Uniquely West Virginia Festival 2026
35 Years of Appalachian Craft, Flavor & Folklore
The Morgan Arts Council IceHouse
April 11, April 18, April 25
For 35 years, the Uniquely West Virginia Festival has celebrated the makers, flavors, and stories that run deep through the hills of the Mountain State. This spring, the tradition continues with three weekends of Appalachian craft beverages, heritage skills, and lively gatherings.
In these mountains, the story of a drink has never just been about what’s in the glass. It’s about the people who made it, the land it came from, and the lore whispered across front porches and around campfires. From the legendary moonshiners who once hid their stills in the hollows to today’s award-winning distillers, winemakers, and craft producers, West Virginia’s spirit of creativity is alive and well.
Join us for three unique weekends celebrating the best of West Virginia, whether you prefer a bold mountain whiskey, a handcrafted wine, or a perfectly brewed old-fashioned root beer.
Head to Panorama Public House for Unique Specials
Weekend One: Spirits Weekend
April 11
West Virginia Distilleries Take the Stage
Appalachian distilling has a long and colorful history. Once a craft practiced quietly in the woods and along hidden creeks, it has evolved into a vibrant industry producing some of the most exciting small-batch spirits in the country.
During Spirits Weekend, meet the distillers carrying on that legacy. Sample handcrafted bourbons, gins, and innovative mountain spirits while hearing the stories behind each bottle.
Participating Distilleries & Makers
- Capstone Spirits (Berkeley Springs)
- Black Draft Distilling (Martinsburg)
- Mountain State Distilling (Bridgeport)
- Isaiah Morgan Distillery (Summersville)
- Devils Due (Berkeley County)
- Bootleg Distilling (Martinsburg)
- Tailgate Spirits (Multiple Locations)
- Beedom Farms (Shanghai)
- Fisher’s Custom Woodwork (Falling Waters)
Come a day early and visit Capstone Spirits Distillery for guided tours of their distillery and apiary!
Weekend Two: Wine + Mead Weekend
April 18
Mountain Vineyards & Ancient Traditions
Long before whiskey made headlines in Appalachian folklore, people were fermenting fruit and honey in these hills. From grapevines planted in rocky soil to mead inspired by ancient traditions, West Virginia producers are crafting beverages with depth, character, and a true sense of place.
Wine + Mead Weekend celebrates the artistry of the state’s vineyards and fermenters.
Participating Wineries & Producers
- The Rusty Nail (Martinsburg)
- Heathberry Farms (Elkins)
- Norse Hall (Martinsburg)
- Stone Road Vineyard (Elizabeth)
- Mon Valley Vineyards (Fairmont)
- Lambert Vintage Wines (Weston)
- Mineral Springs (Berkeley Springs)
- Fisher’s Custom Woodwork (Falling Waters)
After the event, head down the street to The Historic Star Theatre as they celebrate Love-A-Palooza! Saturday, April 18th, 2026 at 7:00 p.m. Please join in the fun and donate to the 4th Annual Star Community Center Student Arts Scholarship Fund! Suggested Donation of $10.00.
Weekend Three: The Dry Weekend
April 25
The Craft of Flavor — No Alcohol Required
In Appalachia, hospitality has never depended on alcohol. Some of the region’s most beloved drinks have always been homemade sodas, botanical tonics, and old-fashioned root beer brewed from mountain herbs and roots.
Our Dry Weekend celebrates the creativity of modern non-alcoholic craft beverages while honoring those traditions.
Visitors can enjoy:
- Creative mocktails inspired by mountain ingredients
- Non-intoxicating craft beers
- Traditional homemade root beer
- Local makers and artisan goods
It’s a weekend designed for everyone — whether you’re taking a break from alcohol or simply curious about the growing world of craft non-alcoholic drinks.
More Than a Festival
Across all three weekends, you’ll experience:
- West Virginia craft producers
- Local artisans and makers
- Live demonstrations
- Appalachian stories and traditions
- Live music, gathering, and mountain hospitality
Plan Your Visit
Whether you come for the whiskey, the wine, the root beer, or the stories, the 35th Uniquely West Virginia Festival promises three unforgettable weekends celebrating the craft, culture, and lore of the Mountain State.
Raise a glass (or a mug of root beer) and join the tradition.
