West Virginia University will host its annual FallFest concert on Monday, August 18, at the Rec Center Fields in the Evansdale area of campus. The event is headlined by Sierra Ferrell, a singer-songwriter from West Virginia who has received multiple Grammy awards.
Ferrell, recognized for her contributions to roots music, won four Grammy Awards earlier this year, including Best Americana Album for “Trail of Flowers.” She also received honors for Best American Roots Song and Performance for “America Dreaming” and “Lighthouse,” respectively. According to WVU’s announcement, Ferrell’s debut album with Rounder Records, “Long Time Coming,” has brought her widespread acclaim and led to collaborations with artists such as Post Malone and Margo Price.
“One of the brightest young luminaries in roots music today and a four-time Grammy winner, Sierra Ferrell brings a dose of beautifully strange magic to everything she touches,” organizers stated. “Since the arrival of ‘Long Time Coming,’ her acclaimed debut LP for Rounder Records, the West Virginia-born singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist has earned the Emerging Act of the Year prize at the Americana Honors and Awards, collaborated with the likes of Post Malone, Margo Price and Old Crow Medicine Show, and enchanted audiences all over North America and Europe with her high-spirited and dazzling live performance.”
The lineup also features Seneca, a band formed in 2023 by WVU students Andrew Parsons (vocals), Dylan Hunt (guitar), Chris Little (drums), Jared Longmore (bass), and Graham Sterling (piano). The group gained local recognition through performances around Morgantown before expanding their reach to other venues across West Virginia.
“Rooted in the hills of West Virginia, blending storytelling soul with the energy of the modern Americana rock and country scene, Seneca was formed in 2023 by WVU students… Their journey has taken them across West Virginia and on to some truly esteemed stages. Seneca’s music moves like a drive down West Virginia’s mountain roads — rooted, dynamic and impossible to forget,” event organizers said.
Additional music will be provided by Howes Party—a Morgantown-based DJ—and U92 The Moose, an independent student-run radio station.
Gates open at 6:30 p.m., with performances starting at 7 p.m. Three gates are available for entry: Gate A at Rec Center Tennis Courts; Gate B at Towers PRT station exit; Gate C on Kittie Blakemore Drive between Student Rec Center and Student Health and Education Building. Students must present valid WVU IDs at entry points; each may bring one guest age 17 or older without requiring guest tickets but must provide proof of age if asked.
Security protocols require all attendees to pass through metal detectors. Only clear bags within specified dimensions or small clutches are allowed under WVU’s clear bag policy. More information about permitted items can be found via WVU’s official policy.
Transportation options include continuous bus service between Mountainlair and Braxton Tower portico starting at 6 p.m., as well as extended PRT hours until one hour after the concert ends. Ride-share drop-off is designated near Short Term Lot ST-1 at Morrill Way and Kittie Blakemore Drive. Free parking begins at 4 p.m. in lots ST-9 (across from Art Museum) and ST-1 off Patteson Drive.
Alcohol is prohibited at FallFest; no smoking is allowed per the university’s Tobacco and Smoke-Free Campus policy. Attendees cannot bring weapons or certain items such as glow sticks or coolers into the venue.
FallFest will proceed rain or shine. It is organized by WVU Arts & Entertainment. Additional details are available on the events website or by calling 304-293-SHOW (7469). Updates are posted on social media platforms Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), and Instagram via @wvuevents.
Media interested in covering FallFest should request credentials by email to Kristie Stewart-Gale by 5 p.m., August 15.
