The Mountain State Forest Festival: Things to do and what to expect
Summers tend to slip away in the blink of an eye here in the mountain highlands of West Virginia. Many of us locals have a turn of phrase that carries the weight of what it means to transition from summer to fall.
“It’s practically Forest Festival!” is a phrase typically used when the first week of October is within three months time.
Fall tends to blow in like thunderstorm, while we’re still distracted at our favorite river spots or soaking up some sunshine on the trail. Despite all this, the Mountain State Forest Festival is a cultural gem many look forward to each year.
I remember my first Forest Festival fondly from when I was serving with AmeriCorps at the Elkins Depot Welcome Center in 2015. My supervisor was out of town when the festival crew began set up downtown. I looked out the window of the historic Elkins Depot, and to my dismay a ferris wheel was being set up right in front of the doors on the road. I immediately picked up the landline and called her, sheer panic in my voice knowing that after I explained what was happening to her, I was likely going to have to tell the carnival crew they’d need to move it. She ended up laughing, telling me to buckle up, settle in, and get ready for week ahead, because much of downtown Elkins turns into festival city for all who visit and live there.
From parades, craft shows, concerts, carnival rides, and festival eats, here’s a run down for those planning to join in on the fun this year!
What to expect
Elkins’ Mountain State Forest Festival is celebrating its 88th year in 2026! Nine days of fun, September 26 - October 4 , include the many events, although the latter end of the week, Friday - Sunday feature the major events of the festival.
Festival events are spread out, so make sure to pick up your 2026 Schedule of Events for specific event details including location, times, and dates. There is something for everyone to enjoy, spectate, or participate in. From a 5/10K run/walk, pet show, cornhole tournament, chili cook-off, fishing tournament, gravel bike race, Irish Road Bowling, and so much more!
My favorite events and exhibits celebrate the history and traditions of the region and state, including browsing the quilt show at the YMCA and watching the lumberjack competition.
View a virtual Schedule of Events via this link.
Pick up a physical copy of the 2026 Schedule of Events at the Elkins Depot Welcome Center!
Must views, eats and views
A list of things to add to your festival to-do’s:
Highland Dance 🍁 - A cultural favorite earlier in the week (9/26) you don’t want to miss is the MSFF Highland Dance Competition. I love seeing the traditional dancing on stage.
Art and craft shows 🎨 - Check out the many places showcasing photography, quilts, art, and also the vendors selling their wares. From pottery,
Coronation of Maid Sylvia 👑 - If you’ve never been to this festival, it’s worth watching the coronation of Maid Sylvia. The hard work, time and effort that goes into the attire of the royal court, the acrobatics of the jesters and overall the tradition of this that’s passed down over the years is worth the time to hang out on coronation hill and take it all in.
Lumberjack Contest 🪵 - Fast-paced competition, this event is the perfect way to start the day early. There’s usually a chill in the air, but the energy of the competitors and spectators is enough to warm you up as they compete in springboard, crosscut, tree felling, axe throwing, chainsaw and more.
Parades 🎉 - From the Fireman’s parade, children’s parade and grand feature parade, grab a seat and get into the festival spirit. Parades typically take place on Davis Ave in the downtown.
Food Trucks 🌯 - While there are plenty of favorites scattered throughout the downtown, from the Kiwanis Corn Dog stand and more, my favorite place to snack and eat is City Park for Gil’s Pit Beef (turkey, bacon and swiss for life), Gingrollsandpancit, kettle corn, and so much more!
Drone Show (New for 2026) ✨ - I’m excited to check this one out this year!
