The Shepherdstown Fairy Festival is a place where Faerie meets our human Reality. A place where humans can meet and mingle with goblins, satyrs, giants, mermaids, and all variety of Fae. It is a shared living fairy tale. Who knows what tales will unfold as the community comes together to celebrate the beauty of Fall and the magic of storytelling? The story continues this October.
​
What would you like to know?
What exactly is a Fairy Festival?
Festival Policies and Frequently Asked Questions
What is a fairy festival?
A fairy festival is an outdoor celebration featuring costuming, food, handicrafts, music, and entertainment. Each fairy festival is a unique entity with its own lore and specific focus. Fairy festivals are an offshoot from Renaissance Faires, but instead of having a historical theme, they draw their influences from traditional fairy lore, fairy tales, and folklore. Though fairy traditions have a strong root in Western European storytelling and a heavy British Victorian influence, we not only welcome, but encourage the inclusion of creatures and folk from all the traditions of the world. We welcome diversity in all its forms.
When is the Fairy Festival?
October 25-27 2024
Where is the Fairy Festival?
In downtown historic Shepherdstown, WV
On King Street between German St and Queen Alley, on McMurran Lawn, The Shepherdstown Opera House, Evolve, and Creative Procrastinations & Whimsical Necessities
What about Accessibility?
The outdoor portion of the festival is on a groomed lawn and paved street and sidewalks. The town is historic so some of our sidewalks are brick and a little uneven though most sidewalks are accessible with ramps at the curbs. Some of our shops have steps for entering and historic entrances which makes wheelchair access problematic.
​
Both The Shepherdstown Opera House and Evolve are wheelchair accessible.
​
We will have additional seating on McMurran Lawn and on King Street for those who need to rest a little more. There are various benches and walls around town for those who need to take a load off.
​
We are still working out details of parking for those with disabilities.
​
ASL translators will be present for stage shows and scheduled performances.
The Shepherdstown Opera House has Audiofetch installed so that users can have audio transmitted directly to hearing devices.
​
We provide a quiet tent where folks can go to decompress should they feel overwhelmed.
​​
There will be a baby changing tent.
​
Please contact us about other accomodations you may need. Additional services will be added here as they are requested and arranged.
Do I have to wear a costume?
Not at all – please come as you are! If you do want to dress up, please feel free to go all out! But if you're new to costuming or to fairy costumes, please don’t feel intimidated. Costumes are for everyone and they can be as simple as a bit of makeup and a thrift store ensemble. Fairy festivals are a welcoming and friendly environment where you can feel safe to try something new. We will be posting some tips and ideas on our social media over the course of the next couple weeks.
​
A NOTE ABOUT WINGS: Shepherdstown is a Historic town so many of the shops are small and quite full. We recommend having a way to take the wings off when you are shopping in the businesses.
What is your weapons policy?
The Wild Fae’s truce holds for all participants, Fae and human alike. As such, any weapons that are part of your costume must be peace-tied (bound with cord so that it cannot be easily drawn). We prefer no live-steel (sharpened blades). We respectfully ask that no firearms, concealed or otherwise, real or prop-piece be present at our event.
Can I bring my dog?
Shepherdstown is a pet friendly town, but pets are not allowed in every single shop or restaurant. Trained service animals are welcome everywhere per ADA regulations. Keep in mind that the event may be crowded, there will be lots of children running around, and many people will be in costumes. If you think these things may stress your pup out, it's probably best to leave them home.
What about parking?
Please do no park in spaces labeled residential. We will be posting a map to show all available parking in town during the event. The bulk of available parking will be in Shepherd University's Lot A located on High Street at Princess St. We strongly encourage carpooling!
Where To Stay
Here are links to a number of local campsites as well as the link to our Official Festival Hotel
The Hotel:
Holiday Inn Express
681 Flowing Springs Road
Ranson, WV 25438
13 miles outside of Shepherdstown (Closest we could do.)
$129 + tax per night 10/25-10/28
Online reservation for the group rate ended on 10/1.
Please call the front desk of the hotel to receive the group rate.
304-725-1330
Antietam Creek Campsite
Across the Potomac River from Shepherdstown (Closest Site)
Nahkeeta Campsite
for RVs between Shepherdstown and Martinsburg
River Riders Camping
Cabins, Deluxe Tents, Campsites in Harper's Ferry
KOA Campground
in Harper's Ferry
The Program
Specific details about the Festival performers, special guests, musical acts as well as a list of exhibitors, food vendors etc. will be added as we come closer to the event. You can follow our facebook or instagram pages for real-time announcements.
The Fairies are Coming: The Shepherdstown Fairy Festival 2022 Program
Here's a link to the pdf of the 2022 program. You can read the festival lore and get an idea of what to expect for 2024's program. It's got extra activities and a new stories about the magical circus of Kitty O'Donnell plus a bonus section on the Magic of Shepherdstown.