Operating Hours
9:00am to 5:00pm
M-F*
*Availability may vary based on scheduled events and room bookings.
Contact Information
Event Services
Adam C Jones, Events Manager
Phone: (304) 558-0220
Room Bookings
Jack Berberette
Event Contract
If you are looking for a great space for your event, click the link below to find information, rental fees, and the contract for our available spaces.
Submit An Event
If you have a community event you would like to submit for publication on the Arts, Culture and History Events Calendar, click the button below.
Upcoming Events
The Events and Communications staff coordinates and promotes agency events. This section works in partnership with the other sections of the agency, the Governor’s Office, the First Lady, and other state agencies. Through traditional communications like statewide media releases and contemporary social media activities, the staff provides news about the activities at each of the department’s sites.
The Events staff holds several main events annually in addition to new pop-up events that may take place throughout the year. Every April WVDACH hosts the West Virginia Dance Festival, the only state funded dance festival in the Nation. Each Memorial Day Weekend you will find hundreds of musicians and artisans on the Capitol Complex who have come to enjoy The Vandalia Gathering, a traditional music festival that features West Virginia Music, Dance, Art, and Foodways. In October WVDACH hosts the West Virginia State Marching Band Invitational, where High School marching bands from all over the state come to showcase their talents and compete for the title of State Honor Band.
The events and communication staff strive to uphold the mission statement of the Department. These annual events are a big part of that mission and we are proud to help feature the many wonderful West Virginians who participate each year.
Dance Festival
Founded in 1981, the West Virginia Dance Festival is the only state funded dance festival in the nation. Each year dancers from all over the state get the opportunity to come and partake in classes taught by world renowned instructors from all over the country.
String Band Music Festival
A five day mountaintop gathering of old-time musicians and friends with contests, concerts, workshops, square dances, camping and a hymn-sing. West Virginia masters are presented to an audience of more than 3000 musicians and string band music lovers from around the world. Over the history of this festival, more than 20 foreign countries and 48 of the 50 states have been represented, with many returning year after year to this much-loved festival.
Vandalia Gathering
Since 1977 the Vandalia Gathering has been taking place on the Capitol Grounds. Every Memorial Day Weekend people come from far and wide to experience the traditional culture of WV. Featuring multiple musical competitions, a baking contest, and the annual storytelling “Liar’s Contest”, as well as over 30 West Virginia artisans and dancers (don’t forget the food!) There is something for everyone at the Vandalia Gathering.
WV Marching Band Invitational
Every October you will hear the bold sound of marching bands echoing through the Valley during the West Virginia State Marching Band Invitational. In 2017 the WV Legislature proclaimed this invitational to be “The Official State Marching Band Championship of West Virginia.” High school marching bands from all over the state come to showcase their talents, and compete for the title of “State Honor Band”. With prize money, and new instruments for many of the winning places, this festival is a great way to support music education in the schools.