First‑Time Festival Guide: Back Home Festival in New Martinsville, WV

What to Expect at the Back Home Festival

Music Lineup & Festival Vibes

Festival Grounds, Layout & Sections

First‑Time Festival Tips for New Martinsville

Is the Back Home Festival good for Kids?

Are dogs allowed at the Back Home Festival?

Everything you need to know before heading to the Back Home Festival!

First time at the Festival? Here’s your Guide!

“Bob Marley and Hot Air Balloon rides”

For real.

We MUST go!

Most of our adventures are on a whim. Unplanned and underprepared. Back in March, almost four months ago. I saw the advertised line-up for the Back Home Festival. The WAILERS?! They’re coming to West Virginia?! And it’s only $10?! Then I saw “Hot Air Balloon Rides”. What?! It was like I was scrolling a Facebook post in a weird dream.

Grab your Ruby Slippers, Dorothy!

It’s fun to do things with the family. We’d originally planned to tent camp at The Marina. Then it became a couples trip. Every now and again, it’s good to have an “us” day.

Because, because, because!

We carefully considered our options. The Festival wasn’t advertised as dog-friendly (for all the right reasons). The Wailers began at 9pm. It was a late show. We have the best sitter!

We’re off to see the Wailers!

The Back Home Festival is in Wetzel County, which neighbors Monongalia County.

It’s a twisty and turny 90 minute drive through Route 7.

Can you even imagine driving from Preston County to Wetzel County? It’d be a like, a three hour timeline of topographic difference. And likely some car sickness, too!

Route 7 is pretty wild!

And.. West Virginia is so wonderful!

There’s no place like Home

From Mountains to rolling hills.

Arriving to The City of New Martinsville; a quaint little town, right along the Ohio River.

“.. It’s so flat here”

I couldn’t help but think. The views are as wide as the river. An truly eccentric spot in the Mountain State!

Nacho Average WV Town

We strolled downtown, heading to a Local Mexican Restaurant Dos Hermanos.

“..THIS is the Best Taco I’ve ever had!”

We began our day in New Martinsville with a late lunch. The food was extremely high quality. The service was excellente! The restaurant was sparkling clean. All the great things! We made quick friends with the owner. He was also looking forward to “The Wailers”. See ya in a bit!

Ready for Lift Off!

We headed to The Marina/ Hot Air Balloon section. The services were provided by Lehigh Valley Hot Air Rides.

“We’re waiting for the breeze to die down”

If you see the balloon up.. “We’re running”.

Too much Gale, Dorothy.

We wandered in close proximity at the Campground. We saw old friends, made new friends. Talked to experienced festies and newcomers. Shootin’ the breeze!

Due to winds; the Hot Air Balloon rides never launched. Oh well. Another day!

……. Follow the Yellow Brick Road!

The Yellow Brick Road is the path between the Campground Marina and the Main Stage. Through this road, you’ll meet a few friendly faces. Seriously. Everyone was so nice here!

It takes Courage.

The brain thinks, and the Heart gives!

~Roots, Rock, Reggae~

Dis a REGGAE MUSIC

One Love. One Heart. Let’s get together and feel alright!

The music began; the entire festival was surrounded by sound. All the good vibes were in the air!

“Man.. I’d love to stay another day!”

In the *sitting* section.
*Ready* for the *dancing* section!

The lawn was organized and sectioned. As someone who is mildly OCD/ADHD/Visually Oriented; I was pleased.

**Deaf people** ***can*** **enjoy** **concerts too!**

A section for dancing, a section for chairs, and a section for canopies. YES! It should be this way!

The Festival Grounds were just the right size. Not too big, but certainly not small. About a dozen food vendors. Upwards of fifty craft vendors (think tye dye, blown glass, and hippie etcetera).

It feels so good Back Home

The Festival holds TWO side-by-side Main Stages. Which allows for non-stop performances. There’s no “pausing”. Or breaks for equipment set up/tear down.

**The Back Home Festival is a**
**TYPE TWO Festival**. **Enjoy!**

What should I bring to the Back Home Festival?

It depends. If this is a “day thing”;

Cash
Sunblock
Chair

Anything else MUST be carried in a CLEAR PLASTIC BAG

If you plan to camp; you’ll need all your usual camping gear. Pets and Coolers are permitted at the Campground. However, no outside drinks or pets are allowed on festival grounds.

Is the Back Home Festival good for Kids?

Honestly, no. There were children in attendance. This is kinda an adult-thing, ya know? At the grounds, there’s not much offered for kids. There was a face painting booth, though. The New Martinsville Parks & Recreation hosted a “Dollar Day”.

Mini Golf
Paddle Boats
Swimming Pool with waterslides

All for $1 on Saturday!

However, the Park is 3.9 miles away from the Festival Grounds. Which makes it a “pick and choose”.

Are Dogs allowed at the Back Home Festival?

No. Pets are allowed at the Campground Marina. But, please.. Find a dog sitter. This is just not ideal for Fido. Between your fun plans and the regulations; Fido shouldn’t be left alone and/or miserable. Another “pick and choose” situation.

More Info on the Back Home Festival

Everything you need to know before heading to the Back Home Festival!

If you’re here to spend the day; there’s FREE PARKING! The downtown lot across from the New Martinsville Municipal Building (176 Washington Street, New Martinsville WV 26155)

If you’re here to spend the weekend; FREE CAMPING! The Marina provides free tent camping. (1 Harlan Drive, New Martinsville, WV 26155)

One of the experienced festies said;

“I love coming here…and 7-Eleven is right up the road. If you run out of something. You can walk up and get it!”.

A spin-off of Woodstock, The WV Version

Wood you… Bring your kids and dogs to Woodstock? Probably not. This festival is best enjoyed SOLO, COUPLES, AND FRIENDS.

With a 1969 Price Tag

The line up for 2024, and past years; have been phenomenal! Nationally recognized names and performing artists. $10 for a day. Or get a three day weekend pass for $25. You won’t find a better bargain of a Festival! And I’m a Frugal Cheapskate!