By Emily Rice
The arrival of autumn in West Virginia is marked by a chill in the air, changing leaves and the celebration of harvests and haunts. This year, it will also be marked by the return of some of the Mountain State’s best seasonal events. After a year of cancelations, residents and visitors alike are looking forward to the fairs, festivals and attractions that characterize fall in Almost Heaven.
Celebrate the changing of the leaves with a leaf-peeping road trip by visiting the Davis, WV, festival dedicated to the beloved autumn activity. If you’re looking for a good scare this fall, why not visit one of the Mountain State’s historic sites for a paranormal tour? For the lover of all things pumpkin flavored, Milton’s Pumpkin Festival offers everything you could want or need, including pumpkin ice cream. Whatever you may be seeking this fall, West Virginia has it all.
Para-Con
Moundsville – September 11-12, 2021
wvpentours.com/paracon
Established in 1866, the West Virginia State Penitentiary housed incarcerated people until 1995. Today, the gothic-style building invites guests to experience ghost tours and the occasional spook. The Paranormal Convention, or Para-Con, is an annual event held at the penitentiary to bring thrill seekers together.
Leaf Peeper’s Festival
Davis – September 24-26, 2021
canaanvalley.org/see-do/listings/leaf-peepers-festival
Making its triumphant return in 2021, the Leaf Peeper’s Festival is sure to check every box on the autumn-lovers list. With a craft fair, live music, car show, food vendors and more, this festival is a must-go.
45th Annual Mountain Heritage Arts & Crafts Festival
Kearneysville – September 24-26, 2021
mhacfestival.org
Considered one of the top festivals in the country, this juried event hosts approximately 200 artisans and craft persons carefully selected each year. Live bluegrass music will be played while visitors enjoy crafts, food and drinks.
Thurmond Ghost Hunt
Thurmond – September 25, 2021
aceraft.com/event/thurmond-ghost-hunt-fall-event
In the heyday of coal mining, this small town in beautiful Fayette County was a hub of activity and commerce. Today, its population of about five residents welcomes you to tour the ghostly shell of its former coal-powered glory on this special ghost hunt.
Oglebayfest
Wheeling – October 1-3, 2021
oglebay.com/oglebayfest
The largest arts and crafts festival in the Greater Wheeling Area, Oglebayfest offers live music, gourmet food and celebration. It attracts the best artisans and crafters from the tri-state region with high standards coordinated by the Oglebay Institute. Don’t miss this one-stop event to enjoy the changing leaves in West Virginia’s Northern Panhandle.
West Virginia Pumpkin Festival
Milton – October 7-10, 2021
wvpumpkinpark.com
Originally designed to help farmers with the raising and selling of pumpkins, the West Virginia Pumpkin Festival has been celebrating the glory of autumn and the harvest since 1986. This festival brings crowds from all directions to enjoy fall fun and all things pumpkin flavored.
ACE Adventure Resort’s Nightmare in the Gorge Haunted Attraction
Oak Hill – October 8-9; 15-16; 22-23; 29-30, 2021
aceraft.com/event/nightmare-in-the-gorge
With a fictional plot fit for a horror classic, ACE Adventure Resort’s Nightmare in the Gorge is sure to satiate thrill seekers in the Mountain State. Escape the 6,000-square-foot haunted maze, and afterward, enjoy the rest of ACE Adventure Resort’s top-notch amenities.
Mountain State Apple Harvest Festival
Martinsburg – October 15-17, 2021
msahf.com
The Mountain State Apple Harvest Festival celebrates the apple industry, a valued part of the heritage of West Virginia’s Eastern Panhandle. Held every third weekend in October at the Berkeley County Youth Fairgrounds, it has become a treasured homecoming with festivities spanning over three days.
Bridge Day
Fayetteville – October 16, 2021
officialbridgeday.com
Every third Saturday in October, thousands of people gather on the New River Gorge Bridge to watch daredevils BASE jump into the gorge below. West Virginia’s largest single-day festival, Bridge Day is the only day each year thousands of spectators can walk across the bridge.
Asylum After Dark
Weston – September 25-November 1, 2021
trans-alleghenylunaticasylum.com
While the Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum is open most of the year for historic and paranormal tours and events, things get spooky starting in September. Guests can enjoy a range of seasonal activities at this National Historic Landmark, including a haunted house, flashlight tours, ghost hunts, zombie paintball and the Asylum Ball, complete with an indoor costume contest and party.
