1 festival, 4 events: your Bridge Day preview

Think Bridge Day is limited to a few hours? Not so fast. You’ll need an entire weekend for America’s most extreme sports event.
Look forward to…

Taste of Bridge Day

October 20
Nothing signals the start of the weekend like a cheerful Friday dinner. And at Taste of Bridge Day, you’ll definitely get into the spirit.
Held at Adventures on the Gorge in Lansing, the feast is a casual, family event. Grab a plate and sample menu highlights from local restaurants all in one place. BBQ pork sliders, stuffed veal meatballs and spicy peach bread pudding are just some of the temptations offered. More than a dozen chefs are coming, too. Look forward to delicacies from Dobra Zupas, Sweet T’s Bake Shop, Gumbo’s and more.
Another great thing about Taste of Bridge Day is the location. Perched above the New River Gorge, the venue provides outstanding sunset views. Settle into your chair with a glass of wine, listen to live music and anticipate the coming festival.
Kids get their own entertainment as well. For the first time ever, Taste of Bridge Day will have a special children’s zone, complete with face painting, miniature golf and a family-friendly DJ.
Tasting tickets are sold in $10 increments; dishes range in value from $1 to $7. Other temptations include wine, craft beer and artwork.
Taste of Bridge Day lasts from 5-9 p.m. Bon appetit!

Bridge Jam

October 20-21
As if Friday night couldn’t get any better, this music festival arrives! Set at the Cascade Festival Grounds in Fayetteville, Bridge Jam unleashes 2 days of live music. The bands are always diverse, too. Listen to anything from rock and bluegrass to experimental!
This year’s lineup includes The Georgia Satellites, a long-time rock favorite; Step into The Blue, a star-studded bluegrass group; and Matt Mullins and The Bringdowns, an Appalachian rock band from Beckley.
Bridge Jam has its comforts, too. Vendors will have craft beer, wine and hearty fare. You can also browse artwork by local artists. There’s enough to keep you entertained all day— easily. Don’t want to leave? Reservations for camping sites for tents and RVs are available online.
Bridge Jam lasts from 6 p.m. to midnight on Oct. 20, then 2:30 p.m. to midnight on Oct. 21.

Bridge Day 5k

October 21
Before Bridge Day officially gets started, race in this unusual 5k! Everybody starts with a jog across the iconic span. From there, you’ll run to downtown Fayetteville.
Registration includes a shirt and participation medals. Top finishers get special awards, too. Then enjoy the festival! Only 400 racers can sign up, so register before all the slots are filled. Invigorating, inspiring, and unusual, this is one 5k you’ll want to try.
Check-in details are online.

Bridge Day

October 21
It’s 876 feet of airborne thrills: Bridge Day! Just once a year, the New River Gorge Bridge opens to BASE jumping, rappelling and sightseeing. The sky-high daring will take your breath away— guaranteed.
The 3,030-foot span also serves as a handy viewing platform. Admire glorious mountain scenery, brightened by autumn. You can also browse craft stalls, food carts and souvenir booths.
You can also watch the action by the river. Special Into the Gorge shuttles bring you near the landing zone, where BASE jumpers glide to earth. Pack a lunch, bring your friends and enjoy the colorful spectacle. BASE jumpers fly approximately every 30 seconds during Bridge Day, so it’s well worth the trip. Interested? Tickets are $25 each. To reserve yours, call the Fayette County Chamber of Commerce.
Bridge Day goes from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The parking map is available online. There are some rules, though, so it’s best to read up on those before you head to the festival!

Bridge Day Chili Cook-off

October 21
After Bridge Day ends at 3 p.m., venture into downtown Fayetteville for some chow! Locals will bring their homemade chili and cornbread, which you can sample during the cook-off. Tasting tickets will be sold in $5 increments.
Vote for your favorite recipe and help select the People’s Choice winner! Categories are traditional (no beans) and non-traditional (verde, vegetarian and more). You never know what’s bubbling under that lid!
Live music adds to the festivities. The appropriately named Black Garlic will start at 2:30 p.m., right before the cook-off starts.
The Bridge Day Chili Cook-off starts at 3 p.m. and concludes at 5:15 p.m. with an awards ceremony.
Do you like coming just for Bridge Day, or do you try everything, music and all? Share how you enjoy the festival.