PRINCETON, W.Va. — Culturefest is returning to Mercer County September 8–13, bringing six days of global music, art, storytelling, and cultural experiences to local schools and downtown Princeton. The 23rd annual festival, presented by the RiffRaff Arts Collective, will feature internationally acclaimed performers, hands‑on workshops, artisan vendors, and family‑friendly activities throughout the Mercer Street Grassroots District.
The public festival runs September 10–13, offering more than 30 performances across four stages, including blues, soul, Americana, Appalachian folk, reggae, jazz, funk, world fusion, and experimental music. Dance, performance art, live painting, fire performance, and workshops in drumming, yoga, movement, and upcycled art will also be featured.
Ahead of the festival, Culturefest in Our Communities will bring visiting artists into Mercer County schools September 8–10, introducing students to global traditions through music, storytelling, and interactive learning. Teaching artists include master West African drummer Adama Dembele, MacArthur Fellow and blues musician Corey Harris, and Princeton native Melissa McKinney, who will lead sessions in creativity, songwriting, and cultural history.
This year’s lineup includes national and international performers such as Corey Harris, Jamal Milner, MAMA, Father Sun, and Adama Dembele, alongside regional favorites including Option 22, The Kind Thieves, James Hart & Old Soul Reunion, Andrew Adkins Band, and Cariño. Additional artists, visual creators, and community performers will appear throughout the weekend.
Culturefest traditions return as well, including children’s crafts, a kids’ parade, collaborative art projects, and participatory workshops. The festival is a free, rain‑or‑shine event, with indoor venues and covered spaces available.
Culturefest is supported by the West Virginia Department of Tourism, the National Endowment for the Arts, the Levitt Foundation, WVU Medicine/Princeton Community Hospital, and numerous local partners. More details, schedules, and artist information are available at culturefestwv.com or by calling 304‑320‑8833.
