West Virginia
, located in the Appalachian region of the United States, is known for its folk music heritage. Folk music is music by and for the people, so it makes sense that West Virginia offers its residents a wealth of music festivals. Whether you're into bluegrass, jam bands or the blues, you'll find a music festival to enjoy in West Virginia.
All Good Music Festival
The All Good Music Festival, founded by promoter Tim Walther in 1997, is "4 days of music, camping and loving," according to its website. Celebrating improvisational music, the festival is held at the 675-acre Marvin's Mountaintop, which overlooks the West Virginia mountains. Notable past performers at the All Good Music Festival include Bob Weir & Rat Dog, Widespread Panic, Les Claypool, Moe, Dark Star Orchestra, George Clinton & Parliament Funkadelic and Tea Leaf Green. The All Good Music Festival draws annual crowds of more than 15,000, thanks to its big-name artists and amenities, which include camping and food vendors.
Marvin's Mountaintop
Route 7
Masontown, WV 26542
304-864-5216
allgoodfestival.com
Heritage Music BluesFest
"A weekend of award-winning blues," according to its website, the Heritage Music BluesFest is held annually at Heritage Port Amphitheater in Wheeling, West Virginia. Established in 2001, the Heritage Music BluesFest features blues legends and Grammy Award winners performing on two stages. Notable performers include John Lee Hooker, Jr., Pinetop Perkins, John Mayall, Guy Davis and The John Hammond Band. Festivalgoers travel from 25 different states to attend the Heritage Music BluesFest, recipient of the Blues Foundation's 2010 Keeping The Blues Alive Award.
Heritage Music
34 Poplar Avenue
Wheeling, WV 26003
304-238-6064
heritagemusicfest.com
Pickin' in the Panhandle
Located in Back Creek Valley, West Virginia, Pickin' in the Panhandle is a bluegrass music and BBQ festival. Established in 2007, the festival's success led Governor Joe Manchin III to proclaim it "The West Virginia State BBQ & Bluegrass Festival." Bluegrass artists perform on two stages: the Main Stage and the Pickin' Porch. Notable Pickin' in the Panhandle performers include Larry Cordle and Lonesome Standard Time, The Infamous Stringdusters and Mountain Heart. Festivalgoers can participate in a BBQ contest, bring their children to the Kids Korner, have a cold beer at the Beer Garden and purchase arts and crafts.
Pickin' in the Panhandle
115 North Queen Street
Martinsburg, WV 25401
304-264-8801
panhandlepickin.com
