2026 Festival Schedule

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 24:

7:00 pm – Reading from the Memoir “Power in the Blood: A Family Narrative“ – Robert C. Byrd Center for Congressional History & Education Auditorium (King St)  Don’t miss a free reading with Dr. Linda Tate from her groundbreaking memoir which traces her journey to rediscover the Cherokee-Appalachian branch of her family. In her search for the truth of her own past, Tate scoured archives, libraries, and courthouses, visited cemeteries, and combed through census records, marriage records, court cases, local histories, old maps, and photographs. As she began to locate distant relatives, they gathered in kitchens and living rooms, held family reunions, and swapped stories. A past that had long been buried slowly came to light as family members shared the pieces of the family’s tale that had been passed along to them. Tate’s compelling narrative reveals one mystery after another. Innovative and groundbreaking in its approach to research and storytelling, Power in the Blood shows that exploring a family story can enhance understanding of history, life, and culture and that honest examination of the past can lead to healing and liberation in the present.

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 25:

3:00 – Screening of the documentary “Reel ‘Em Boys, Reel ‘Em” – Shepherdstown Opera House (German Street)  This one-hour film, produced by Gerry Milnes and Becky Hill for the Augusta Heritage Center, explores the rural dance traditions of West Virginia through interviews with dancers, callers, and scholars with contemporary and archival footage of dance. Dance scholar Becky Hill will present the film and then lead a post-film discussion. Free (donations gratefully accepted).

4:45-6:15 pm – Excavating Family Stories Writing Workshop – Location TBA – “I’ve always wondered . . . .” Those three words have launched countless family stories. If there’s a question, mystery, memory, or family story you’ve been wanting to explore, join Dr. Linda Tate for a generative writing workshop on Friday, September 25. Thoughtful writing prompts will help you begin discovering your family stories that are waiting to be told. This workshop is for anyone who wants to explore and perhaps write family stories. Beginners and experienced writers are welcome, and the workshop will be applicable to all writing genres (memoir, essay, fiction, poetry, and drama). You do not need to be a writer to benefit from the workshop. Curious about your family past? This is the workshop for you!

8 pm-10 pm – Old-Time Square Dance(Dance Caller: Becky Hill) – King Street dance platform between Town Hall and Reynolds Hall. All ages, all genders, all skill-levels are welcome to dance to the sounds of our all-star old-time string band!                                            7:30 pm– Pre-dance workshop/beginner lesson with Becky Hill.

SATURDAY, SEPT. 26:

10 am-11:30 am – Singing Traditions in Appalachia/Ballads & Brunch (Community Singing and Balladry with Flora and Fern) – Alma Bea Restaurant – Join us to start the day with song. Flora and Fern will share ballads (some accompanied by Celtic harp and banjo) and we will raise our voices together on some of our favorite harmony songs. Brunch available for purchase from our favorite James Beard Award-nominated chef!

11 am-1 pm – Shepherd University’s Little House Open (Princess St) with Appalachian Children’s Activities (Princess Street, Little House Lawn)

Noon – Black Traditions in Appalachian Music with Jake Blount – Shepherdstown Opera House – Join folk musician and scholar Jake Blount as he traces the roots of the banjo, Black string band traditions, and Black influences in Appalachia during this lecture/performance.

1 pm to 4:00 pm — Visit the Shepherdstown Historic Museum – Entler Building, 129 E. German St.

1:30  pm – Appalachian Percussive Dance Traditions – Shepherdstown Opera House  Can’t get enough of dance? Join dancer/scholar Becky Hill to learn about the multicultural dance traditions of Appalachia from British and Irish step to clogging and buck dance traditions.

3:00 pm – The Hammons Family of West Virginia’s Musical Legacy – Reynolds Hall (King Street)  Join Dave Bing for an exploration of the significance of the Hammons Family whose ballads, fiddle tunes, and stories are a unique lens into America’s past. Dave was fortunate to learn directly from multiple members of the Hammons family in their home in Pocahontas County and is part of the tradition of passing down tunes and stories “knee-to-knee” keeping their music alive and sharing it with current generations of musicians. Learn more about the Hammons Family HERE.

7:00-9:00 pm – Showcase Concert – King Street Outdoor Stage  Bring your favorite comfy lawn chair or pull up one of our folding chairs for a free concert showcasing Appalachian dance, string band music, and singing featuring Jake Blount, Dave Bing, Becky Hill, and more!

9:30 pm – Open Jam Session at Alma Bea Restaurant post-concert – everyone welcome!

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 27: 

• 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. — Shepherdstown Farmers Market —  South King Street directly behind the Welcome Center — The SFM has brought locally-grown food to Shepherdstown for over 30 years with fresh food, crafts, plants, and live music 
• 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. — Visit the Shepherdstown Historic Museum at the Entler Hotel, 129 E. German St.