West Virginia Three Rivers Festival

The West Virginia Three Rivers Festival opens the summer season at Palatine Park in Fairmont, right on the Monongahela River. Over three days, you can stroll the carnival midway, browse local vendors, and eat your way through regional favorites while keeping the river in view. The mood is relaxed and community-focused, so you can come for an afternoon with family, meet friends after work, or make a full day of it.

Thursday’s Grand Parade starts at 6:00 PM, running from Fairmont Avenue to Palatine Park. Arrive early if you want a curbside spot along Fairmont Avenue, then follow the crowd down to the riverfront for the first night of rides, food stands, and live programming. Admission to the park is free, but plan on separate purchases for carnival rides and food.

During the festival, you can sample entries at the Professional Pepperoni Roll Bake-Off and watch the Bear Hollow Wood Carvers turn large logs into finished pieces. Friday night is for music, with Rick K. and the Allnighters on the schedule. Bring a lawn chair or blanket for evening sets at the amphitheater, and pack light layers plus an umbrella since humidity and spring rain can show up fast.

Saturday leans family-forward with Kids Day activities, including character meet and greets and a performance by illusionist Josh Knotts. The weekend ends with fireworks over the river at 10:00 PM, and if you have a kayak or boat, the launch area gives you a water-level view. The festival is generally pet friendly, but you should consider skipping Saturday night if your animal is sensitive to crowds or loud noise. If you are coming from out of town, stay in Fairmont or elsewhere in Marion County, with downtown placing you close to the riverfront and local dining, and you can also book vacation rentals through Lake.com.