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BUCKHANNON, W.Va. — Fresh off a highly successful 84th annual West Virginia Strawberry Festival, the City of Buckhannon continued its strong start to the summer season with another evening of community events.
From Jawbone Park to Main Street to the campus of West Virginia Wesleyan College, Buckhannon once again served as a regional hub for arts, entertainment and family-friendly gatherings.
The city celebrated the opening night of Create Buckhannon’s Festival Fridays, held in the heart of downtown at Jawbone Park. The season kicked off with one of the largest and most diverse vendor showings to date, featuring nonprofits, artisans, food trucks and the Farmers Market. The event also drew one of Festival Fridays’ largest audiences to date.
Festival Fridays is a long-standing, volunteer-driven tradition organized by Create Buckhannon, a grassroots civic organization dedicated to community service, collaboration and positive change. The group leads several community-building initiatives, including the Valor Banners honoring local veterans.
A night of music and community
Opening night entertainment began with the Grayson Samplers, followed by the headliner, the Davisson Brothers Band, who energized the large crowd and set the tone for a summer of regional music.
The event also highlighted the city’s continued investment in public gathering spaces. The new stage and upgraded sound system at Jawbone Park, operated by Rodney Irvin, performed throughout the evening. Additional sound enhancements were provided by Ronnie Shaffer and Joyful Productions.
Bluegrass night at the Colonial Arts Center
Just a block away, the Colonial Arts Center welcomed an audience for Bluegrass Night, featuring the Gauley Divide String Band. The performance brought traditional Appalachian music to the Main Street Arts District, adding to the evening’s cultural vibrancy and drawing visitors from across central West Virginia.
Dance Factory recital fills the Performing Arts Center
At the same time, the Dance Factory hosted a recital at the Performing Arts Center on the campus of West Virginia Wesleyan College. Families, friends and supporters filled the venue to cheer on local dancers, showcasing youth talent in Upshur County.
A partnership that strengthens Buckhannon
Festival Fridays thrives through the dedication of Create Buckhannon’s volunteers and the support of residents and visitors who attend each week. The City of Buckhannon remains a partner in this community-driven effort, providing the venue, infrastructure and ongoing improvements that help make Jawbone Park a premier gathering space.
A summer tradition continues
Held every Friday from June through August, Festival Fridays brings together families, neighbors and visitors to enjoy live music, local food, artisan goods and fresh produce, all just steps from Main Street.
The combination of events demonstrated once again that Buckhannon is a welcoming community that draws people from across Upshur County and throughout central West Virginia. The city extended its gratitude to Create Buckhannon, participating vendors, performers, arts organizations and the hundreds of attendees who helped make the evening a success.
Coming soon: Almost Heaven BBQ Bash
The excitement continues as Buckhannon prepares to host the Almost Heaven BBQ Bash from June 18-20, 2026. West Virginia’s only nationally sanctioned BBQ competition is just weeks away, bringing award-winning pitmasters, live entertainment and family-friendly activities to downtown Buckhannon.
For complete details, visit almostheavenbbqbash.com.
