West Virginia Strawberry Festival

Buckhannon transforms into strawberry central for one week each May when this beloved festival brings parades, carnival rides, live music, and countless strawberry shortcakes to downtown streets and the Upshur County fairgrounds. Running Tuesday through Saturday (typically the second full week of May), the festival features a Grand Feature Parade on Saturday morning with high school bands and elaborate floats, nightly concerts, a classic car show, and vendor booths selling everything from strawberry jam to handmade quilts. The signature treat is fresh strawberry shortcake served at multiple stands, with some locals claiming to eat it daily throughout the week.

Families with kids who love carnival atmosphere, couples seeking small-town charm, and anyone nostalgic for traditional community festivals will find this event delivers genuine Americana without corporate polish. Weeknight crowds stay manageable while Saturday brings peak energy and attendance. May weather in Upshur County typically runs pleasant (60s-70s), though afternoon pop-up storms can send crowds scrambling for cover, so pack a light rain jacket.

Plan to spend 3-4 hours if you’re hitting carnival rides, live music, and vendor browsing, or make it a full day by arriving for the noon parade and staying through evening concerts. Bring cash for carnival tickets, food vendors, and crafts since many don’t accept cards. Downtown parking fills quickly on Saturday, so arrive before 10 AM or use shuttle services from outlying lots. After the festival, explore nearby Audra State Park for swimming and hiking, or drive scenic backroads through covered bridges and pastoral farmland. Book a mountain cabin or historic inn in the Buckhannon area where you can enjoy front-porch evenings, access to state park trails, and the kind of peaceful rural setting that makes festival energy feel like a fun contrast to natural quiet.