Daniel Johnston recorded songs in his parents' basement in rural West Virginia that would eventually inspire artists such as Kurt Cobain, Beck, Wilco, and Sonic Youth. In this award-winning episode of Us & Them, host Trey Kay explores the life, art, and enduring legacy of the late singer-songwriter and visual artist whose creative genius and struggles with bipolar disorder made him one of America's most influential outsider artists.
Outdoor concerts and traditional music contests make up the bulk of the annual Vandalia Gathering each Memorial Day weekend on the capitol grounds. Eric Douglas/West Virginia Public Broadcasting
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The annual Vandalia Gathering returns to the state capitol grounds in Charleston this weekend for its 49th year. A celebration of Appalachian heritage, this event is free and open to the public.
Attendees can enjoy traditional Appalachian music and dance, storytelling, arts and crafts and food vendors.
“The Vandalia Gathering is one of West Virginia’s most cherished traditions, inviting everyone to experience the rich history and unique culture that sets the Mountain State apart,” West Virginia Department of Tourism Secretary Chelsea Ruby said. “We look forward to welcoming guests from near and far for a weekend full of some of Almost Heaven’s greatest treasures.”
The 2026 Vandalia Gathering begins Friday in the Culture Center State Theater with an awards ceremony for quilt and wall-hanging winners and the presentation of the 2026 Vandalia Award. That is the state’s highest folklife honor. A concert will follow the award ceremonies.
Saturday evening’s concert will begin at 7 p.m. in the Culture Center State Theater.
Dancers from a Celtic dance group perform in the Grand Hall of the state Culture Center during Vandalia Gathering 2024.
Photo by Eric Douglas/West Virginia Public Broadcasting
Outdoor activities begin at 11 a.m. on Saturday, featuring old-time fiddle, bluegrass banjo and mandolin contests. Sunday’s events also begin at 11 a.m. with a one-hour gospel set by Angie Richardson, followed by half-hour concerts by local West Virginia musicians. Traditional dance offerings, including square dancing, flat-foot dancing and highland dance will take place in the North Plaza, where guests are encouraged to join in.
The popular Liars Contest returns on Sunday, also in the Culture Center State Theater. It will begin at 2:30 p.m., with registration beginning at 1:30 p.m., as storytellers compete for the coveted Golden Shovel Award.
State officials say guests can visit the Culture Center for family-friendly story time, crafts, live demonstrations and interactive tours of the State Museum throughout the weekend.
Official Vandalia Gathering and Almost Heaven merchandise will be available for purchase throughout the weekend. Free parking for attendees is available in the metered spots and parking garage located within the Capitol Complex.
Daniel Johnston recorded songs in his parents' basement in rural West Virginia that would eventually inspire artists such as Kurt Cobain, Beck, Wilco, and Sonic Youth. In this award-winning episode of Us & Them, host Trey Kay explores the life, art, and enduring legacy of the late singer-songwriter and visual artist whose creative genius and struggles with bipolar disorder made him one of America's most influential outsider artists.
The late singer-songwriter Daniel Johnston grew up in West Virginia and came onto the indie music scene in the 1980s. Last year, Johnston was inducted into the West Virginia Music Hall of Fame and he’s featured in the next episode of Us & Them. In this award-winning show, host Trey Kay learns about Johnston’s legacy which was partly shaped by his challenges with mental illness.
Appalachia is home to many types of music: Old-time and bluegrass, of course, but also rock and hip hop, Americana and jazz, metal and hardcore — and dungeon synth. In fact, that genre, which spun out of black metal, will be showcased outside Whitesburg, Kentucky this weekend, June 13 and 14, at Appalachian Dungeon Fest.
