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town in western Kanawha County will celebrate its heritage as a World War I supplier, and Rib Fest brings barbecue vendors back to the Kanawha Valley. Here’s the 411 from communities around the region, including Nitro, Marmet and Charleston.
BOOMTOWN DAY: The city of Nitro will be booming on Saturday, September 6. That’s when the town holds its annual homecoming celebration. Boomtown Day recognizes the western Kanawha County community’s heritage as a World War I-era “boomtown.” Nitro was established during WWI, when the city was built as a major supplier of gunpowder for U.S. troops. Boomtown Day celebrates this heritage and gives residents and visitors an opportunity to connect with others who have ties to the municipality. This year’s observance kicks off with a parade at 10 a.m. The festivities continue at Nitro Living Memorial Park on 21st Street. Activities include food and craft vendors, live music, a Kids Zone and more. Nitro Antique Car Club will hold its annual car show as part of the event, and Out of Eden will provide live musical entertainment. The festivities conclude at 4 p.m. Saturday. More information on Boomtown Day is available on the City of Nitro’s Facebook page.
RIB FEST: Rib Fest returns to the Kanawha Valley Sept. 11-14, 2025. This year’s event will be held at Ben Morris Field, 8500 MacCorkle Avenue in Marmet. A number of local and national barbecue vendors will provide food, including Cowboys BBQ, Jim’s Smokin’ Que, Old Time BBQ and Moonshine BBQ. In addition to food, the festival features live music, a children’s zone, a beer garden and more. Rib Fest is open from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 11, through Saturday, Sept. 13, and noon to 8 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 14. More information is available on the Rib Fest website.
HOMESTEAD-ISH CONFERENCE: A two-day homesteading convention in Charleston will bring together neighbors interested in micro-farming and other topics related to cottage industries and the homesteading lifestyle. The Homesteading-ish Conference, held at Bible Center Church in Charleston, takes place on Friday, Sept. 12, and Saturday, Sept. 13. The gathering will feature speakers, vendors, demonstrations and more. Special guests include Ben Hollar from Hollar Homestead, The Fit Farmer Mike Dickinson, Sheraton Park Farm’s Chuck Lewis, and more than 25 other speakers. Tickets are $75 per person and can be purchased online. More information, including a full event schedule, can be found on the Homestead-Ish Conference website.
