Cheat Fest Preparty feat Parsonsfield, Emay & the Soundmen, Meadow Run

Join us for The Official 25th Annual Cheat River Festival PreParty at 123 Pleasant Street Tuesday, April 30th! The event will feature music from Parsonsfield and Cheat Fest perfromers Emay & the Soundmen and Meado Run. Raffles and donations will benefit Friends of the Cheat and their fight to protect the Cheat River water shed. Doors 7PM. $10 18&up

The 25th Annual Cheat River Festival May 3rd & 4th in Albright, WV

The annual Cheat River Festival (Cheat Fest) is a celebration of new life, that which comes each spring and the new life that can be found in the Cheat River watershed. Cheat Fest is Friends of the Cheat’s annual fundraiser which helps us advance our watershed projects and supports the organization’s administrative costs. Rain or shine, Cheat Fest is always a good time!

The festival grounds in Albright, West Virginia will transform into a haven for boaters, music lovers, and families. Once again we'll be celebrating for two days! Gates open 5:00pm on Friday, May 3rd with music from 5:30pm to 10:00pm. Gates will open again on Saturday, May 54h from 11:30am with music from noon to 11:00pm.

Friday and Saturday, bands from all over Appalachia will entertain crowds with live music, while outdoor enthusiasts, engaged citizens, and families browse the Art Market, learn about other
non-profit organizations that share the FOC vision, bid on a great array of silent auction goods, enjoy food and merchandise from vendors, learn and interact in workshops and activities for all ages, and above all, help support Friends of the Cheat!

On Friday, Fest Goers can experience the Downriver Race - one of the largest mass start whitewater races in the country through 10 miles of the Cheat River Canyon. Watch from the bank or register as a racer at our website listed below. On Saturday, runners can support the development of a rail-trail on the Cheat River one stride at a time in the Cheat Fest 5K.

Presale tickets:
Friday - $10
Saturday - $20

Kids under 12 are free!

Cheat Fest has sold out in the past. We strive for quality over quantity since the festival naturally maintains a grassroots, family-friendly, reunion vibe due to limited space. So, be sure to get your ticket ahead of time to secure your experience.

For more information on purchasing tickets, camping, or registering for the Downriver Race, the 5K, the vendor market, the Art Market, or the Non-profit tent, please visit cheatfest.org.

Whether it is your first Cheat Fest or your 25th, we really hope to see you there in support and unity in the name of our wild and wonderful river.