CHARLESTON, WV (LOOTPRESS) – This weekend, the State Capitol grounds will host the 48th Vandalia Gathering – the state’s annual celebration of Appalachian heritage. This event is free to the public and features traditional Appalachian music and dance, storytelling, art, crafts, local food and more. This lively celebration honors the legacy of the Mountain State and the vibrant spirit of its people while attracting thousands of visitors from around the state and country.
This year, the Gathering also will feature a cycling watch party with inflatables and food trucks on the rear side of the Culture Center’s plaza deck along Greenbrier Street – a perfect viewing spot for the Pro Road National Championships. A beer garden featuring local beers will be available for guests that are 21+ on Saturday and Sunday, May 24 and 25, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
The 2025 Vandalia Gathering kicks off at 6:30 p.m. on Friday, May 23 in the State Theater with an awards ceremony for quilt and wall-hanging winners as well as the presentation of the 2025 Vandalia Award – the state’s highest folklife honor. A concert will follow the award ceremonies. Saturday evening’s concert, starting at 7 p.m. in the State Theater, will also feature another presentation of the Vandalia Award followed by a concert.
Outside activities begin on Saturday at 10:30 a.m. Events include old-time fiddle, bluegrass banjo, and mandolin contests, with half-hour concerts throughout the day. Sunday’s events begin at 10:30 a.m. with a one-hour gospel set by Angie Richardson at 11 a.m., followed by old-time banjo, lap dulcimer, and flat-pick guitar contests, and more half-hour concerts by local West Virginia musicians. The fiddle and guitar competitions have a youth category for musicians 15 years of age or younger. Traditional dance offerings range from demonstrations of ethnic and square dancing to flat-foot dancing in the Great Hall of the Culture Center where spectators are encouraged to jump in and kick up their heels.
The popular Liars Contest returns on Sunday in the State Theater at 2:30 p.m. (with registration beginning at 1:30 p.m.) as storytellers compete for Goldenseal Magazine’s coveted Golden Shovel Award.
The Old-Time for Young ‘Uns area will have craft activities, storytelling, live craft demonstrations, Vandalia booths featuring a unique sampling of traditional foods as well as Vandalia Gathering t-shirts and official Almost Heaven merchandise.
Free parking for attendees will be available in the metered spots and parking garage located within the Capitol Complex. For more information on the Vandalia Gathering, click here. For more information on the USA Cycling Watch Party, click here.
