West Virginia Best Food and Drink Festivals 

Nestled in the heart of Appalachia, West Virginia boasts a vibrant culinary scene that comes alive through its diverse festivals celebrating food, wine, spirits, and beer. Let's dive into the best festivals that showcase the rich flavors of West Virginia.

 

West Virginia Food Festivals:

 

Taste of Parkersburg: June

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West Virginia's charming river city hosts a premier downtown festival drawing thousands of visitors each year to celebrate regional cuisine and spirits. The Taste of Parkersburg, hosted at Bicentennial Plaza, features over 40 local vendors offering delectable samples of their signature dishes and beverages. Festival attendees can savor offerings from beloved establishments like Chams Lebanese Cuisine, Der Dog Haus, and Valley Cakes & Cafe, while local wineries and craft breweries pour their finest selections.

 

Live entertainment fills the air as regional bands perform throughout the evening, creating a vibrant atmosphere for the approximately 4,000 guests who attend. Food highlights include everything from gourmet sliders and wood-fired pizzas to authentic Mediterranean dishes and artisanal desserts. The festival's distinctive feature is its intimate downtown setting, where guests can stroll between tasting stations while enjoying views of the historic district and Little Kanawha River.

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West Virginia Hot Dog Festival: July

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Appalachian food culture takes center stage at this beloved annual celebration in Huntington, WV. The West Virginia Hot Dog Festival, hosted at Pullman Square in Huntington, draws over 12,000 attendees eager to sample regional hot dog variations from 25 local vendors including Stewarts Original Hot Dogs, Sam's Hot Dog Stand, and Frostop Drive-In. Visitors can explore unique toppings like spicy chili sauce, coleslaw, mustard, and diced onions, all served on soft steamed buns alongside fresh-cut fries, homemade root beer, and classic milkshakes.

 

The festival entertainment features local bluegrass bands and country music performers on the main stage throughout the day, while the wiener dog races and hot dog eating contest remain crowd favorites. The family-friendly atmosphere includes face painting, balloon artists, and a dedicated kids' zone with carnival games and inflatables. A portion of proceeds supports the Children's Hospital at Cabell Huntington Hospital, making this tasty tradition meaningful beyond the menu.

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West Virginia Wine Festivals:

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West Virginia Wine and Jazz Festival: September

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This scenic outdoor festival brings together the finest wineries, food artisans, and jazz musicians in the Mountain State for a memorable summer celebration at the Ruby Amphitheater in Hazel Ruby McQuain Park. The West Virginia Wine and Jazz Festival showcases over 20 regional wineries, including standouts like Daniel Vineyards, Forks of Cheat, and Lambert's Vintage Wines, offering tastings of their award-winning varieties. Local chefs and food vendors serve gourmet pairings, featuring Appalachian-inspired dishes such as smoked trout, artisanal cheeses, and farm-to-table specialties from the region's most innovative culinary talents.

 

The festival typically draws around 4,000 attendees who enjoy live performances across two stages, featuring both regional jazz ensembles and nationally recognized artists. Festival-goers can participate in wine education seminars led by sommeliers and vineyard owners, learning about wine production techniques unique to West Virginia's climate and terrain. The event highlights include blind wine tasting competitions, chef demonstrations, and an artisan marketplace featuring local craftspeople selling wine-related items and handmade goods.

 

Chocolate,Wine and Shine Festival: February

 

A unique celebration of Appalachian flavors draws thousands of food enthusiasts to the spacious Hazel & J.W. Ruby Community Center in Morgantown for an afternoon of indulgence. The Chocolate, Wine and Shine Festival spotlights West Virginia's finest artisanal producers, featuring local chocolatiers, confectioners, and distillers sharing their craft with visitors. Guests receive commemorative glasses for sampling an array of regional wines and legal moonshine while enjoying endless chocolate fountain stations and specialty food tastings.

 

The festival atmosphere is enhanced with live DJ performances, massage services, and interactive entertainment including games and a photo booth. Local artisans display their handcrafted wares throughout the venue, offering unique shopping opportunities alongside the culinary experiences. The event celebrates Mountain State culture through its careful curation of regional tastes, from decadent chocolate treats to small-batch spirits, all while fostering a vibrant community gathering.

 

West Virginia Beer Festivals:

 

Foam & the Dome Craft Beer Festival: June

 

A vibrant craft beer festival showcases over 200 distinct brews from more than 70 regional and local breweries along Charleston's Kanawha Boulevard. Set against the backdrop of West Virginia's majestic gold-domed State Capitol, featured breweries include hometown favorites like Abolitionist Ale Works, Parkersburg Brewing, Greenbrier Valley Brewing, and Screech Owl Brewing. Local food trucks and vendors line the Boulevard, serving up classic West Virginia fare and festival favorites to complement the extensive beer offerings.

 

Festival-goers can sample unique craft beers while enjoying live music on the main stage with the Capitol's architectural splendor serving as a natural amphitheater setting. The outdoor venue allows beer enthusiasts to stroll along the Boulevard, taking in views of both the Kanawha River and the Capitol grounds while exploring the diverse selection of brews. The festival's prime location at the Capitol Complex creates a perfect blend of West Virginia's proud brewing culture and historic architecture.

 

Rails & Ales Festival: August

 

The largest craft beer festival in West Virginia takes place annually in downtown Huntington at Harris Riverfront Park along the Ohio River. Rails & Ales Festival showcases over 250 different craft beers from 100 regional and national breweries, including local favorites like Bad Shepherd Beer Company, Berkeley Springs Brewing, and Greenbrier Valley Brewing Company. The event pairs craft beverages with food vendors including El Botanas serving authentic Mexican cuisine, Frios Gourmet Pops offering unique frozen treats, Giovanni's Pizza dishing out fresh-baked pizzas, and Hibachi Express grilling up Asian fusion specialties.

 

What began as a small gathering has grown into a major event drawing over 3,000 attendees who can sample unique and limited-release beers while enjoying spectacular river views. Special features include a VIP early access hour, commemorative tasting glasses, and designated driver tickets that include complimentary craft sodas and water. The festival maintains strong ties to the local community, with a portion of proceeds supporting various Huntington area non-profits and cultural programs.

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In West Virginia, these festivals not only tantalize the taste buds but also provide a platform to celebrate the rich cultural tapestry of the state. Whether you're a foodie, wine enthusiast, or beer lover, these events offer a chance to savor the best that West Virginia has to offer in terms of culinary delights and libations.