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Appalachian Heritage Festival

Name: Appalachian Heritage Festival
Start: 2026-09-24
End: 2026-09-27
Location: Shepherdstown

The Appalachian Heritage Festival in Shepherdstown, West Virginia, celebrates Appalachian history and culture. The 30th annual event, held from September 24-27, featured square dancing, music workshops, lectures on Black roots of Appalachian music, a documentary screening, and an instrument exhibit.

Date: Sep 24-27, 2026
Location: Shepherdstown
Status: Recently ended

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Event summary

Highlights

Square dancing on King Street
Lecture on Black roots of Appalachian string band music
Workshop on Hammons family's influence on old-time and bluegrass music
"Making Music" exhibit of handmade and vintage instruments

The Appalachian Heritage Festival, an annual celebration of Appalachian history and culture, took place in Shepherdstown, West Virginia, from September 24 to 27 for its 30th anniversary. Activities included square dancing on King Street, a workshop detailing the Hammons family's extensive impact on old-time and bluegrass music led by fiddler Dave Bing, and a lecture by folk musician Jake Blount on the 'Black Roots of Appalachian String Band Music' at the Shepherdstown Opera House. The festival highlighted the diverse traditions that shaped Appalachian culture.

Further events included a screening of the documentary “Reel ‘Em Boys, Reel ‘Em,” which explored West Virginia’s rural dance traditions. Attendees could also enjoy an Appalachian singing tradition-themed brunch at Alma Bea and explore the 'Making Music' exhibit at Skull City Studio, showcasing handmade and vintage instruments from local musicians. Festival co-founder Linda Tate, who started the event 30 years ago with Rachael Meads, also participated with an author reading from her memoir 'Power in the Blood'.

Practical details

Location described by the source: Shepherdstown; www.journal-news.net
Area for browsing nearby events: Shepherdstown

Before attending

Check the sources below for current opening times, admission prices and registration requirements. A date range does not mean the event runs continuously or that admission is free.