Shepherd University to Celebrate 30th Appalachian Heritage Festival

ISSUED: 19 August 2026
MEDIA CONTACT: Hans Fogle

SHEPHERDSTOWN, WV - Shepherd University will celebrate the 30th annual Appalachian Heritage Festival September 24-27 with four days of music, dance, history, and community. All events are free and open to the public, with activities taking place on Shepherd University's campus, along King Street, and at venues throughout historic Shepherdstown.

"For 30 years the Appalachian Heritage Festival has celebrated our region's cultural identity and the living traditions of Appalachia," said Rachael Meads, the event's founding director, Shepherd's director of student activities, andan instructor in the University's Center for Appalachian Studies and Communities.

Meads founded the festival with then-Shepherd professor Dr. Linda Tate to help people connect with the region's authentic stories, traditions, and experiences while challenging media stereotypes and exploitative portrayals.

Over the past three decades, nearly 80 nationally recognized artists, writers, and musicians have participated in the festival, including Jean Ritchie, Ralph Stanley, Hazel Dickens, Gerry Milnes, John Cephas, and Lee Smith.

This year's featured artists include award-winning fiddler Dave Bing, author Linda Tate, percussive dance scholar and choreographer Becky Hill, and Steve Martin Banjo Prize-winner and Smithsonian recording artist Jake Blount.

With support from community partners and a grant from the Mid Atlantic Arts' Central Appalachia Living Traditions program, this year's event has expanded to a full weekend of programming. Events include a square dance in the street, folklife workshops, a documentary film screening, readings and a writing workshop, a showcase concert, and a variety of community events throughout Shepherdstown.

All events are family-friendly and free to the public.

The Appalachian Heritage Festival is presented by Shepherd University with support from Experience Shepherdstown, Alma Bea Restaurant, and Mid Atlantic Arts' Central Appalachia Living Traditions program.

In the event of rain, scheduled outdoor events, including the square dance and showcase concert, will move to indoor Shepherd University venues.

Event details: https://www.shepherd.edu/AHF30
Schedule of events: https://www.shepherd.edu/2026-festival-schedule/
Featured artists: www.shepherd.edu/2026festivalartists/

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