BECKLEY, W.Va. — The 7th Annual BEX Arts Festival will officially launch on Friday, July 25, 2025, with a lively and colorful celebration during this year’s “Friday in the Park Dance Day.”
Organized in partnership with the Beckley-Raleigh County Chamber of Commerce, the festival’s Opening Ceremony will take place at 11:30 a.m. at Word Park in downtown Beckley. Community members and supporters are invited to gather for a “Creative” Ribbon Cutting Ceremony to mark the start of BEX 2025.
The event will highlight the unveiling of a newly commissioned mosaic mural, created by artist Sharol Batey with assistance from Sean Pettrey. Funded by the West Virginia Department of Arts, Culture and History, the National Endowment for the Arts, and the Beckley-Raleigh County Chamber of Commerce, the mural will serve as a lasting symbol of the community’s commitment to the arts. Both artists will be present for a special Meet and Greet following the ceremony.
In celebration of Dance Day, four local senior dance groups will perform in 15–20-minute segments:
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11:40 – 11:56 a.m.: Mercer County CASE Senior Line Dancers
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12:00 – 12:16 p.m.: Raleigh County Commission on Aging Line Dancers
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12:20 – 12:38 p.m.: Daniels/Shady Spring Seniors & Beckley Art Center Line Dancers
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12:42 – 1:00 p.m.: Just for Fun Line Dancers
Families attending can also enjoy a kids’ craft activity featuring mosaic coloring and craft pages inspired by the mural.
The festival will continue throughout the weekend with a variety of events celebrating creativity, culture, and community. For more information on BEX 2025, visit the Beckley Events Facebook page or contact the Beckley-Raleigh County Chamber of Commerce.
