Vandalia Gathering

About

Held each Memorial Day weekend at the Capitol Complex in Charleston, the Vandalia Gathering is a free festival celebrating traditional Appalachian music, dance, crafts, and foodways. Expect fiddle, banjo, mandolin, and guitar contests during the day, evening concerts in the State Theater, and impromptu jam sessions throughout the grounds. The Craft Circle showcases 20+ West Virginia craftspeople demonstrating and selling work — pottery, glass, folk toys, and more. Food vendors serve ethnic and regional specialties. Dance programming spans Irish, Scottish, Morris, and Appalachian traditions, with audience participation encouraged. An Old-Time for Young'uns area engages children with historic demonstrations.

Details

Type

Festival

Season / Event Date(s)

May 21-23, 2027

Tags

• annual
• heritage
• folk
• multi-day