{"id":2430654,"date":"2026-05-24T21:00:06","date_gmt":"2026-05-24T21:00:06","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/celebrity.land\/en\/?p=2430654"},"modified":"2026-05-24T21:00:06","modified_gmt":"2026-05-24T21:00:06","slug":"49th-annual-vandalia-gathering-celebrates-old-time-and-bluegrass-music-at-state-capital","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/celebrity.land\/en\/49th-annual-vandalia-gathering-celebrates-old-time-and-bluegrass-music-at-state-capital\/","title":{"rendered":"49th annual Vandalia Gathering celebrates old-time and bluegrass music at state capital"},"content":{"rendered":"

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The free, public event features live music and dance events, storytelling competitions, arts and food vendors, and attracts more than 10,000 visitors each year, according to Chelsea Ruby, cabinet secretary for West Virginia tourism.<\/p>\n

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Musicians gather for impromptu jams at the annual Vandalia Gathering in Charleston. (Photo: David Sibray)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

\u201cThe Vandalia Gathering is one of West Virginia\u2019s most cherished traditions, inviting everyone to experience the rich history and unique culture<\/a> that sets the Mountain State apart, \u201cRuby said.<\/p>\n

The Capitol complex is decorated in recognition of America\u2019s 250th anniversary, providing a festive, patriotic backdrop for the weekend.<\/p>\n

Saturday Highlights<\/h4>\n

The event begins Friday, May 22, at the state theater at the W.Va. Culture Center with an awards ceremony honoring quilt and wall-hanging winners and the presentation of the 2026 Vandalia Award, the state\u2019s highest folklife honor. A concert follows the award ceremonies. Saturday evening\u2019s concert will begin at 7 p.m. in the Culture Center State Theater.<\/p>\n

Saturday Highlights<\/h4>\n

Outdoor activities begin at 11 a.m. on Saturday, featuring old-time fiddle, bluegrass banjo, and mandolin contests. Sunday\u2019s events also begin at 11 a.m. with a one-hour gospel set by Angie Richardson, followed by half-hour concerts by local West Virginia musicians. Traditional dance offerings, including square dancing, flat-foot dancing, and highland dance, will take place in the North Plaza, where guests are encouraged to join in.<\/p>\n

Sunday Highlights<\/h4>\n

The popular West Virginia Liar\u2019s Contest returns on Sunday in the culture center theater at 2:30 p.m., with registration beginning at 1:30 p.m, as storytellers compete for the coveted \u201cGolden Shovel Award.\u201d<\/p>\n

Throughout the weekend, guests can visit the culture center for family-friendly storytime, crafts, live demonstrations, and interactive tours of the state museum<\/p>\n

Advertisement<\/span>\"Greenbrier<\/a><\/div>\n

Official Vandalia Gathering and Almost Heaven merchandise will be available for purchase throughout the weekend. Free parking for attendees is available in the metered spots and parking garage located within the Capitol Complex.<\/p>\n

About the Vandalia Gathering<\/h4>\n

The Vandalia Gathering showcases traditional Appalachian musicians performing throughout the weekend. Established artists and younger musicians perform in concerts, competitions, and informal jam sessions across the Capitol Complex. Visitors can attend fiddle, banjo, mandolin, and guitar contests during the day and evening concerts at the State Theater.<\/p>\n

\"During<\/a>
During the 26th annual Vandalia Gathering, the Capitol complex will be decorated in recognition of America\u2019s 250th anniversary.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The event also features a variety of traditional dance performances and demonstrations that reflect West Virginia\u2019s cultural heritage. Irish, Scottish, Morris, Swiss, Croatian, and Appalachian dances are presented in the Great Hall, with opportunities for audience participation. Native American dance and music performances are held outdoors on the Capitol grounds. Square dancing, flatfooting demonstrations, and public dances take place throughout the afternoon at the outdoor Dance Stage.<\/p>\n

The gathering also highlights West Virginia folklife, crafts, and food traditions. Food vendors offer a range of regional and ethnic dishes. The Craft Circle features West Virginia artisans who demonstrate and sell handmade items, including pottery, glasswork, folk toys, and other traditional crafts. The Old-Time for Young\u2019uns area offers children activities that reflect the daily life and traditions of earlier generations in West Virginia.<\/p>\n

The name \u201cVandalia\u201d<\/h4>\n

The name \u201cVandalia<\/a>\u201d comes from a proposed British colony considered in the late 18th century. Organized in part by members of the Great Ohio Company, including Benjamin Franklin, the proposed colony would have included most of present-day West Virginia and parts of Kentucky. The plan was abandoned as political tensions mounted before the American Revolution. The name derives from Queen Charlotte, wife of King George III, whose ancestry was linked to the Vandals<\/a> through German nobility.<\/p>\n

Vandalia Gathering Schedule<\/h4>\n

May 22\u201324 | State Capitol Complex, Charleston, West Virginia<\/strong><\/p>\n

Friday, May 22<\/strong><\/p>\n

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Indoor Concert \u2014 Culture Center State Theater<\/strong><\/p>\n