It is the summer of 2021, COVID19 cases are dwindling, and events and festivities are back on our calendars! Kick off your summer celebrations in Elkins during the Fourth of July weekend. There is no better way to celebrate the independence of our country than enjoying the sun in the mountains of West Virginia. Elkins is the perfect place to do just that. The community may be nestled within the valleys and mountains of West Virginia, but this holiday weekend is filled with entertainment for both the local and the out-of-towner. Dazzle in that red, white and blue attire and check out some ways to celebrate the Fourth of July in and around Elkins.
Mountain State Street Machines Auto Extravaganza
Since 1984, the Mountain State Street Machines brings fun, entertainment, prizes, and stunning new, unique, classic, and antique cars to the beautiful historic district of Elkins during the 4th of July weekend. This annual car show is one of the largest classic car events held in the state. Starting Friday evening cars will start cruising into to downtown and setting up for the weekend. Saturday is the big event day with 50/50 prizes, food, Appalachian craft vendors, and more. If you miss out on Saturday, don’t worry, you will still have a chance Sunday to check out the automobiles throughout the day.
Free Live Music
Elkins is known for its eclectic music scene. Almost any night of the week, you can find local talent singing original and cover songs in a variety of restaurants and venues. On Friday, July 2nd, DJ Bobby P will be throwing down the finest hits around at Bar One starting at 8pm. Grab some food and a drink and get groovy with it.
The Tom Batchelor Band will be kicking off their set at El Gran Sabor at 8pm as well. A Venezuelan dinner, a local craft beer, and a live show is calling your name, especially their most famous food item on the menu, cachapas. You just can’t go wrong.
Known as “America’s Most Exciting Show Bands”, Rick K and the AllNighters will rock your socks off outside at the Rotary Ampitheatre in Elkins Town Square starting at 8pm on Saturday, July 3rd. It is encouraged to bring your own lawn chair or blanket.
During that same evening at 8pm, Bar One will host your favorite local funk band, VooDoo Butter. They know how to get your head nodding to the beat and your legs moving.
Fireworks Show
Fireworks are often a staple of the Fourth of July celebrations. There is something special about watching fireworks burst over the twinkling skyline. The Elkins-Randolph County Chamber of Commerce fireworks show is always spectacular. Shortly after the Saturday outdoor concert concludes, around 10pm, the fireworks will be shot off near the new location of the Elkins Water Tower. The water tower is located well above the town overlooking the Randolph County Courthouse and the town. Tips from the locals: if you can see the water tower, you can see the fireworks. You will be able to view the fireworks anywhere downtown. Arrive early and bring a chair or blanket to sit on.
Continue the 4th of July festivities in Harman for a day of fun on Sunday. There will be artisan and craft vendors as well as a yard sale for individuals selling personal items. This will be an indoor-outdoor event so rain or shine events will be happening all day. In our opinion, you can’t celebrate Independence Day without a chicken burn which will be ready around 11am. No cooking, no cleaning, no fuss. A parade of classic cars and fire engines will start early in the afternoon and you can wander through the mix of street machines as you grab yourself some lemonade, cotton candy, funnel cakes, or more at the variety of food vendors. Stick around until dark, and watch the Harman Fire Department launch fireworks!
Float the River
Like clockwork, the 4th of July always brings with it the “dog days of summer” and in Randolph County there is no better way to enjoy cooling off than by the river. Meet up at Shavers Fork River in Bowden to relax by taking a swim or floating down on a tube, kayak or canoe. Rent and reserve your river gear with Shavers Fork Adventures or Revelle’s River Resort. If you are looking for more of a thrill, check out Blackwater Outdoor Adventures and whitewater raft down the Cheat River. This 4th of July tradition is fun for the whole family.
If you’re from out-of-town, stop by and stay awhile. The county has plenty of overnight stay options – from camping in the woods to snoozin’ in a local hotel.
Looking for more things to do in Elkins when you visit this summer? Download our Travel Guide or check out the county calendar.