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new coffee festival is coming to the Kanawha Valley, and organizers of an upcoming beer and food truck festival are seeking local vendors for the May event. Here’s the 411 from communities around the region, including Charleston, Chesapeake, and Cross Lanes.
Coffee Festival: The Kanawha Valley will launch its newest local fete in just weeks. The West Virginia Coffee Festival kicks off Saturday, April 25, at the Charleston Coliseum and Convention Center. Nearly 20 roasters and a variety of West Virginia-based vendors will attend the event, which features tastings, demonstrations, educational sessions, and more. Attendees can choose from more than 50 caffeine-packed beverages to taste, including a selection of teas. An all-day pass costs $30 per person, or visitors can choose from three available sessions that cost $15 per person. Each ticket includes a festival program and a sampling mug. More information and a link to purchase tickets are available online.
Teen Speak: Are you raising a middle- or high-school-age student but finding it hard to connect with them? An upcoming lunch-and-learn series will help you break down communication barriers. Dr. Jennifer Salerno, an internationally recognized expert on preventing and reducing youth risks, will host a series of “Teen Speak” lunch-and-learn sessions at the Lisa Currey Memorial Annex Building, 12316 MacCorkle Ave. in Chesapeake. The free workshops take place from noon to 1 p.m. each Tuesday from April 28 through May 19, 2026. Sessions are open to all Kanawha Valley guardians and caregivers with middle- and high-school-aged youth. Each weekly talk will include a free lunch, discussions, take-home resources, and a free copy of Salerno’s “Teen Speak” book. You can register online. More information on the “Teen Speak” workshops is available on Facebook.
Taps & Trucks: Organizers of an upcoming beer festival are seeking artisans and local business owners interested in participating in a one-day event. Taps & Trucks, a beer and food truck event, will be held from 2 to 8 p.m. on Saturday, May 16, at Mardi Gras Casino in Cross Lanes. The event features food trucks, local brews, prizes, and a micro wrestling show. The event provides vendor space free of charge, but participants must provide their own tables and chairs. Vendors must remain set up for operation during the entire event. Applications are available online and must be submitted by May 1, 2026. More information on Taps & Trucks is available on the Mardi Gras Casino and Resort website.
