Join Us for Bridge Day 2023 – Mark Your Calendar for October 21st!

Experience one of West Virginia’s most extraordinary and exciting events at Bridge Day, the largest single-day festival in the state. Our beloved celebration returns on October 21, 2023, and we can’t wait to share all the thrills with you!

Take in the breathtaking autumn views from the iconic New River Gorge Bridge and watch as professionals BASE jump and rappel from the structure at our favorite extreme sports event in the world. Bridge Day isn’t just about adrenaline-pumping stunts; it’s also a chance to check the New River Gorge National Park and Preserve off your bucket list. This marks the second year that Bridge Day has been held in the national park!

Bridge Day Quick Facts

Every third Saturday in October, thousands of people gather on the New River Gorge Bridge to witness adventure seekers BASE jump and rappel into the Gorge below. This festival is a testament to the wild and wonderful spirit of West Virginia, drawing an annual crowd of around 80,000 people, with some years hitting nearly 100,000!

Watch as professional BASE jumpers soar 876 feet into the Gorge below and rappellers ascend and descend from the catwalk directly below the bridge. It takes approximately eight seconds from the bridge to the water of the New River. Most BASE jumpers free-fall from the bridge for three to four 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. This architectural wonder stretches 3,030 feet in length, stands 876 feet high, spans 70 feet in width and is crafted from 88 million pounds of U.S. Cor-Ten steel and American cement. The use of Cor-Ten weathering steel ensures the bridge blends seamlessly into its scenic surroundings, saving approximately $1 million on paint.

Prepare For Bridge Day 2023

Bridge Day is a free event, so no need to worry about purchasing tickets. The festival runs 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 $5 (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 are not allowed at Bridge Day, and certain items such as coolers, folding chairs, bicycles and alcohol are prohibited. You can carry clear backpacks and handbags, subject to search. To be prepared for the event, purchase clear bags on the Fayette County Chamber of Commerce website now. Additionally, clear bags will be available at participating shuttle stops during Bridge Day (cash only and while supplies last).

For more event details, including driving directions, a full list of prohibited items, and festival rules, visit the Bridge Day website.

Make It A Full Weekend

Kick off your Bridge Day weekend with Taste of Bridge Day on Friday, October 20, from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Located at Adventures on the Gorge, this event lets you savor menu highlights from local restaurants and caterers while enjoying stunning sunset views of the New River Gorge. The Canyon Rim Rotary Club proudly organizes this family-friendly festival, showcasing culinary delights from the area’s finest eateries.

Participating food vendors this year include ACE Adventure Resort’s Lost Paddle Wood Fired Pizza, Angelo’s Italian Sausage, Black Bear Bakery, Café 110, Chetty’s Pub, Don Rizo Mexican Kitchen & Cantina, Handle Bar + Kitchen at Arrowhead Bike Farm, Kobe Asian Fusion, Smokey’s On The Gorge, Tamarack Marketplace, The Corner Gas ’N Grill, The Take Out, Twisted Sisters BBQ and WV Beef Jerky. Secure your tickets online, available in packs of 20 for $20. Advanced online ticket sales run until October 18, but single tickets will also be available at the event. Please note that tickets and food sell out quickly, so we recommend arriving before 8 p.m.

On the morning of Bridge Day, hit the ground running with a one-of-a-kind 5k — Active Southern West Virginia’s Bridge Day 5k Run. This race offers a rare chance to run across the New River Gorge Bridge. The course begins on the North side of the bridge, allowing runners to soak in panoramic views while heading south toward the Court Street finish line in Fayetteville. The race is limited to 500 runners, and there are still a few spots available, so sign up now!

As the festival wraps up, spend your evening in Fayetteville at the annual Bridge Day Chili Cook-Off from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. Sample some of the finest chili from around the region, from mild to wild, and even assist in judging the flavors. The cook-off takes place in front of the Fayette County Courthouse and features live music and children’s activities. Admission and parking are free, but there is a charge for chili tasting tickets.

Stay tuned for more updates as we countdown to October 21, and be sure to follow Bridge Day on social media. We can’t wait to welcome you to this year’s unforgettable festival!