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Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday Celebration
January 13-15
A celebration of the slain civil rights leader's life and works.
Contact: West Virginia Division of Culture and History
1900 Kanawha Boulevard, East, Charleston, WV 25305
Phone: (304) 558-0162
www.wvculture.org
West Virginia International Auto Show
January 19-21
The West Virginia International Auto Show features more than 400 of the hottest cars, trucks, minivans and SUV’s from more than 20 manufacturers at the largest auto show in the state of West Virginia. The 2007 show is packed with excitement, including the latest in hybrid auto technology, a history of the Ford Mustang display, and Aftermarket Alley, featuring the latest in car customizations. For more details, call 304-345-1500.
(nothing currently scheduled)
Capitol Market Green Chili Shoot Out
March 17
Competitors concoct green chili, along with some traditional red varieties. Monetary prizes reach as high as $1,000. Visitors can sample the dishes and listen to live music. Contact the Capitol Market for more details. 304-344-1905, www.capitolmarket.net.
Kanawha Kordsmen Barbershop Chorus Annual Show
March 31
The Kanawha Kordsmen will treat audiences to barbershop-style music during two shows at the Clay Center for the Arts. The 40-man a capella chorus and chapter quartets will be performing their program "Feel the Love" at 2p.m. and 8 p.m. 304-346-7464.
West Virginia Dance Festival
April 27-29
Dance students from across the state attend classes and workshops in ballet, jazz and modern dance taught by recognized dance professionals. On Friday and Saturday, students give performances in the West Virginia State Theatre. Performances are free and open to the public. Seating is limited. The West Virginia Division of Culture and History presents this three-day event.
Phone: (304) 558-0162 or 1-800-CALL-WVA
www.wvculture.org
West Virginia International Film Festival
May 10-13
Domestic and international film festival that features full-length feature films, shorts, documentaries, animation, and student films. Individual and package admission available.
www.wviff.org
Vandalia Gathering
May 25-27
Come celebrate the passing down of time-honored traditions, ethnic diversity and the uniqueness of West Virginia's mountain culture with master fiddlers, banjo pickers and storytellers sharing their talents. Outdoor clogging, dancing in the Great Hall, nightly concerts, exhibitions, crafts, and food make this family event lots of fun. There will be hands-on fun and games for children including butter churning, basketry, wool spinning, dancing, and paper-making. All performances are free and open to the public.
Contact: WV Division of Culture and History
1900 Kanawha Boulevard, East, Charleston, WV 25305
Phone: (304) 558-0162
www.wvculture.org
Live on the Levee
June 2 through August
Every Friday night beginning June 2 through August, Live at the Levee joins fun with helping a good cause. The area's top performers entertain the crowds with great music and proceeds from rafffles are given to charitable organizations across the valley.
Symphony Sunday
June 3
Enjoy a full day of entertainment, food, book sale, crafts and more. Share the excitement of music with an evening concert by the West Virginia Symphony Orchestra, followed by dazzling fireworks. Other events include a Friday afternoon lunch sale, the Symphony Sunday Soccer Match, annual Dinner under the Tent, jazz brunch and more.
Contact: West Virginia Symphony
Phone: (304) 342-0151
www.wvsymphony.org
Smoke on the Water Chili Cook-Off
June 16
Tempt your taste buds at this spicy event with 80-100 different chilis to sample. Music, an arts and crafts fair and a hot pepper eating contest help make this a day to savor. Event will be held at Haddad Riverfront Park.
Contact: Archie Chestnut
Phone: (304) 345-7653, www.smokeonthewater.org
FestivALL
June 21-24
A robust celebration of the arts that encompasses all of downtown, showcasing Charleston as a premier destination for the arts. Performances include lighthearted theater, film, dance demonstrations, a celebration of food featuring fine area restaurants, and musical performances including Mountain Stage, the popular Wine & All That Jazz, soul, gospel and much more. Headliners this year include the Neville Brothers, the River City Youth Ballet, and the Montclaire String Quartet.
E-Mail: ldiggyg@hotmail.com
www.festivallcharleston.com
Blues Brews BBQ
June 22
The name says it all. The best in blues music, along with cold beer and hot BBQ. Held on the beautiful banks of the University of Charleston campus.
Contact: Margaret Lieberman, (304) 345-0775
Wine & all that Jazz Festival
June 23
Sample wines from an array of West Virginia vineyards, and enjoy an entire day of live jazz by some of the finest local and nationally known jazz musicians. Held on the beautiful banks of the University of Charleston campus.
Contact: Margaret Lieberman, (304) 345-0775
Patriotic July 4th Celebration
July
This year will feature a celebration at Haddad Riverfront Park. Music, food and beverages will be available, during a fairly informal gathering of people who want to meet with friends and kick off the holiday weekend together. The celebration culminates with the annual fireworks display.
Contact: Mayor’s Office
City of Charleston
Phone: (304) 348-8174
www.cityofcharleston.org
Ribfest
July 26-29
World class, award-winning BBQ ribs and chicken from vendors across the United States. Enjoy nightly concerts featuring nationally-known entertainers, arts and crafts, rides and attractions for the whole family. Held at Laidley Field in downtown Charleston.
Contact: B&P Promotions
Phone: (304) 984-2412
Multifest
August 3-5
A celebration of ethnic diversity and multiculturalism in our Mountain State. Created in 1990, Multifest has quickly become one of the largest educational, family-oriented events in the area. Best of all, it's absolutely free. Multifest is held annually the first weekend in August on the State Capitol grounds. At Multifest, you will be able to indulge in great Soul Food, the fine Asian cuisine, and zesty Hispanic food. Don't forget about those top performers…everything from gospel and jazz to hip-hop, reggae, R&B and pop. Other activities include ethnic arts & crafts and cultural dance.
Contact: Multifest of West Virginia
P.O. Box 981, Charleston, WV 25324
Phone: (304) 347-7663 or (304) 776-1282
Charleston Sternwheel Regatta
Labor Day Weekend
This annual event has been a part of Charleston’s culture for many years. It features children’s activities, sternwheeler races, nightly entertainment and much more.
Other events tentatively scheduled throughout the city include the 15-mile Charleston Distance Race, Charleston Distance Walk, Taste of Charleston, Funeral Parade complete with an Olympia Brass Band, hot air balloon activities, sternwheeler races, antique car show and continuous activities for all ages.
For event times/locations contact:
Charleston Sternwheel Regatta Commission
P. O. Box 2749, Charleston, WV 25330
www.sternwheelregatta.com
South Charleston Mound Arts & Crafts Festival
September 8
An outdoor arts & crafts show with more than 250+ exhibitors. Entertainment and food are also part of the festivities.
Contact: South Charleston Convention & Visitors Bureau
P.O. Box 8599, South Charleston, WV 25303
Phone: (304) 746-5552
www.southcharlestonwv.org
Charleston Boulevard Rod Run & Doo-Wop Festival
October 4-7
This four day car show includes poker runs, free doo wop concerts, river cruises, tours, auto parts vendors, crafters and more. Call 1-800-733-5469 or click here (Adobe Acrobat Reader required, download here) for more information.
West Virginia Book Festival
October 13-14
Now in its seventh year, the annual two-day festival is packed with book signings, workshops, special programs, children’s activities and a used book sale. The festival places special emphasis on authors connected to West Virginia and the Appalachian Region. This event is fun, free and educational for all ages. Held at the Charleston Civic Center.
Contact: Book Festival
Library Foundation, 123 Capitol Street, Charleston, WV 25301
www.wvhumanities.org/bookfest/bookfest2.htm
West Virginia International Film Festival (see May listing for more information)
November 2-10
Featuring domestic and international cinema. Individual and package admission available.
www.wviff.org
Capital City Art & Craft Show
November 16-19
Experience the State's largest indoor art and craft show featuring more than 180 craftsmen and fine art from West Virginia and the region. There will be an admission fee and concessions available. There will be music and craft demonstrations throughout the event. The Kanawha City Lions Club sponsors the show and proceeds benefit the West Virginia Sight Foundation.
Contact: Kanawha City Lions Club
P.O. Box 4373, Charleston, WV 25634
E-mail: kclccac@aol.com
Holidays at the Avampato Discovery Museum
November 23-December 31
Avampato Discovery Museum’s annual holiday celebration features one-of-a-kind trees, wreaths and gingerbread houses created by local artists, designers and chefs. Each weekend a special holiday planetarium show takes place. Each Saturday throughout the exhibition there is a holiday play by the Museum’s Theatre in the Galleries program to celebrate the spirit of the season. The program begins with Holly Days the Friday after Thanksgiving.
Contact: Avampato Discovery Museum
300 Leon Sullivan Way
Charleston, WV 25301
Phone: (304) 561-3575
www.avampatodiscoverymuseum.org
Goodnight Celebration
December 31
Free New Year’s Eve event for the entire family. Local churches and other venues in downtown host a variety of performances by local musicians and entertainers. Presented by the Charleston Community Music Association.
Contact: 304 744-1400
Charleston Ballet Inc.
American Academy Ballet
822 Virginia Street, East
Charleston, WV 25301
(304) 342-6541
Charleston Chamber Music Society
P.O. Box 641
Charleston, WV 25323
(304) 344-5389
Charleston Civic Center
200 Civic Center Drive
Charleston, WV 25301
(304) 345-7469 (ticket office) or (304) 345-1500
www.charlestonwvciviccenter.com
Charleston Light Opera Guild
P.O. Box 1762
Charleston, WV 25326
(304) 346-1885
Charleston Stage Company
123 Summers Street
Charleston, WV 25301
(304) 343-5272
www.charlestonstagecompany.com
Charleston Town Center Mall
3000 Charleston Town Center
Charleston, WV 25389
(304) 345-9526
www.charlestontowncenter.com
Clay Center for the Arts & Sciences – West Virginia
One Clay Square
Charleston, WV 25301
(304) 561-3500
www.theclaycenter.org
Coonskin Park
c/o Charleston Parks & Recreation
Charleston, WV
(304) 341-8000 or (304) 341-8013
Kanawha Players, Official State Theatre of West Virginia
5315 MacCorkle Avenue, SE
Charleston, WV 25304
(304) 925-5051
Kanawha Valley Friends of Old Time Music and Dance
P.O. Box 1684
Charleston, WV 25326
(304) 344-4314
www.footmad.org
Mountain Stage
Cultural Center
State Capitol Complex
Charleston, WV
(800) RADIO-87 ext. 3 or (304) 558-3000
www.mountainstage.org
University of Charleston Stadium
200 Elizabeth Street
Charleston, WV 25311
(304) 348-1134 or (304) 348-1135
WV Power
601Morris St.
Suite 201
Charleston, WV 25301
(304) 344-bats
www.wvpower.com
WV State College Capitol Theatre
123 Summers Street
Charleston, WV 25301
(304) 342-6522
WV Symphony Orchestra
Montclaire String Quartet
Pentura Wind Quartet
P.O. Box 2292
Charleston, WV 25328
(304) 342-0160 (ticket office) or (304) 342-0151
www.wvsympony.org
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