BECKLEY, W.Va. — Beckley’s annual Rhododendron Festival returns May 9–17 with a full schedule of food events, live entertainment, outdoor activities and community programs across the city.
The festival opens Saturday, May 9, with the Coffee, Tea and Sweet Treats event and an Emergency Preparedness Fair from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. in downtown Beckley. Sampling tickets are $5 for five tastings and a People’s Choice voting coin, with proceeds benefiting the United Way of Southern West Virginia. The crowning of Miss Rhododendron Festival, Haley Jo Hunt, will take place at 11 a.m., followed by performances from the Salvation Army Brass Band, WWHS Tri‑M Music Honor Society, Refit, and Duo Bragg‑n‑Mann. Visitors can also explore preparedness booths, demonstrations, children’s activities, and downtown businesses.
Throughout the month, residents can enter Active Southern West Virginia’s Rhododendron Photo Contest by submitting a rhododendron‑themed photo to the festival’s Facebook event page using the hashtag #WVRhodofest26 by May 17. The contest is open to amateur photographers, with the winner chosen by the most “likes.”
Outdoor events include the Waterfall Wednesday Walk on May 13 at Piney Creek Preserve, with a rain date of May 20. Participants will visit two waterfalls featured on West Virginia Tourism’s Waterfall Trail. Registration is available through the West Virginia Land Trust.
The annual Rhododendron Pickleball Tournament will be held Saturday, May 15, at New River Park, with sessions at 9 a.m. and 1 p.m. A group Rhododendron Walk at Grandview is scheduled for Sunday, May 17, beginning at 3 p.m.
The festival’s final major event is the Rhododendron Festival Car and Bike Show and Concert on Saturday, May 16, from 1 to 5 p.m. on Main Street. Music will be provided by Dave Runion and Bragg‑n‑Mann, with trophies presented by Festival Queen Haley Jo Hunt.
Additional activities include the monthly “Painting with Sarah” workshop at the Raleigh County Library on May 12 at 4 p.m., with registration opening May 1.
A full schedule and updates are available on the Beckley Events Facebook page, the Beckley.Events community calendar, or by calling 304‑256‑1776.
