enjoy the world-class jam sessions happening throughout the town.
WV RoadKill Cook-Off + Autumn Harvest Festival
Date: September 26
Location: Marlinton
Taste regional delicacies at the West Virginia RoadKill Cook-Off and Autumn Harvest Festival! This one-of-a-kind competition challenges chefs to get creative with wild game dishes.
Purchase a $10 wristband to sample a variety of entries and vote for your favorite. Browse vendors offering everything from handmade art to specialty goods, and listen to live music while you wait to see which team is crowned the West Virginia RoadKill Cook-Off Champion.
Music on Cranberry Mountain & Cranberry Shindig
Date: September 27
Location: Cranberry Mountain Nature Center
Enjoy mountain music during Music on Cranberry Mountain and the Cranberry Shindig! Set against the backdrop of fall color, this one-day celebration features performances by local musicians and old-time square dancing. Watch traditional artisans demonstrate blacksmithing, pottery spinning and woodturning, and shop for handcrafted goods, maple syrup, apple cider, fudge and jellies.
Huntersville Historical Traditions Day
Date: October 2-3
Location: Huntersville
Learn about the history and heritage of Pocahontas County’s first county seat, Huntersville, which was settled in 1821. Huntersville Historical Traditions Day begins on Friday with a free community dinner, tours of the Huntersville School and Jail, a pie auction, cake walk, ghost walk and music from The Bing Brothers featuring Jake Krack.
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.
Greenbrier River Trail Marathon
Date: October 3-4
Location: Greenbrier River Trail State Park
Run along the scenic Greenbrier River Trail during peak leaf-peeping season at the Greenbrier River Trail Marathon. This unique, flat course is U.S. Track & Field-certified and Boston Marathon-eligible. With generous cut-off times, runners of all levels can take in the scenery while tackling the race.
Kelton Boblits’ Performance
Date: October 10
Location: Pocahontas County Opera House in Marlinton
Enjoy an evening of ragtime, blues, boogie-woogie, stride piano and early jazz from West Virginia pianist Kelton Boblits.
Droop Mountain Battlefield Reenactment
Date: October 10-11
Location: Droop Mountain Battlefield State Park
Step back in time during the Droop Mountain Battlefield Reenactment, held on the site of the
1864 Battle of Droop Mountain. A skirmish will take place at 1 p.m. on Saturday, followed by a nighttime cannon firing at 8:30 p.m. The full reenactment begins at 1:30 p.m. on Sunday. This event is free for spectators.
Heart Walk
Date: October 11
Location: Green Bank Observatory
Join the Heart Walk at Green Bank Observatory. Afterward, take a self-guided or guided tour of the observatory, visit the Science Center or grab lunch at the Starlight Cafe.
Eight Rivers Quilting Party
Date: October 15-17
Location: Marlinton
Experience a beloved Appalachian tradition during the Eight Rivers Quilting Party. This three-day event features hands-on quilting classes focused on hand sewing and unique quilting techniques.
Pressing Strings Performance
Date: October 24
Location: Pocahontas County Opera House in Marlinton
Catch a performance by Pressing Strings, a trio from Annapolis, Maryland, known for blending soulful roots with rock, blues and folk.
Plan Your Fall Getaway
Plan a fall getaway around one of these incredible events, then round out the trip with outdoor adventures, unique attractions and local dining.
Request a free Adventure Guide to learn more about Pocahontas County and start planning your next trip.