BECKLEY, WV (LOOTPRESS) – Beckley’s beloved Rhododendron Festival is back and in full bloom this May, bringing nearly two weeks of community celebration, sweet treats, outdoor adventures, music, and more to Southern West Virginia.
Kicking off Saturday, May 10, the festival opens downtown with the annual Coffee, Tea, and Sweet Treats tasting event and an Emergency Preparedness Fair, both running from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. along Main Street and Courthouse Square. For just $5, attendees can sample five treats and vote for their favorite using a People’s Choice coin, with proceeds benefiting the United Way of Southern WV. Live performances from local musicians, a crowning of the Miss Rhododendron Festival Queen, and interactive booths—from fire safety to bounce houses—make it a fun-filled start for all ages.
Throughout the festival, attendees can also join a variety of free community walks. The Sunset/Full Moon Walk takes place Monday, May 12 at 7:30 p.m. along the McManus Trail, and the Waterfall Wednesday Walk is set for May 14 at Piney Creek Preserve (rain date: May 21). The popular Rhododendron Walk at Grandview in New River Gorge National Park follows on Sunday, May 18 at 3 p.m., showcasing the festival’s floral namesake in peak bloom.
For those with a creative spark, Painting with Sarah returns on Tuesday, May 20 at the Raleigh County Library, where participants can paint a rhododendron-inspired scene. Registration opens May 1.
Sports fans can join the Rhododendron Pickleball Tournament at New River Park on Saturday, May 17. Contact Dave Barksdale at 304-673-8390 for registration.
The festival closes with a bang on Saturday, May 24, featuring a Car and Bike Show and Concert from 4–8 p.m. at the Beckley Intermodal Gateway. Live music by Ain’t Dead Yet starts at 5 p.m., with trophies and Kids Classic Festival royalty crowning wrapping up the night.
And don’t forget to snap a photo of your favorite rhododendron scene! The Rhododendron Festival Photo Contest runs all month on Facebook, with prizes for the most-liked photo tagged #WVRhodofest25.
This colorful celebration is supported by a grant from the Beckley-Raleigh County tourism committee of Visit Southern WV. For full event details, visit the Beckley Events Facebook page or call 304-256-1776.
