What is Friends of the Cheat?
Friends of the Cheat(FOC) is an environmental nonprofit group based in Kingwood, West Virginia. Our mission is to restore, preserve, and promote the unique qualities of the Cheat River Watershed.
Our daily efforts focus on combating Acid Mine Drainage (AMD), hosting educational and outreach events, conducting extensive water sampling throughout the watershed, and ensuring accessible recreational opportunities for everyone.
What is the Cheat River Festival?
Cheat Fest is the annual celebration hosted by Friends of the Cheat on the banks of the Cheat River. Boaters, music lovers, and families enjoy a day full of live music, dancing, art, vendors, and fun. For athletes, we hold a 5K foot race and a Down River Race through the Cheat Canyon. Many fest goers make a weekend out of it and stay in the adjacent campgrounds. Cheat Fest serves as FOC’s primary fundraiser, and supports our work throughout the year.
Tickets
Secure your spot and save money by preordering your tickets online! Tickets will be available starting in early March.
Presale Combo Tickets, covering both Friday and Saturday, are just $40 each. Day-of tickets can only be purchased at the gate for $20 (Friday) and $30 (Saturday).
Keep in mind, Cheat Fest has a limited capacity and has sold out in the past—don’t miss your chance to join the fun!
Parking
The main public parking is adjacent to the festival grounds; please follow signs off Route 26. Parking is donation based and the funds go towards improvements at the Festival Site. The Front Gate and Festival entrance is accessed from this parking area.
Feel free to bring a non perishable food item to contribute to our Cheat Fest Food Drive . You can drop your donation at the Info Booth.
Camping
Festival tickets do not include camping, but there are nearby primitive campgrounds within walking distance of the festival grounds Click here for detailed lodging information. Onsite primitive camping is only available to VIPs, volunteers, vendors, sponsors, and bands.
Can I bring my RV/Camper? The Festival grounds and the Friends of the Cheat Campground are not set up for RV/campers. We do not have pads or hookups. Primitive camping is allowed on the Fest Grounds and the FOC Campground. Teter’s Campground is no longer open and Cheat Canyon Campground does not have RV hookups. Please plan on car/ primitive camping.
Food/Refreshments
Cheat Fest boasts an array of delicious food vendors with something for everyone, vegetarians and meat-lovers alike. In the past we’ve enjoyed BBQ, wood fired pizza, tacos, paninis, salads, smoothies, popcorn, sweets, and more. No alcohol will be sold on site, so please plan ahead.
Handicap Accessibility
Anyone needing special assistance may enter through the back gate; follow the signs to Friends of the Cheat Campground entrance at Beech Run Road. Direct advance special requests to cheatfest@cheat.org. Beware that Cheat Fest is known for muddy conditions that may not be compatible with all handicap devices.
What to wear
Cheat Fest is notorious for its rainy weather conditions, but attendees embrace it! Make sure to bring a rain jacket, mud/muck boots, and change of clothes.
Volunteering
Volunteering is a great way to get involved with our event! Volunteers earn free entry, onsite camping privileges, and free food and drinks at the Volunteer Cafe. Check out the Volunteer page for more info.
Restrictions
Glass
Glass is not allowed, this includes bottles & growlers (spectacles are okay!) We are unable to recycle glass and it is dangerous to barefoot children and people walking in the dark. Be thoughtful and please don’t bring glass into the Festival Site!
Pets
No, No, NO. Friends of the Cheat loves dogs just as much as you, just not at Cheat Fest (ADA assistants excepted). For those who must travel with Fido, there are several pet boarding options in Preston and Monongalia counties that offer great accommodations.
Fireworks
No fireworks or incendiary devices are allowed onto Festival grounds. If you shoot off fireworks, the sheriff WILL come out and you will be removed from the grounds.
Motorized transportation
No motorized devices are allowed to be ridden within the Festival Site. This includes e-bikes, one wheels, scooters, etc.
Need more information?
Please direct all questions to Festival Coordinator at cheatfest@cheat.org or 304.329.3621 ext. 2.
Are one-wheels allowed?
If you are referring to anything motorized, the answer is no. No motorized vehicles, bikes, scooters, or boards will be allowed to be ridden within the Fest Site, no matter the amount of wheels.