As the calendar flips to May, it’s the ideal moment to embrace the mountain charm and festivities of Southwest Virginia. Imagine tubing down the Clinch River, sampling local brews, dropping by a classic car show and listening to live music — all against the backdrop of the area’s stunning natural beauty.
Mark your calendar for Thursday, May 30, when the Clinch River Days Festival springs to life with three days packed with outdoor fun and a celebration of Southwest Virginia’s heritage. Whether you’re in town for a single night or the entire weekend, it’s the ideal opportunity to experience a mix of outdoor adventure, family fun and relaxation, all in a scenic mountain environment!
Photo Credit: Western Front Hotel
Western Front Hotel: Mountain Charm Meets Modern Edge
Start your trip to St. Paul by checking into the charming Western Front Hotel, tucked in the mountains of Appalachia. Known for its cultural spirit, this boutique hotel offers a variety of guest rooms and suites, featuring unique decor like reclaimed wood furnishings, local photography and art, and retro cherry-red Daewoo fridges. You’ll also find free high-speed Wi-Fi, walk-in glass showers and ATV rentals, blending the allure of rustic aesthetics with contemporary conveniences for a truly relaxing (and fun!) mountain retreat.
And as a bonus, community spaces allow you to socialize with other guests as you please. ‘The Roost’ serves as a community game room, while ‘The Backyard’ offers Adirondack loungers and firepits, perfect for stargazing.
Clinch River Days: The Main Event
Let the festival begin! Clinch River Days started 26 years ago, and today it has become a destination for mountain lovers, festival goers and families in search of a fun outdoor experience. What sets this event apart? Most activities are free, and all are family friendly. From traditional events like live performances and a juried art/photography show to unique attractions like the Mussel Walk and Main Street Wrestling, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
Eager to learn more? Check out the daily offerings below and map out your festival adventure!
Festival Kickoff: Thursday, May 30
Festivities commence at the newly renovated Lyric Theater in Downtown St. Paul. Starting at 6:30 p.m., enjoy a musical performance by the Heart of Appalachia Community Orchestra, including everything from John Williams’ favorites to “Farandole” composed by George Bizet. This ensemble showcases the rich musical heritage of Appalachia, featuring talented musicians from Southwest Virginia and beyond, including Kentucky, North Carolina and Tennessee.
Photo Credit: Clinch River Days Festival
Friday Festivities: Friday, May 31
Friday unfolds with a variety of celebratory events in and around the town of St. Paul. Starting at noon, catch the festival vibe on the Midway with concessions, arts vendors and a wine tent featuring local brews and wines. Want to support a good cause? Purchase your duck race tickets at the park’s Red Caboose for Saturday’s race. All proceeds will go to the local food bank!
After exploring the Midway, stroll downtown to grab a coffee at The Coffee Station before taking a short drive to tour the innovative coworking spaces at UVA-Wise’s Oxbow Center (noon to 6 p.m.) or step into regional history at the Mountain Heritage Museum (2 to 6 p.m.). If retail therapy beckons, St. Paul’s Main Street storefronts offer no end of small-town charm!
Later that afternoon, head to the park stage for the 4 p.m. Clinch River IDOL Contest and an evening packed with live music, starting with the Possum Playboys at 5 p.m. and ending with a dance party at 9 p.m. Then dance the night away!
Photo Credit: Clinch River Days Festival
Saturday Spectacles: Saturday, June 1
Start your Saturday with a visit to the Clinch River Farmer’s Market for fresh, local produce, artisan crafts and homemade delights.
If the water is calling your name, Clinch River Adventures will offer kayaking and tubing trips on a first come, first served basis. For younger visitors, Oxbow Lake offers a kids’ fishing tournament at 9 a.m., complete with prizes, followed by a 5K run/walk at 5 p.m. (registration is required).
All day long, the park will be buzzing with food trucks, craft vendors, games and more. Catch a magic show, watch the cloggers perform, join a bluegrass circle or take the kids to the petting zoo. For something truly unique, don’t miss Main Event Wrestling on the Little League Field at 3:30 p.m. or the Southwestminster Dog Show at Western Front Hotel at 4 p.m.
For details on specific events and timings, be sure to check the full Clinch River Days Festival schedule.
Photo Credit: Puerto Nuevo
Parting Bites: A Final Taste of St. Paul
As your mountain weekend winds down, savor one last meal in St. Paul on Sunday before heading home.
Fat Boy’s BBQ, located at 16601 Russell St, opens at 11 a.m. and offers delicious Southern barbeque with all the fixings. Enjoy hearty platters with smoked chicken, turkey or ribs; delicious sandwiches; smoked baked potatoes loaded with meat; and sides like baked beans, coleslaw and potato salad. And don’t forget to save room for the banana pudding — trust us, you’ll want to!
Puerto Nuevo, the Western Front Hotel’s onsite restaurant, opens at 11 a.m. daily. Here you’ll find Tex-Mex favorites, fresh seafood and steak dishes, and margarita specials — plus, who can say no to a salsa bar? We love the shrimp tostadas and tropical nachos!
We hope you enjoyed your mountain getaway to the Clinch River Days Festival! Come back soon to explore more downtown charm, outdoor adventures and the rich cultural heritage that defines Southwest Virginia. See you on your next trip to the mountains!