What Is Bridge Day?
Bridge Day is West Virginia’s largest single-day festival and one of the largest extreme sports events in the world! Bridge Day is held every year on the third Saturday of October. This is the one day of the year that it is legal for BASE professionals to jump off the New River Gorge Bridge, and for spectators to walk across it! Additionally, rappelers come from around the world to descend from the catwalk under the bridge during the festival. Prepare to be captivated by spectacular fall views as you enjoy the peak season of foliage from a unique location.
Find Your Lodging
Before the excitement commences, secure your lodging in Fayetteville, the epicenter of the festivities. Given the popularity of Bridge Day, lodging fills up quickly, so don’t delay in booking your place. If you’re staying in town, you’ll find a convenient Bridge Day shuttle stop right by the Fayette County Courthouse in the middle of the town, as well as at the Fayetteville PK-8 school on Maple Avenue.
What to Wear
Embrace layering as your fashion mantra. Fall weather can be a mix of cool and wet, but it won’t dampen your Bridge Day spirit. Opt for cozy layers and comfortable shoes to make the most of your experience. Remember, bags and backpacks aren’t permitted on the bridge. To ensure you’re well-prepared, consult the official Bridge Day page for a comprehensive list of rules and guidelines. As a helpful tip, clear backpacks and handbags are allowed, with bags available for purchase on the Fayette County Chamber of Commerce website or at participating shuttle stops during the event (cash only, while supplies last).
Get A Taste Of Bridge Day
Prepare your taste buds for the annual Taste of Bridge Day, organized by the Canyon Rim Rotary Club at Adventures on the Gorge. This family-friendly event showcases the finest local restaurants and caterers, offering delectable samples of their culinary creations. The event allows thousands of visitors to enjoy wonderful food, local artwork, and live music. To enjoy a delightful culinary journey, purchase your tickets ahead of time to ensure availability. By partaking in this event, you’re also contributing to community service projects and charitable organizations, as funds raised directly benefit the Canyon Rim Rotary Club’s initiatives.
Navigating the Bridge Day Schedule
Stay on top of the action with the Official Bridge Day Schedule:
5:30 AM: Vendors arrive at designated staging lots
7:00 AM: U.S. Route 19 closes to traffic and the detour begins
7:15 AM: Active Southern West Virginia Bridge Day 5K racers arrive at designated pickup spots
8:30 AM: Buses begin transporting 5K racers to the starting line
8:30 AM: Shuttles begin at designated lots (See map)
9:00 AM: Bridge Day begins
9:00 AM: Bridge Day 5K Race begins
9:00 AM: Into The Gorge bus rides start (pre-sold tickets only)
2:00 PM: Bridge Day Chili Cook-off vendors set up
1:30 PM: Into The Gorge bus rides end
3:00 PM: Bridge Day Chili Cookoff in downtown Fayetteville begins
3:00 PM: Bridge Day ends
5:00 PM: U.S. Route 19 re-opens and the detour ends
6:00 PM: Bridge Day Chili Cookoff ends
Active Southern West Virginia Bridge Day 5K Run
Don’t miss your once-a-year opportunity to run across the New River Gorge Bridge during Active Southern West Virginia Bridge Day 5K Run. Spanning from the north side of the New River Gorge Bridge to the Court Street finish line in Fayetteville, this course treats runners to breathtaking views. Remember, this event is exclusively for runners due to road closures. With only 500 spots available, secure your place now to be part of this annual highlight. After the race, stick around for all of the Bridge Day festivities!
The Active Southern West Virginia Bridge Day 5K Run provides the highest level of quality, safety and accommodation possible for participants. Each racer has a responsibility to understand event logistics and follow security guidelines. Please read all event details to ensure a smooth race experience. This event is very important to Active Southern West Virginia and the Kids Run Clubs and Community Captains it supports.
Shuttle Bus Locations
Utilize the Bridge Day shuttles to navigate the festivities seamlessly. To save yourself from long walks, consider these shuttle bus locations:
South – Fayette Landing Shopping Center
565 Mall Rd Oak Hill, WV 25901
The bus stop will be located on the south side of the median just past AT&T, at the far end of the median from the store.
South – Fayetteville Walmart
204 Town Center Fayetteville WV 25840
The bus stop will be located on the far left side of Walmart.
South – Fayetteville PK-8
515 W Maple Ave Fayetteville, WV 25840
The bus stop is right at the entrance to the gravel parking area. The buses turn around in front of the school and stop to pick up at the entrance to the upper gravel area.
South – Fayetteville Court House
100 N Court St Fayetteville, WV 25840
The bus stop will be across from the Courthouse on Maple Avenue in front of Marathon Bicycle and Southside Junction Tap House.
North – Smales Branch Road
1175 Smales Branch Rd Hico, WV 25854
The bus will stop in front of the Lighthouse Worship Center.
North – Midland Trail High School
Intersection of Route 19 & U S Route 60 Hico, WV 25854
The bus will stop at the school parking lot.
Bike Valet Active Southern West Virginia
Don’t Miss The Bridge Day Chili Cook-off
Heat up your Bridge Day experience with the annual Bridge Day Chili Cook-off. Delight in a variety of chili samples from mild to wild, while enjoying live music, kids activities and more in historic downtown Fayetteville. Join the culinary fun as you help crown this year’s Chili King or Queen through the People’s Choice vote. Be part of the excitement and support local community projects! Admission and parking are FREE, but there is a charge for tickets. Get five chili-tasting tickets for $5.
Cook-off Schedule:
1:30-2:30 PM: Registration and set up
3 PM: Live music begins
3-5 PM: Tasting, judging and voting
5:45 PM: Awards
Prizes:
1st Place: $600
2nd Place: $400
People’s Choice: $150
Best Decorated Booth: $50
Best Cornbread: $100
Youth Prizes:
1st Place: $600
2nd Place: $400
Help us pull off an epic Chili Cook-off by sponsoring our event! For sponsorship information, call (304) 574-1500 or email info@visitfayettevillewv.com.
Where Can I Park In Fayetteville?
Bridge Day is on a Saturday, so take advantage of parking options at the Board of Education and Bus Garage parking lots off Fayette Avenue. View the Fayetteville parking map for other places to park.
Bridge Day promises an unforgettable experience filled with exhilarating jumps, breathtaking views and delectable flavors. Make sure to plan ahead and fully embrace the magic of this incredible event!