Bridge Day Is Back On October 15, 2022

After two long years without an in-person Bridge Day, we are happy to announce that one of the world’s most unique events and largest, single-day festival in West Virginia is back on October 15! 

Appreciate the peak fall view from the New River Gorge Bridge and watch as professionals BASE jump and rappel from the structure at our favorite extreme sports event in the world. Plus, this year’s festival will be the first held in the New River Gorge National Park and Preserve, so you don’t want to miss it!

What Is Bridge Day All About? 

Every third Saturday in October, thousands of people gather on the New River Gorge Bridge to watch adventure seekers BASE jump and rappel into the Gorge below. This festival showcases just how wild and wonderful West Virginia truly is. On average, 80,000 people attend Bridge Day each year! Some years, attendance has been closer to 100,000 people. 

Serious BASE jumpers get their chance to fly 876 feet into the Gorge below and rappellers ascend and descend from the catwalk directly below the bridge. It takes approximately 8 seconds from the bridge to the water of the New River. Most BASE jumpers free-fall from the bridge for 3-4 seconds before deploying their parachute. They spend the next 20 to 30 seconds floating down to the landing zone. 

Lining the bridge are 200 vendors selling everything from phenomenal art to the quintessential funnel cakes. Our local New River Gorge outdoor outfitters are also in full force during Bridge Day, taking whitewater rafting trips down the New River for a unique view of the festivities. 

Bridge Day is the only day of the year that pedestrians are allowed on the renowned New River Gorge Bridge, the longest single-arch bridge in the Western Hemisphere. The impressive statistics don’t stop there! It also is 3,030 feet long, 876 feet high, 70 feet wide and is made from 88 million pounds of U.S. Cor-Ten steel and American cement. The Cor-Ten weathering steel was used to blend into the scenic surroundings and saved approximately $1 million on paint. 

How To Prepare For Bridge Day 2022

Bridge Day is a free event, so you don’t have to worry about purchasing tickets. The festival goes from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. 

The most convenient way to get to the bridge is to park and then use the Bridge Day shuttle. The shuttle is $3 (cash only) and will drop you off at the entrance of the event and vice versa. Find a shuttle map on the Bridge Day website. 

Dogs aren’t allowed, and there are also several items, like coolers, folding chairs, bicycles and alcohol that are prohibited. Clear backpacks and clear handbags are allowed at Bridge Day (subject to search). To prepare for the event, purchase your own clear bag on the Fayette County Chamber of Commerce website now. These bags will also be available to purchase at participating shuttle stops during Bridge Day (cash only and while supplies last). 

Visit the Bridge Day website for more information regarding the event, including driving directions, a full list of prohibited items, festival rules and more. 

Make It A Full Weekend

Start your Bridge Day weekend at Taste of Bridge Day on Friday, October 14 from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Sample menu highlights from local restaurants and caterers all in one place! This annual event is held at Adventures on the Gorge and offers beautiful views of the New River Gorge at sunset. This year’s food vendors include Tamarack, ACE Adventure Resort, KOBE Asian Fusion, Black Bear Bakery, Twisted Sisterz BBQ, Cafe 110, Corner Gas & Grill, Craft Kings, Mister Crab Catering & Boil, Sugar Momma Bakery, Smokey’s on the Gorge, and Country Thai Food Truck. In addition to delicious food, the event will also feature live music and art vendors. Online ticket sales must be purchased in packs of 20 for $20. At the event, single tickets will be available. Please note that tickets and food sell out quickly, so we recommend arriving before 8 p.m.

Before Bridge Day officially kicks off, race in a one-of-a-kind 5k — Active Southern West Virginia’s Bridge Day 5k Run. This race is the only chance to run across the New River Gorge Bridge! The race is limited to 500 runners, and there are still a few spots available so sign up now. 

Finally, spend your evening after the festival in Fayetteville at the annual Bridge Day Chili Cook-Off from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. Stop by to taste and help judge some of the best chili samples from around the region. There will also be live music and children’s activities. The cook-off will be set up in front of the Fayette County Courthouse. 

Follow Bridge Day on social media for more updates as October 15 inches closer. We can’t wait to see you at this year’s festival!