Festivals and Celebrations In and Around
Shepherdstown, West Virginia
In addition to the everyday activities of shopping, dining out and exploring the outdoors and history of the area, there are several long-standing fairs, festivals and tours in the Eastern Panhandle. Many are listed below.
Theater, Poetry and Films
The cutting-edge performances of new American plays that are the hallmark of the Contemporary American Theater Festival occur
in venues around Shepherd University in July of each year, usually starting the weekend after the Fourth of July.
Visit their website for more info.
In October, the Sotto Voce Poetry Festival promotes public awareness and appreciation of poetry, with prominent national and
regional poets and workshops for aspiring poets.
Visit their website for more info.
The American Conservation Film Festival features films from a diverse group of conservation filmmakers from around the world
and is usually held in November at venues located in the National Conservation Training Center, Shepherd University and the
Opera House.
Visit their website for more info.
Arts and Crafts Festivals
The Mountain Heritage Arts and Crafts Festival is held twice annually, in June and September.
About 200 juried craftpersons will be selling and demonstrating their wares at this nationally acclaimed festival.
Enjoy the many varieties of food that are available along with the best in live Bluegrass entertainment.
Visit their website for more info.
During the Over The Mountain Studio Tour, 20 or more professional artists and craft workers - the best of Jefferson County,
West Virginia - open their studios and workshops to the public at several different locations on the second weekend of November
on a self-guided tour.
Visit their website for more info.
Boonesborough Days, held in Boonsboro, MD, in September features Early American art, crafts, antiques, historical demonstrations,
and food vendors.
Check here for more info.
House and Garden Tours
The Back Alley Garden Tour and Tea, a weekend tour of the private back gardens of Shepherdstown and a scrumptious tea, is
generally held sometime in May.
Visit their website for more info.
The Shenandoah-Potomac House and Garden Tour, scheduled for the last full weekend of April, which features docented historic
homes open for touring with beautiful floral displays provided by the local garden clubs.
Visit the website for more info.
Holiday Celebrations and Parades
Christmas in Shepherdstown starts every year with the lighting of the town Christmas tree on German Street the Friday after
Thanksgiving, and continues into December with Santa's arrival, a parade, late night hours for shops and a Christmas marketplace.
Visit the website for more info.
Shepherdstown has a wonderful May Day celebration, complete with a parade and the traditional dance around the Maypole.
Visit the website for more info.
An annual Fourth of July parade followed by a picnic and music at the Rumsey Monument is coordinated by the Shepherdstown Rotary.
An Easter Parade, led by the Easter Bunny, precedes the annual Easter Egg Hunt on the lawn of the Little House on Princess Street.