Plan Your Bridge Day 2024 Weekend

Get ready for one of West Virginia’s most unique and exhilarating events — Bridge Day 2024! Mark your calendars for Saturday, October 19, as the New River Gorge transforms into the ultimate destination for adrenaline seekers, outdoor enthusiasts and fall festival lovers. As the state’s largest single-day event, it’s a can’t-miss experience that draws tens of thousands of visitors each year.



A Festival Like No Other

Standing 876 feet above the New River, the iconic New River Gorge Bridge is the centerpiece of this unforgettable day. Professionals BASE jump into the Gorge, while rappellers ascend and descend from the bridge’s catwalk. 

But it’s not all about high-flying thrills. Bridge Day is a celebration of the beauty and culture of West Virginia. This year marks the third time the event will be held within the New River Gorge National Park and Preserve, offering visitors the perfect chance to check this stunning park off their bucket list while enjoying the festivities.


What You Can Expect

Every third Saturday in October, the New River Gorge Bridge becomes the place to be in West Virginia. As you walk the length of the bridge, browse 200 vendors offering everything from handcrafted art to delicious local delicacies. Outdoor outfitters also get in on the action, leading whitewater rafting trips that provide a unique view of the bridge from the river below.

This is the only day of the year that pedestrians are allowed on the bridge, making it a rare chance to walk across this architectural marvel — the longest single-arch bridge in the Western Hemisphere, spanning 3,030 feet.


Preparing For Bridge Day

The festival is free and runs from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., with shuttle services available for $5 (cash only) to get you to and from the event. Be mindful of prohibited items like coolers, chairs and pets. Only clear bags are allowed, and they’ll be available for purchase at shuttle stops while supplies last. For more details on directions, parking and rules, head over to the Bridge Day website.



Make the Most of the Weekend

The excitement extends beyond Bridge Day! Start your weekend on Friday, October 18, with Taste of Bridge Day, where you can enjoy local culinary delights while soaking in the sunset views at Adventures on the Gorge. This family-friendly event is a great way to kick off the festivities with live music, arts and crafts and the area’s finest food vendors. Be sure to arrive early — tickets and food sell out quickly!

On Saturday morning, Active Southern West Virginia’s Bridge Day 5k Run offers a unique chance to race across the New River Gorge Bridge. Later in the day, check out the Bridge Day Car Show at Starlite Drive-In, showcasing a variety of classic cars and motorcycles. After you’ve soaked in the thrills of Bridge Day, head to Fayetteville for the Bridge Day Chili Cook-Off to sample creative recipes from local chili masters.


Keep the Party Going

As the sun sets, the celebration continues with several after-parties around the Gorge. 


Explore the New River Gorge

With so much to see and do in the New River Gorge, why not extend your Bridge Day weekend? Whether it’s hiking to panoramic vistas, rock climbing on the sandstone cliffs or simply enjoying the fall foliage, there’s no shortage of outdoor adventures waiting for you. Check out the full list of activities available to round out your weekend.

Follow Bridge Day on social media for the latest event updates and tag your Bridge Day moments using #BridgeDay2024