January 26 @ 12:00 am – January 28 @ 12:00 am
Wizards and muggles alike will gather in Fayetteville West Virginia for Fayetteville’s Wizard Weekend January 26-28. Join us to celebrate a magical weekend as Fayetteville transforms into a magical village. The majority of activities will take place outdoors and involve walking around town. Participants will want to check the weather before attending to dress accordingly. This year we will have more self-guided activities where groups can explore things on their own including a wizard-themed scavenger hunt through town. We will have falconry and Roy Moose with the Snakes of West Virginia Presentation, multiple ticketed feast events, a yule ball and more! Stay tuned for a full schedule of 2024 events including our annual quidditch tournament, ticketed feasts, workshops, themed crafts and shopping and more!
Wizard Weekend Schedule
R- Registration Required
$-Fee
Thursday
6pm- Wizard Trivia at Chetty’s Pub
Friday
5pm Great Feast at the Gaines Estate R $
Saturday
9am-3pm Dragon egg hunt through town- Turn in dragon egg at visitor center for surprise
9:30am-10:30am Wizardly Yoga at New River Yoga Studio $
10am-3pm Wizard Scavenger Hunt Starts at Visitor Center
10am-6pm Wizarding Weekend School of Witchcraft and Wizardry at the Gaines Estate R $
11am-4pm Wizard Makers Market Court St. Downtown
11am-4pm Wizards can visit the Escape- A- Torium lobby to have their wands officially permitted. Must complete permit form and demonstrate effectiveness for permit award.
11am-1:30am- Photo opportunity with wild creatures including snakes, tortoise, and frog.
11am-5pm Diagonal Alley at participating businesses
12pm-2pm Painting workshop with Mary Arrit at the Gaines Estate R $
12pm-2pm Magic Terrarium Workshop at New River Yoga
11am-6pm Folk Magic Exhibit at Love Hope Center for the Arts
11:30am-1:30pm Wand Making Town Hall
2pm Snakes of WV Presentation with Roy Moose at the Fayetteville Town Hall
2pm-4pm MoHa House Morris Harvey House Rosa’s Speakeasy R $ 21+ Curated craft cocktail & potion concocting experience
4pm Costume Contest – In front of courthouse stairs
4:30pm-6pm Herbal Potion Making Workshop at New River Yoga R $
5pm Great Feast at the Gaines Estate R$
5:30pm Wizarding Weekend Murder Mystery at Adventures on the Gorge
6pmGhost on the Gorge Tour $15 per person
8pm- Evening Yule Ball at the Southside Junction Tap House with ” Mama Said String Band” $10 Come dressed in costume 18+
Diagonal Alley Wizard Stops Around Town
* Businesses Participating Sunday
Fayetteville Library -Flourish & Blotts Book Shop, students can pick up book supply list for school and embark on a scavenger hunt to find the books on their list and make wizard themed crafts. Librarians will be in character (9am-1pm Saturday)
The Take Out- Photo backdrops and golden snitches for purchase.
Enjoyed Again- Wizard themed Items for sale *
D & K Collectibles- Wizard treats for kids
The Stache- Wizard themed treats, candy and wizard toys, Tarot card reading in the parking lot*
Pies & Pints – Discount for anyone in costume, wizard drinks *
Lost Appalachia Trading Co-Weasley Joke Shop and wand maker from Cauldron Hollow’s Wand Shop, themed items and stickers for purchase *
New River Yoga-Magical Terrarium building workshop $R
Cathedral Café- Butter beer in famous mugs *
Whitewater Photography 9 ¾ platform photo op *
Don Rizo – Wizard t-shirt giveaway and magical themed drinks $ *
Adventures Station – Free hot chocolate, make your own treat bags from the sweets trolley with dog treats for furry friends *
Train station platform photo op, fortune telling
Secret Sandwich Society – Wizard photo op and themed drinks $ *
Escape A Torium- Vanders Wand Certification Cite (Saturday 11am-4pm) Book escape rooms daily $ *
Very Rare Vintage- Magic Alley *
Water Stone Outdoors- Forbidden Forest photo op, wizard themed coffee drinks and mocktails $*
Studio B Art & Wine Gallery- Wands for purchase $*
Wanderlust Creative Foods- Handmade WV Wands and themed wizard dishes $*
Twisted Gypsy’s Wizard decor *
Wisteria Gifts-Fantasy Candle Collection featuring Mighty Dragon, Forbidden Forest, Magical Unicorn $
The Hobbit Hole- Junk Store with Professor Trelawney as a guest shopper, chocolate frogs and chocolate wands $ *
Googly Moogly- Mystical crystal shop $*
Fayetteville Visitor Center- Information & Mystical Creature Shop*
Thread- Decorations and pin the nose on he who shall not be named*
Rangefinder Coffee- Wizard drink specials $*
Ringing Rocks Mint- Custom Horcrux $*
Historic Fayette Theater- Sorting hat activity in front of the theater*
Out of the Ashes- Decorations
Southern Pillar Jeweler – Wizard themed jewelry for purchase $*
MoHa House Morris Harvey House 2pm-4pm R $ 21+
Maggie’s Pub – Wizard drink specials $
Wizard Makers Market
Downtown Court Street 11am -4pm Saturday
ACE Adventure Resort- Activity Booth
The Summit- Branding activity booth
Jay Young Iron Arch Photo – Wizard photo booth $
Paradise Treats- wizard treats$
Invisibility Cloak activity $
Owl Mountain Farm $
Dog Wood Crick Apiary $
Ringing Rocks Mint- Custom Horcrux $
Country Thai $
Sour Dough Effect $
Cassandra Waller $
NRG Goods $
Barefoot & Brazen $
WV Walking Stick, Sword & Wand Maker $
Happy Little Faces Face Painting $
Ashley Tumblers $
Angel Worrell Creations $
Woodyard Creations $
Danette Williams Art $
Wizard Weekend Map
Sunday
10am-3pm Scavenger Hunt start at the Visitor Center
11am-4pm Folk Magic Exhibit at the Love Hope Center for the Arts
11am-4pm Sorting Hat Activity in front of Historic Fayette Theater
12pm-1:30 pm Magical Wizarding Air Plant Terrarium $25 Advance Registration with Botany tropical
12:00pm Laurel Fork Falconry Presentation at the Memorial Building
2:30pm Quidditch at the Fayetteville town park ball field
The Great Feast at the Gaines Estate
Friday & Saturday Events
On January 26th or 27th, you are invited to embark on a journey into the realm of magic and wizardry. During Wizarding Weekend, The Gaines Estate, known to many as a charming and historic property, serves as the clandestine gateway to a world where spells are cast, and potions are brewed.
Upon arrival, you will be greeted by our esteemed groundskeeper who will be eagerly awaiting you in the parking lot. The groundskeeper will guide you through the enchanting grounds to what has long been whispered about but seldom witnessed – the world of wizardry. We encourage you to don your most magical attire and bring an open heart and curious mind. Wizarding appetizers and cocktail potions will be served in the enchanted lounge at 5PM. All wizards and witches will go through to the pavilion, promptly at 6pm to begin The Great Feast.
We look forward to welcoming you to The Gaines Estate, and beyond its façade, the enchanting realm of The School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.
Yours magically,
The Gaines Estate
Ticket price includes appetizers, dinner, and dessert. Adults $45 pp. $22.50 pp for children 10 and under.
The Great Feast will take place two nights during Wizarding Weekend. Guests have the option to choose either Jan. 26th or Jan. 27th. Reservations are required and must be made by January 25th. Reservations may be made by way of owl or by calling 304-382-7509!
Saturday & Sunday Events
Love Hope Center for the Arts Folk Magic Exhibit
Stop by the Love Hope Center for the Arts Saturday and Sunday during the Wizard Weekend festivities to admire local artists creations representing folk magic.
Saturday Event Details
Wizard Scavenger Hunt Details
Start at the Fayetteville Visitor Center
Saturday, January 27 10am-3pm
- Pick up a scavenger hunt from the Fayetteville Visitor Center
- Look for items and characters throughout town
- Return to the visitor center upon competition for a small prize
Dragon Egg Hunt
- Look for dragon eggs throughout town
- Collect 1 dragon egg ( limit one egg per person)
- Return your dragon egg to the visitor center for a small prize
Wizard Maker Market
Court Street in front of the Fayette County Courthouse
Saturday, January 27 11am-4pm
As you stroll through the bustling market square, you’ll find an array of colorful tents and stalls, each displaying the craftsmanship of local wizards and artisans. The atmosphere is brimming with excitement as visitors explore the diverse array of magical creations. Talented wand makers will showcase their meticulously crafted wands. Talented bakers will entice with an array of magical pastries and baked goods. Visitors can purchase handcrafted items and mystical creations. Magical food trucks will line the street offering delectable treats and wizard themed delights. Have a magical photo experience flying on a broom or try out and invisibility cloak.
Jay Young Iron Arch Photo Sessions
Stop by the Iron Arch photo booth during the Wizard Makers Market for a magical experience. Floating brooms will be staged for a free photo op. Participants will also have the option to purchase incredible edited shots from Jay that will put you into the wizarding world with Fayetteville or the New River Gorge as the backdrop. $
Wizarding Weekend School of Witchcraft and Wizardry
The Gaines Estate
Saturday, January 27 10am-5pm
We are delighted to extend to you a warm invitation to a truly magical event at The Gaines Estate in Fayetteville, WV. As you may be aware, The Gaines Estate is a place steeped in mystery and enchantment. We are excited to welcome you to an extraordinary experience that transcends the ordinary.
On January 26th or 27th, you are invited to embark on a journey into the realm of magic and wizardry. During Wizarding Weekend, The Gaines Estate, known to many as a charming and historic property, serves as the clandestine gateway to a world where spells are cast, and potions are brewed.
Upon arrival, you will be greeted by our esteemed groundskeeper who will be eagerly awaiting you in the parking lot. The groundskeeper will guide you through the enchanting grounds to what has long been whispered about but seldom witnessed – the world of wizardry. We encourage you to don your most magical attire and bring an open heart and curious mind.
We look forward to welcoming you to The Gaines Estate and, beyond its facade, the enchanting realm of The School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.
Yours magically,
The Gaines Estate
$15 per person. Reservations are recommended. Last reservation is at 5pm. Call 304-382-7509.
Ringing Rock Mint Custom Horcruxes
Snakes of WV Presentation
Roy Moose has been a favorite every year with his snakes of WV Presentation. Learn about all the native snakes that call West Virginia home.
Wizarding Weekend Paint & Sip
The Gaines Estate
Saturday January 27 12pm-2pm
Try your skills in the dark art of re-creating The School of Witchcraft and Wizardry! A wizard painting class with Mary Arrit on Saturday, January 27th at Noon in the pavilion. $45 per person. Call 304-382-7509 to reserve your seat in this dark arts class! Maximum of 20 people. The bar will be open!
New River Yoga
Saturday, January 27 12pm
It will be a Magic Terrarium Workshop. $35. There will be a pre-registration. All supplies included. They are more than welcome to bring tiny trinkets of their choice to add. There will be feathers, sparkles, greenery, and of course magic.
Costume Contest
Courthouse stairs
Saturday, January 27 4pm
Join us in your best wizard attire for a costume contest in front of the courthouse stairs. Line up and strut your favorite wizard attire for a chance to win prizes!
- Best Youth Category
- Best Adult Category
- Best Group/ Family Category
New River Yoga Studio
Saturday, January 27
Add a little bit of fright to your Wizarding Weekend! Join a special winter ghost walk through Fayetteville 6pm Saturday the 27th.
Learn about history and mysteries of the town with 9 stops outside of haunted houses, creepy cemeteries, & more with plenty of eerie tales in between. $
Yule Ball at Southside Junction Tap House
𝐏𝐫𝐞𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐛𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐚𝐭𝐭𝐢𝐫𝐞! 𝐘𝐨𝐮 𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐢𝐧𝐯𝐢𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐨 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐦𝐨𝐬𝐭 𝐦𝐚𝐠𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐥 𝐛𝐚𝐥𝐥, 𝐀 𝐘𝐮𝐥𝐞 𝐁𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐂𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐛𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐢𝐧 𝐅𝐚𝐲𝐞𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐞 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐖𝐢𝐳𝐚𝐫𝐝 𝐖𝐞𝐞𝐤𝐞𝐧𝐝. 𝐑𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐲 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐰𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐬 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐚𝐧 𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐟𝐮𝐥𝐥 𝐨𝐟 𝐟𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐜𝐨𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐦𝐚𝐠𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐥 𝐦𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬.
Our most magical event of the year with 𝑴𝒂𝒎𝒂 𝑺𝒂𝒊𝒅 𝑺𝒕𝒓𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝑩𝒂𝒏𝒅 on the Southside Stage! $10 at the door with music starting at 8pm & doors opening at 7:00pm.
Delivering a refreshing reinvention of sounds once forgotten through their own brand of grassroots, 𝑴𝒂𝒎𝒂 𝑺𝒂𝒊𝒅 𝑺𝒕𝒓𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝑩𝒂𝒏𝒅 has been making an impact on the Bluegrass Scene & beyond since their debut in 2016. Based out of Louisville Kentucky, Mama Said String Band is a four-piece collection of songwriters & players, David O’Neal, Katie “Didit” Caudill, Kaitlen Farmer, and Kris Potts. Each member brings a unique perspective with backgrounds spanning multiple cultures, genres, and styles. Together they draw influences from Bluegrass, Folk and Americana while focusing on vocal harmonies and contemporary instrumentation to build an eclectic, eurythmic melody and tactfully delivered message.
Sunday
Wizard Scavenger Hunt Continues
Sunday, January 28 10am-3pm Start at Fayetteville Visitor Center
- Pick up a scavenger hunt from the Fayetteville Visitor Center
- Look for items and characters throughout town
- Return to the visitor center upon competition for a small prize
Laurel Fork Falconry Presentation
Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Building
Sunday, January 28 12pm
Colin from Laurel Fork Falconry will be giving an educational presentation on the art of falconry. Get an up-close view of some amazing birds of prey during his presentation.
Magical Wizarding Air Plant Terrarium Workshop with Botany Tropicals
Freefolk Brewery
Sunday, January 28 12pm-1:30pm
Calling all witches and wizards! Have you ever dreamt of creating your very own enchanted garden? Well, now’s your chance to make magic happen! Join us on Jan 28th at 12 noon for our Magical Wizarding Air Plant Terrarium Building Experience!
Quidditch Game Details
- Fayetteville Town park starts at 2:30pm
- All ages are encouraged to join, bring your broom.
- We will go over the rules on site. Players will be sorted into two teams of all ages from adults to small children. We play hard.