CHARLESTON, W.Va. — FestivALL Charleston is adding two days to its June events schedule and hosting a preview weekend for the first time this year as part of its 12th anniversary celebration.
The 2016 summer lineup was announced Monday morning at the Clay Center.
FestivALL Preview will be Memorial Day weekend, May 27-29. The 12 Days of FestivALL is scheduled for June 16-27.
Preview events in downtown Charleston will coincide with the 40th annual Vandalia Gathering on the state Capitol grounds, so visitors can make the most of the holiday weekend, according to Brittany Javins, executive director of FestivALL.
“We’re really trying to encourage transportation, historic tours between the two and ways that we can coordinate and cross promote, so that there’s more to do in Charleston that whole weekend,” said Javins.
Events that weekend will begin with the first Live on the Levee concert at Haddad Riverfront Park featuring Hybrid Soul Project on May 27, Taste-of-ALL at the Four Points by Sheraton Hotel and an alternative music concert FestivALT on May 28 and a storytelling show called “The Moth Mainstage” at the Clay Center on May 29.
The organization was nationally recognized for its June events by the Southeast Tourism Society as a Top 20 Event for 2016. Javins said that’s because FestivALL is growing. She said the recognition validates that world class art is happening in the Capital City.
“Tourists come to FestivALL each year. People plan reunions around FestivALL and that national recognition from the Southeast Tourism Society, it really highlights that we’ve got events that are worth while here in Charleston, West Virginia,” she said.
The summer lineup kicks off June 16 with a post-West Virginia Power baseball game concert by singer Tyler Childers and ONA at Appalachian Power Park. On June 17, Martinsburg native Christian Lopez and his band will perform at the Live on the Levee.
Some other events on the schedule include: a Clay Center performance by Grammy nominated music group Secret Agent 23 Skidoo on June 25, a theater show by the Cashore Maionettes, the Charleston Light Opera Guild will present the Tony-award winning musical “The Wiz,” the Dance Gala, the Capitol Street and Children’s Art Fair, the Smoke on the Water Chili Cook-Off for food and free live music and much more.
This year, FestivALL is encouraging residents and visitors to log on to their website to plan out their trip. According to a new feature, guests can save events and create their own events calendar.
“In terms of FestivALL, the excitement that’s added to our arts community, the collaborations that it has really encouraged and I think inspired for people working together to make sure fun things happen in our city, it’s really incredible that we have that here in Charleston,” Javins said.
To view a full list of events click here. Tickets can be purchased on FestivALL’s website.