Each year, West Virginia University holds “Mountaineer Week,” a weeklong celebration created to pay tribute to and honor West Virginia’s heritage and traditions. This year’s events kick off on Monday, November 3, and continue through Sunday, November 9. The events are meant to educate WVU students and generate awareness amongst the surrounding community about the culture that has made our state, and Mountaineer Country, what it is today.
The week offers multiple opportunities for students and community members alike to explore Appalachian heritage. Some of the main events taking place this year include the Arts & Craft Fair, Quilt Show, and A Celebration of West Virginia Folk Music Traditions.
Visit the Mountainlair Ballrooms for the Mountaineer Week Arts & Craft Fair, and get your holiday shopping done early! Offering free admission, the Arts & Craft Fair will feature an array of artists. The fair is open on Friday, November 7, and Saturday, November 8, from 11 a.m. – 7 p.m., and Sunday, November 9, from 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.
The Quilt Show at E. Moore Hall will also be open to the public on the same dates and times as the craft fair, displaying quilts from the Country Roads Quilt Guild. The craft fair and quilt show have been traditions of Mountaineer Week since 1972.
Stop by the Mountainlair for A Celebration of West Virginia Folk Music Traditions throughout the week! Hear from speakers and musicians as they shine a light on the past. Stick around for a musical performance that will bring these folk songs back to life.
It’s not Mountaineer Week without food! Delicious options ranging from fair treats and Appalachian foods (Hello, free samples!) to a variety of food trucks will be available around campus throughout the week. For a complete list of food options and purchasing details, click here.
Passing through the Downtown Campus? You may hear some sweet sounds of Appalachia. Mountaineer Week holds several music events for students and visitors to engage in on-campus in the Mountainlair Food Court, Mountaineer Ballrooms, Mountaineer Potomac Room, and E. Moore Hall. You may also see a demonstration of apple butter making in progress!
As part of the week’s festivities, WVU students have the chance to compete in various competitions, like the Beard Growing Competition and the Photo Contest.
And don’t forget: WVU’s next football game is on Saturday, November 8 against Colorado Get the latest game day guide for the season!
Learn about other events happening in and around Mountaineer Country by visiting our Events Calendar. Book your hotel for this exciting, cultural week full of activities the whole family can enjoy!
Share your Mountaineer Week experiences with us by using #VisitMountaineerCountry and #MountaineerWeek2024, and we may share your photos on social!