Festivals and Events
Many rivers have their own festivals where boating is the central theme .
Take a scenic van from Hawks Nest State Park then ride the 21-foot jet boat to a spectacular view of the New River Gorge bridge . Cruise in comfort with a U . S . Coast Guard captain any day of the week during summer .
Cheat River Festival is held in early May and hosted by Friends of the Cheat on the banks of the Cheat River . Boaters , music lovers and families can enjoy a day full of live music , dancing , art , vendors and fun .
Come celebrate one of earth ’ s oldest rivers at New River Gorge Fest in mid-May at ACE Adventure Resort . Beginners can enjoy the film festival , live music , vendors and kid-friendly adventure zone activities . Intermediate and advanced kayakers can compete in the River and Rolling Race or raft a Class III section of the New River while working to clean up trash with the New River Conservancy .
Step into summer with the Charleston Sternwheel Regatta at Haddad Riverfront Park in the state capital . Bring the whole family because this event has something for everyone : free live music from major artists , vendors , carnival rides , wiener dog and rubber duck races , fireworks and more . Sternwheel and private boats from all over converge on the Kanawha River to make for a special event .
In July , make plans to participate in YakFest in St . Albans , the flatwater capital of West Virginia . YakFest features live music , art , food and craft beer , along with many vendors highlighting kayaking , fishing and other recreational activities . Paddle all day , dance all night .
Photo by Charleston Sternwheel Regatta .
Love sailing ? Head out to Mountain Mama Hospice Regatta at Summersville Lake in August , West Virginia ’ s only sailing regatta . The Sewell Mountain Sailing Association invites you to have fun on the clear blue water and help raise money for Hospice of Southern West Virginia at the same time .
Paddlefest in Parkersburg , WV , is a fun-filled event for kayaks , canoes and stand-up paddleboards . Held in September , this people-powered watercraft event kicks off at Point Park and offers downriver treks to historic Blennerhassett Island and back . Plus , there ’ s food trucks , live music , Blennerhassett Mansion tours and horse-drawn wagon rides .
With so many water activities and events across the state , West Virginia truly is wild and wonderful .
Photo by Sewell Mountain Sailing Association .
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