No matter what time of year you visit Beckley, West Virginia, you will find many scenic, cultural, and recreational opportunities awaiting you! Raleigh County offers a wealth of art, history, and heritage to explore including museums, theatre, art galleries, and events.
THEATRE WV
Founded in 1955, Theatre West Virginia produces and presents quality performing arts in a unique setting at the amphitheater at Grandview State Park. The dramatic view of the New River Gorge coupled with a perfectly designed amphitheater in Grandview have provided more than one million visitors with the excitement of outdoor musical drama. For tickets, call 304-256-6800.
RALEIGH PLAYHOUSE
Located in downtown Beckley, The Raleigh Playhouse and Theatre hosts theatre productions, films, the BEX Film Festival, musical acts, and more. For more information, call 304-763-7059.
BECKLEY CONCERT ASSOCIATION
The Beckley Concert Association has been providing our community with diverse and quality concert performances since 1938. Performances are held in the Woodrow Wilson High School Auditorium with a new schedule of performances each year.
To reach the Beckley Concert Association call 304-253-3535.
TAMARACK
Tamarack, The Best of West Virginia is dedicated to showcasing the best artisans from West Virginia. Tamarack’s striking, peaked red roof and attractively landscaped grounds draw half a million visitors annually into a welcome respite of visual beauty, Appalachian sounds, and distinctive aromas.
BECKLEY EVENTS
Beckley Events hosts numerous community events throughout the year drawing thousands to downtown Beckley for Chili Night, the Rhododendron Festival, Kids Classic Festival, the Coffee and Tea Celebration, classic car shows, Fridays in the Park, and much more!
BECKLEY ART CENTER
The Art Center has expanded over the years and offers changing exhibits in the Dan & Cynthia Bickey Art Gallery, unique gift items for sale in the newly opened Gallery Gift Shop, and a variety of classes and clubs for all ages and skill levels. In addition, BAC’s Academy of Creative Arts provides the opportunity to learn skills in theatre and the performing arts.
AFRICAN AMERICAN HERITAGE AUTO TOUR
The African American Heritage Tour was developed by New River Gorge National River and its partners as a smart phone app to uncover and tell the stories of the many black coal miners, railroad workers, and other community members that helped shape this region. This self-guided auto tour takes the user to 17 historic sites in Summers, Raleigh, Fayette and Nicholas counties to learn about the history and experiences of the region’s African Americans. The project was made possible through a partnership with the New River Gorge Regional Development Authority, The National Coal Heritage Area, the West Virginia Humanities Council, The African American Heritage Family Tree Museum, DuBois on Main Museum, West Virginia State University, and Visit Southern West Virginia.
WILDWOOD HOUSE MUSEUM
The historic home of Beckley’s founder, General Alfred Beckley, is open during the summer months and for special pre-arranged tours and occasions throughout the year. Placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1972, the original double log structure was built in 1836. Typifying the mountaineer spirit in the truest sense, the log house became known as Wildwood. Lovingly restored and filled with period antiques, many owned by the Beckley family, Wildwood played a significant part in early Raleigh County history. The Ralsten family deeded the home to the Raleigh County Historical Society in 1985, it was then deeded to the City of Beckley in 1993. For more information or to book a group tour contact Leslie Baker at 304-252-3730.
VETERANS MUSEUM
The Raleigh County Veterans Museum encompasses displays from our nation’s military history from the American Revolution to the current conflict in Iraq and Afghanistan. Exhibits range from uniforms, weapons, field gear, and personal items. For more information, call 304-253-1775.
WV DANCE COMPANY
The West Virginia Dance Company was founded in 1977 by Toneta Akers-Toler. WVDC maintains a dual focus on both educating students through arts-based learning as well as presenting public and collegiate/university audiences with engaging and thought-provoking modern works, including works inspired by the rich cultural heritage of the Appalachian region and recognized American Masterpieces.
BEX ARTS WEEK
The inaugural BEX Arts Week event was held in 2019, a week- long celebration of local and regional artists, musicians, and culture. Experience unique art workshops, installations, exhibits, and the BEX Film Fest during this week-long art celebration in Beckley!
