The 24th Annual Cheat River Festival

The annual Cheat River Festival 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 are perfectly nestled along the banks of the Cheat River, just above the newly protected Canyon section – a stretch of river where whitewater enthusiasts flock to experience the thrilling rapids amidst a true wilderness setting. During the festival, attendees enjoy live music, an art market, a 5K and down river race, a vendor market, and more. Now in its 24th year, Cheat Fest draws more than 3,000 attendees from throughout the mid-Atlantic region and beyond. Festival-goers include: whitewater enthusiasts, environmental advocates, river lovers, fishermen, families, musicians, and artists alike.