The festival week must include the first Thursday of October. Please visit the homepage for upcoming festival dates.
The 9-day festival has over 35 events. There is something for everyone! Visit our full Schedule of Events for more.
Events are scattered across the City of Elkins. For an interactive map, visit our Maps & Directions tab. Most venues are within walking distance of each other.
There is NO entrance fee. We do not have a gated fairground as events are located across the city. Almost all events are free to attend! Money is needed for food, goods purchased at vendors, and the carnival. Please note that some vendors are still CASH ONLY.
Parking is at a first come first served basis across the city. Local businesses may rent their parking lots for a minimal convenience fee. Parking may be enforced on parade routes, parade staging routes, and detour routes. Visit our Maps & Directions tab for more information.
We do our best to make sure the festival is accessible to all. As events are scattered throughout the city, basic navigation is required. Handicap parking spaces are available on a first come first served basis. Coronation Hill on the campus of Davis & Elkins College may be difficult to navigate for some.
Portable toilets are near the Downtown Stage, in City Park, at the bottom of Coronation Hill, and at various locations across town. Handicap accessible portable toilets are available. Restaurants and businesses may reserve the right to allow their restrooms for paying customers only.
The MSFF does not coordinate parade chairs. Local businesses and non-profit organizations organize sales. § 93.001 SEATING AT MOUNTAIN STATE FOREST FESTIVAL.
Food vendors are set up along Church Lane next to Elkins City Park. Other food vendors are scattered throughout the carnival in downtown Elkins. Locally owned restaurants are also popular and worth a visit! Dine – Elkins-Randolph County Tourism
The MSFF is not in charge of carnival operations. Gambill Amusements owns and operates the carnival in downtown Elkins. Visit their website to purchase wristbands and check prices. West Virginia Carnival Provider – Gambill Amusements
We’ve seen it 80 degrees one day and snow the next. Welcome to West Virginia!
Visit Elkins-Randolph County Tourism for more information. Things to Do, Events, & Hotels – Elkins-Randolph County Tourism
City streets are welcome to all. Please note the streets, the park, parade routes, etc. may be heavily congested and not ideal for all pets. All leash laws should be followed. Local businesses and shops may enforce strict Service Animals Only policies. § 90.08 ANIMALS RUNNING AT LARGE.
Do you have a furry, scaly, or feathered friend that is friendly and talented? Join us for our Pet Show. Information is available on the Registration Form and Event tab.
Email [email protected]. Visit our Sponsors tab to view a list of current sponsors. Sponsorships start as low as $100 for select events! We thank our sponsors and donors for making the festival a success year after year!
Visit Registration Forms to apply and pay online for craft, park, and food vendors. Participation forms for parades, various tournaments, and photography contest can also be found on the Registration Forms tab.
Seats are limited and are offered to the Royal Court and their families first as attendance is mandatory. If space is available after initial Court sales, tickets will be sold at a first come first served basis to the general public.
Members of the Minor Court and Maids of Honor (all from Randolph County) are appointed by the Festival Officials. Volunteer service hours are considered for appointments. Maid Silvia is also appointed by Festival Officials and is selected via an interview process. Maid Silvia must be a WV resident, not from Randolph County, must be aged 18-23, unwed without children, and show great pride in our state and festival culture. Woodly the Elf, the Official Festival Mascot, is chosen via a poster contest in early spring and is open to all Randolph County students enrolled in grades 3rd-5th by September 1st. Jester tryout information is posted early spring and open to all Randolph County students enrolled in grades 6th-10th by September 1st. Trumpeteer tryout information is posted early spring and open to all Randolph County students enrolled in grades 9th-12th by September 1st. Royal Scouts are selected from an essay contest and are recommended by Scout leaders. Royal Princesses are appointed by local and state dignitaries from all 55 counties of the great state. Princesses must be aged 18-23 by September 1st and must be unwed and without children. To be considered for appointment and more information, please email [email protected].
Assistant Directors choose their volunteers to form committees that work on event planning. Email [email protected] for more information. Without the help of over 500 volunteers, we would not be able to plan and execute our beloved festival.
Yes! During the week of festival, visit our Information Booth on the corner of 3rd Street and Davis Avenue for festival gear, Official Programs, Schedule of Events, and more!