Fall Festival & Events Guide

Live Music

 

OktoberWest

  • Sept. 28
  • Elk City

The 15th annual OktoberWest is back and will be held on September 28 from 3 – 7 pm. You can sample over 100 craft beers and ciders. While you are sipping on some brews enjoy live music from two talented DJs and an incredible headliner band. Participate in fun contests like stein holding, keg rolling, and the sausage toss, while savoring local foods and soaking in the festive atmosphere. All funds raised support Charleston Urban Works’ programs and other economic revitalization projects.

Mountain Stage

  • Oct. 27, Nov. 3, & Nov. 10

Get ready for an exciting lineup of live performances at Mountain Stage this fall! On October 27 at 7 pm, don’t miss the captivating sounds of Dave Alvin & Jimmie Dale Gilmore with the Guilty Ones, as well as talented artists like Will Hoge, Alex Cuba, MALINDA, and Sarah Siskind. Then, mark your calendars for November 3 at 7 pm, when Brother Elsey, Jenny Owen Youngs, Matt Pond PA, and others take the stage for an unforgettable night of music. Finally, on November 10 at 7 pm, be sure to catch performances by Blitzen Trapper, Town Mountain, Low Cut Connie, Humbird, and more incredible artists. All shows will be held at the Culture Center Theatre.

Concerts/Shows at CCCC 

The Charleston Coliseum and Convention Center is rocking this fall with shows from several genres and well-known comedians.

FOREIGNER: The Farewell Tour with Special Guest LOVERBOY is destined to be one of those concerts you’ll always remember. Hear the hits in person as you bid farewell to this supergroup.  “I Want to Know What Love Is,” “Cold as Ice,” “Hot Blooded,” “Juke Box Hero,” “Urgent” – and that’s just Foreigner. Loverboy will have you singing “Working for the Weekend,” “Turn Me Loose,” “Almost Paradise,” “Lovin Every Minute of It,” and many more. Get out the 80s gear and tease your hair. Foreigner and Loverboy rock Charleston September 23.

Dwight Yoakam rose to fame as an American country singer-songwriter. His debut album “Guitars, Cadillacs, Etc., Etc.,” was released in 1986. Since this time, Dwight has had success as an artist in rockabilly, honky-tonk, and neotraditional country sound, and as an actor. Grab your cowboy hat and tight jeans and sing along to some of the favorites like “I Sang Dixie,” “Honky Tonk Man,” and “Streets of Bakersfield.” Tickets still available for this October 4 show.

Bored Teachers is the perfect comedy for teachers and parents. Some of the funniest teachers bring their hilarious stories from the classroom to you! Enjoy an evening of laughter at the expense of the audacity of children today. Get your tickets now for this Oct. 27 show.

Other shows taking place this fall include:

  • Koe Wetzel – 9/4
  • Zach Williams – 10/5
  • Rob Schneider – 10/26
  • Jelly Roll – 11/1
  • Lainey Wilson – 11/3
  • Jeff Dunham: Artificial Intelligence-11/9
  • Nurse Blake – 11/24

 

For the Foodies

 

Chili’N on the Elk Chili Cook-Off & Craft Beer/Wine Festival

  • Sept. 7
  • Clendenin, WV

Get ready for a flavorful event at Chili’N on the Elk Chili Cook-Off & Beer/Wine Festival. This annual festival brings together chili enthusiasts, craft beer and wine drinkers, and music lovers! Compete or cheer on the cooks in this ICS-sanctioned chili cook-off, with the winner qualifying for a spot at the 2025 World Championship Chili Cook-off®. After the chili contest, indulge in a variety of craft beers and wines, all while enjoying music that will keep the good vibes rolling.

Culinary Showcase

  • Oct. 24
  • Charleston Coliseum & Convention Center

The 2024 Culinary Showcase will bring together food and beverage professionals who will prepare their signature dishes right before your eyes. As you indulge in a night of culinary delights, you’ll also be contributing to scholarship funds that will positively impact future generations. Tickets are $50.00 plus fees, making this an opportunity to enjoy fascinating dishes while supporting a great cause.

 

Retail Therapy

 

Mound Art & Craft Fair

  • Sept. 14
  • The Mound, South Charleston

This annual fall favorite is returning to downtown South Charleston for its 45th year. Shop local artisans who specialize in photography, painting, wood, sculptures, graphics, glass, metal, pottery, and general crafts such as jewelry, candles, soaps, etc.

West Virginia Book Festival

  • Oct. 19
  • Charleston Coliseum & Convention Center

The West Virginia Book Festival is a must-attend annual event for book enthusiasts of all ages. Held at the Charleston Coliseum & Convention Center on October 19, this festival hosts a variety of programs that feature both local and internationally acclaimed bestselling authors. Attendees can dive into literary treasures at the used book sale or explore unique finds at the festival marketplace. Best of all, this event is completely free to attend, so bring the whole family.

 

Other Upcoming Fall Adventures

 

CAMC Foundation WeCAN Climb

  • Photo courtesy of CAMC Foundation

    Sept. 21

  • Kanawha State Forest

Join in on the CAMC Foundation WeCANClimb 5k trail run and 2.5-mile hike at Kanawha State Forest. By participating, you will be supporting the CAMC Children’s Advocacy Center in its vital mission to provide healing resources to children and families affected by child neglect and abuse. Registration and packet pickup begin at 8 am, with the event starting at 9 am at Shelter #3. Your involvement will make a significant difference in giving these children the best possible chance to lead fulfilling lives. Don’t miss this opportunity to enjoy the beautiful trails and contribute to a meaningful cause.

FestivFALL Charleston

  • Oct. 11 – 20
  • Charleston

Enjoy the fun of FestivFALL October 11-20. This year’s event features 10 days of activities and performances featuring music, art, theatre, and dance. Shop local artists’ wares at the Harvest Art Fair. Enjoy music, art, and lots of glow fun at Glow in the Park and get up close and personal with local leaders at the Three Things Speaker Series. FestivFALL is fun for all!

Tsubasacon

  • Oct 11 – 13
  • Charleston Coliseum & Convention Center

Fans of anime, gaming and cosplay will make their way to Charleston for Tsubasacon October 11-13. This year’s theme of Cyberpunk vs Steampunk guarantees an interesting cosplay contest! Tsubasacon’s guests for 2024 include voice actors Mike McFarland and Chris Cason of “Dragon Ball Z,” and Katelyn Barr of “My Hero Academia.” Shop the Arist Alley for items you won’t find anywhere else. Ticket and hotel information are available at Tsubasacon.org.

Charleston Wizarding Weekend

  • Oct. 18 & 19
  • Capitol Market and various venues

Mark your calendars for October 18-20 and immerse yourself in a weekend of enchantment! Kick off the festivities with our inaugural Spellbound Supper on Friday, where culinary enchantment awaits! Saturday, join us for the main event at Capitol Market and explore the downtown area to find magical specials in some of your favorite spots. Showcase your creativity in our thrilling costume contest, explore a magical marketplace, and hone your craft with some thrilling classes. Whether you’re a seasoned wizard or just starting your magical journey, Charleston Wizarding Weekend has something spellbinding for everyone!

Dracula

  •  Oct. 18 & 19
  •  Charleston Coliseum & Convention Center

The Charleston Ballet brings to the stage DRACULA: The Seduction October 18 and 19. Follow the story of gypsy maiden Miranda as she becomes entangled with Count Dracula. See the eerie beauty and feel the suspense as vampires, gypsies, bats, and the haunting brides of Dracula tell this tale. Composed by Emmy award-winner Anthony DiLorenzo, DRACULA: The Seduction is a fusion of passion and danger. Performances take place October 18 and 19.

USA Karate All American Classic

  • Oct. 25-27
  • Charleston Coliseum

Fierce competition, camaraderie, and the spirit of karate will be on display October 25-27 when Charleston welcomes the 2024 All-American Classic. A new signature event for USA Karate, the All-American Classic promotes youth competition for those under the age of 21.  Both male and female junior athletes will vie for the title of “All-American.” Spectators are welcome and tickets can be purchased online or onsite. One Day passes and Event passes are available.