Fun for Everyone!
Come enjoy a day of food, arts & crafts, music, activities, and more with your friends and family at the New Deal Festival as we celebrate the history of Arthurdale!
LIVE MUSIC
We have a wonderful lineup of West Virginia musicians performing on the MountainPath Properties Stage all day long!
HISTORIC BUILDINGS OPEN
The buildings that make up the New Deal Homestead Museum will be open during the Festival. Explore the history of Arthurdale from its founding to the creation of Arthurdale Heritage in the Administration Building. See blacksmiths at work in the historic forge. Take a peek at buttons and posters from FDR’s presidential campaigns that are part of the Fratkin Collection. Or meet the children of original homesteaders and talk to them about what it was like growing up in Arthurdale.
ANTIQUE CAR AND TRACTOR SHOW
Check under the hood of all your favorite old cars from classic cars from the 30’s and 40’s to 60’s muscle cars. There will be a wide variety of cars, tractors, and trucks.
KID’S ACTIVITIES
There will be lots of fun and games at the Kids’ Activity Area next to E-15 from 11-3. Play a game of cornhole, meet wild birds, and pet goats & other adorable animals at the Farm Petting Zoo. Get your face painted, enter the coloring contest, and compete in a sack race! The Kids’ Activity Area is the place for all the fun!
There will also be hay rides around Arthurdale that the whole family can enjoy.
ARTISAN MARKET
Buy handmade, local crafts and see artisan demonstrations. This is our largest craft show of the year with a variety of local artists and several different demonstrations!
MAKERSPACE
Inspired by Arthurdale’s history of handicraft and subsistence agriculture, the Makerspace gives festival goers a chance to get learn some new hands-on skills. We have a full lineup of West Virginia artisans teaching mini-workshops or giving hands-on demos throughout the day.
Located in Historic Center Hall from 1pm-6pm.
CONTESTS
We love having contests reminiscent an old country fair! Check the Contests page for updates on what’s happening this year!
HISTORIC DEMONSTRATIONS
We love showcasing historic trades as we celebrate those who continue to learn and preserve these skills. While you’re having fun at the New Deal Festival, watch a demonstration or two and learn something new!
Blacksmithing in The Forge. Weaving & Spinning in The Loom Room.
FIDDLE CONTEST
Arthurdale Heritage is thrilled to host the first Rich Family Memorial Old-Time Fiddle Contest during our New Deal Festival in 2025. This contest is a celebration of Arthurdale’s history of traditional music-making with the goal of encouraging and sustaining traditional fiddling styles in North Central West Virginia.
Whatever you end up doing at the festival, we hope you have an amazing time! We’re looking forward to welcoming you to our community!
