The West Virginia Strawberry Festival in Buckhannon is traditionally held during the third week of May, typically spanning seven days from the Saturday before Memorial Day weekend through the following Saturday. For 2025, the festival is scheduled for May 17 through May 24. This annual celebration marks the peak of the strawberry harvest in Upshur County and serves as one of the state’s most beloved community gatherings, drawing visitors from across the Appalachian region and beyond. Understanding the exact dates, the history behind the scheduling, and the breadth of events offered helps attendees plan a visit that captures the full flavor of this iconic West Virginia tradition Simple, but easy to overlook..
A Legacy Rooted in Agriculture and Community
The festival’s timing is no accident; it is inextricably linked to the agricultural calendar of North Central West Virginia. Established in 1936, the event was conceived by the Buckhannon Chamber of Commerce as a way to promote the region’s booming strawberry industry. At the time, Upshur County was a significant producer of the fruit, and late May represented the optimal harvest window. The founders chose the third week of May to coincide with the berries reaching peak ripeness, ensuring that the festival’s namesake ingredient would be fresh, abundant, and flavorful for the thousands of attendees Surprisingly effective..
Over the decades, the commercial strawberry acreage has fluctuated, but the festival dates have remained remarkably consistent. Plus, this adherence to tradition provides a sense of stability and anticipation for generations of families who plan reunions and vacations around the third week of May. The festival has survived World War II rationing, economic shifts, and even a global pandemic (pivoting to virtual events in 2020 and returning in person in 2021), cementing its status as a cultural cornerstone for Buckhannon and the surrounding mountains.
The 2025 Schedule: Mark Your Calendars
For those planning to attend the upcoming celebration, the 2025 West Virginia Strawberry Festival runs from Saturday, May 17, to Saturday, May 24. The week is packed with a diverse lineup designed to appeal to all ages and interests. While the core dates remain fixed, the daily schedule of specific events—such as the Grand Feature Parade, the Fireman’s Parade, and the carnival operating hours—is typically finalized and released by the festival committee in early spring.
Key anchor events usually follow a predictable pattern:
- Opening Ceremonies & Coronation: Usually held on the first Saturday or Sunday, crowning the new Strawberry Queen. Also, * The Fireman’s Parade: Typically held mid-week (often Wednesday or Thursday), showcasing fire apparatus from departments across the state. * The Grand Feature Parade: Traditionally held on the final Saturday (May 24 in 2025), this is the largest parade of the week, featuring marching bands, floats, and local dignitaries.
- Carnival Operations: The midway usually opens on the first Saturday and runs through the final Saturday, often with "armband nights" offering discounted ride access.
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Visitors should monitor the official festival website or social media channels in April and early May for the detailed daily itinerary, as concert headliners, 5K race times, and specific judging contests are subject to annual changes.
Signature Events That Define the Week
The festival is far more than just a fruit stand; it is a comprehensive showcase of Appalachian culture, hospitality, and talent. The schedule is built around several pillar events that have become synonymous with the Buckhannon experience.
The Royal Court and Pageantry
The selection of the Strawberry Queen is a highlight of the festival’s opening weekend. Young women from Upshur County high schools compete in a scholarship pageant judged on poise, academics, talent, and community involvement. The coronation ceremony is a formal affair, steeped in tradition, where the outgoing queen passes the crown. The Queen and her court then serve as ambassadors throughout the week, riding in parades, visiting local nursing homes, and presiding over the strawberry shortcake servings Surprisingly effective..
Parades: A Spectacle of Color and Sound
Buckhannon’s Main Street transforms into a vibrant corridor during the two major parades. The Fireman’s Parade is a unique tradition, drawing antique and modern fire engines from volunteer departments across West Virginia, Pennsylvania, Maryland, and Ohio. The air fills with the sound of sirens and air horns, delighting children lining the streets. The Grand Feature Parade on the final Saturday is the grand finale, often stretching over two hours. High school marching bands from across the region compete for trophies, while local businesses, 4-H clubs, and political candidates toss candy to the crowds.
The Culinary Centerpiece: Strawberry Shortcake
No visit is complete without the official festival dessert. Volunteers from local civic organizations, churches, and the Upshur County Senior Center assemble thousands of servings of fresh strawberry shortcake throughout the week. The recipe is simple but sacred: a sweet, tender biscuit (not sponge cake), split and piled high with macerated local strawberries and a generous dollop of real whipped cream. It is served at the "Shortcake Pavilion" usually located near the Upshur County Courthouse or the festival headquarters. Proceeds often support community projects, making every bite a contribution to the public good That's the part that actually makes a difference..
Arts, Crafts, and Quilts
The festival hosts a massive juried Arts and Crafts Show, typically held at the Buckhannon-Upshur High School gymnasium or the Event Center at Brushy Fork. Artisans from across the state display handmade pottery, woodworking, jewelry, woven textiles, and Appalachian folk art. A separate Quilt Show displays involved hand-stitched and machine-quilted masterpieces, often competing for "Best of Show" honors. These venues offer a quieter respite from the carnival midway and a chance to take home a piece of West Virginia craftsmanship.
Planning Your Visit: Logistics and Tips
Because the festival swells Buckhannon’s population significantly—often doubling or tripling the town’s size—logistical planning is essential for a smooth experience Practical, not theoretical..
Lodging and Accommodations
Hotels in Buckhannon, including the Holiday Inn Express, Hampton Inn, and local motels, book up months in advance for the third week of May. Nearby towns such as Weston, Elkins, Philippi, and Clarksburg offer alternative lodging options within a 20-to-30-minute drive. Camping is available at the Upshur County Recreational Park (the "County Park") and nearby Stonewall Jackson Lake State Park, but reservations for these sites open early in the year and fill quickly.
Parking and Navigation
Main Street (Route 20) is closed to through traffic during major parades and for pedestrian safety during peak hours. Designated parking lots are established at the high school, the former West Virginia Wesleyan College lots, and various church fields, often running shuttle services to the downtown core. Walking is the primary mode of transport once downtown; comfortable shoes are a necessity. The terrain is hilly, and the festival footprint covers several blocks radiating from the Courthouse Square.
Weather Preparedness
Late May in the Allegheny Mountains is unpredictable. Daytime highs can reach the 80s (Fahrenheit) with high humidity, while evenings can dip into the 50s. Afternoon thunderstorms are common. Savvy attendees pack layers, a waterproof jacket, and sunscreen. The carnival and outdoor events generally operate rain or shine, though severe lightning will temporarily halt rides and outdoor performances It's one of those things that adds up..
Beyond the Festival: Exploring Upshur County
Extending a trip by a day or two allows visitors to explore the natural and historical assets surrounding the festival grounds. West Virginia Wesleyan College, with its beautiful Georgian architecture and arboretum, sits adjacent to the festival zone. Audra State Park, just a few miles west, offers the famous Alum Cave Trail and a pristine swimming hole on the Middle Fork River Simple, but easy to overlook..
West Virginia State Museum in the nearby city of Clarksburg provides a deeper dive into the region’s cultural heritage, including exhibits on the Civil War and Appalachian traditions. Further afield, Burnsville Historic District—a 19th-century town frozen in time—invites exploration with its preserved buildings and scenic walking trails. The Tygart Valley River and Monongahela National Forest offer opportunities for hiking, kayaking, or simply soaking in the untamed beauty of the Allegheny Highlands.
