Augusta Heritage Center Summer Workshop Series FAQ

Jump to: General Information | Workshops and Classes | Housing | Meals | Concerts and Public Events | Travel and Accessibility | Additional Information

General Information

Q: What is the Augusta Heritage Center Summer Workshop Series?
A: The Augusta Heritage Center’s summer workshop series is a renowned series of immersive workshops, concerts, and cultural events celebrating traditional music, arts, and crafts. Each week focuses on a specific heritage or artistic tradition, featuring expert instructors and vibrant community engagement.

Q: What does it cost to attend Augusta?
A: Early Access Registration will run from December 1 to January 15, 2026. The tuition price during this period is $595. Students who register during this period will also have early access to choose their classes for Summer 2026 (all classes will require pre-registration this year, which is a change from recent years) and will receive a thank you gift that is a limited edition handmade reprint of some of the earliest Augusta artwork in our archive.

The regular registration period will run from January 16th through May 25th. The tuition price during this period will remain $595, but class registration is on a first-come-first-served basis.

The late registration period will run from May 26th through the start of programs. The tuition price during this period is $650.

Exceptions: Folk Arts for Kids, Teen Augusta, Bluegrass Kids Academy and the Youth Vocal Academy will have lower tuitions than the adult tuitions listed above. Those registrations will open on February 1st and tuition will be announced at that time. Craft classes may have an additional materials fee.

Meal cards and housing are sold separately.

Q: Where does Augusta’s Summer Workshop Series take place? Is it still on the campus of Davis & Elkins College?
A: No, Augusta is no longer held at Davis & Elkins College. All events, workshops, and concerts will take place in downtown Elkins, West Virginia centered around Augusta’s new home in the Wilt Building.

Q: Why is Augusta now located in downtown Elkins?
A: Augusta moved downtown to establish a permanent, purpose-built home that can support the full five-week summer season and year-round programming. As an independent nonprofit since 2022, Augusta needed a dedicated facility designed for traditional arts learning. The Wilt Building allows us to hold classes, meals, concerts, and dances under one roof, improving the participant experience and strengthening our long-term sustainability. Being downtown creates a vibrant cultural hub where artists and students can gather, learn, and celebrate Appalachian traditions together..

Q: When is Augusta’s Summer Workshop Series?
A: The Augusta Heritage Center Summer Workshop Series will be held in July and August 2026. Cajun, Creole & Classic Country Week 2026: July 6 – 10, Blues Week 2026 : July 13 – 17, Old-Time Week 2026: July 20 – 24, Vocal Week 2026: July 27 – 31, Bluegrass Week 2026: August 3 – 7. Also check out our craft class information page: Here!

Q: Are scholarships available?
A: Yes! We offer a robust scholarship program in order to reduce the price of tuition. Scholarships can be applied to the cost of tuition only. To apply for scholarship, click here. We also have a new Volunteer Collective program that allows participants take classes in exchange for volunteering. To learn more about volunteering, click here.

Q: What are the age requirements for Augusta’s Summer Workshop Series?
A: The Augusta Heritage Center’s summer workshops are open to participants aged 5 and older.

• Our traditional music programming is open to all adults and children ages 12 and older. Students who are under 18 must have a chaperone who is responsible for them while they are participating in the program (between classes and during other activities).
• Some of our craft classes have higher minimum age requirements due to the tools being used. Please refer to the specific class description for the minimum age requirement.
• Kid-specific programs: We offer Folk Arts for Kids for students aged 5-11 every week. Teen Augusta for students aged 12-14 (during Old-Time Week), Bluegrass Kids Academy for students aged 9-14 (during Bluegrass Week), and Youth Vocal Academy for students aged 9-14 (during Vocal Week). All minors below the age of 18 must be accompanied by a chaperone regardless of program.

Q: What is the purpose of the Guest Pass? Who needs to purchase it and what are the benefits?
A: A guess pass costs $100.00 and grants access into all concerts, dances, jams, and cultural sessions during your week of attendance. It is a great way to be part of the Augusta program without taking classes. The guest pass is also a great option for community members who are only interested in evening activities. To register for a guest pass click here.

Workshops and Classes

Q: What types of workshops are offered?
A: Workshops cover a wide range of traditional music including Cajun and Creole, Classic Country, Bluegrass, Vocal, Old-Time, Blues, and various types of dance, craft, foodways, and folklore. The entire Augusta Heritage Center Summer Workshop Series 2026 course catalog will be available in February 2026.

Q: When do I sign up for classes? How do I know if a class is full?
A: The Augusta registration form can be used to see the remaining number of spots in each class. If you select the week and track you are looking for, the classes will appear for each period with the number of seats left in each. You will be able to see your options for each period before adding your order to your shopping cart. If a class is sold out or you would like to change your class please email info@augustaartsandculture.org or call the office at 304-637-1209.

Q: Will I be able to change my class selections before or during my week?
A: Yes, as long as a class has available space you will be able to change classes at check-in! If a class is sold out or you would like to change your class ahead of time please email info@augustaartsandculture.org or call the office at 304-637-1209.

Q: Will classes be held on Mondays?
A: No, classes will not be held on Mondays. Monday of each week will include orientation, check-in, and various evening activities! Check out the theme week info pages to see a detailed breakdown of the schedule.

Q: Where do I register my child for Folk Arts for Kids or Teen Week?
A: Child specific programs are not able to be registered for until the regular registration period begins in early February 2025! Keep an eye out for the launch of these programs!

Q: How does the class schedule work for theme week classes?
A: All of Augusta’s Summer Theme Weeks are organized in a period model. This means that you can create your daily schedule to study the exact combination of instruments, styles and techniques that is right for you. Most instructors are teaching during 2 of the 3 periods each day, plus participating in jams and dances. You will choose a class during Period 1 and take that same class all week. The same thing goes for Periods 2 and 3 — same class all week. You will end up with three different classes that you are taking all week. We have worked hard to make sure there is a path for every student each day, no matter your instrument or level.

Q: How do I get on the waitlist for a sold out class?
A: To be added to the waitlist for a class please email info@augustaartsandculture.org or call the office at 304-637-1209.

Q: Do I need to have prior experience to participate?
A: Our workshops cater to all skill levels, from beginners to advanced. Each workshop description in the class catalog and on the theme week info pages will provide guidance on the necessary experience level needed for each class.

Q: How do I choose the class level that is best for me?
A: From Scratch – Student has never tried an instrument, craft, or type of dance.
Beginner – I can play slowly. I have some starts and stops when I’m playing. I’m looking to smooth my playing and express myself more freely.
Intermediate – I can play several songs or tunes in the style at a moderate tempo. I’m not starting and stopping anymore, but I’d like to work on my technique and style.
Advanced – I can play many songs and tunes in the style and at the tempo of the seminal examples. I’m looking to further my knowledge of a specific technique or musician and add to my repertoire. Beyond the notes, I’m also interested in furthering my understanding of the people behind the music.

Experience learning by ear is often more valuable that technical experience on your instrument. If you think you might be between levels, choose the lower level if you have less confidence learning by ear and the higher level if you have more confidence learning by ear.

Q: How do I register for a workshop?
A: Registration is available online through the Augusta Heritage Center website. Click the button at the top of this page to register.

Q: Are instruments provided for music workshops?
A: Participants are generally expected to bring their own instruments. However, we do have a limited number of instruments available to borrow. Reach out ahead of time to see if we have any availability. Email info@augustaartsandculture.org or call 304-637-1209

Q: How do I register for Mini-classes?
A: Mini-classes will be announced at a later date. Keep an eye on our website, Facebook page, or email info@augustaartsandculture.org to be notified when they are announced.

Housing

Q: Who should I contact with questions about housing?
A: Contact the Augusta office at 304-637-1209 or email info@augustaartsandculture.org with any questions you may have about housing recommendations. You will need to contact the business directly for any booking inquires or cancellation requests.

Q: Where should I stay while attending the Augusta Summer Workshops?
A: Here are some helpful links:

• The Tygart Hotel – A newly renovated boutique hotel with room discounts for every week. About a half block away from the Augusta Heritage Center, with discounts for every week. Rooms start at $130 per night. To view prices or book, click on your week of interest: Cajun, Creole, & Classic Country | Blues | Old Time | Vocal | Bluegrass. (You can also call the Tygart Hotel at (304) 924-4279, ext. 1).
• The Elkins Holiday Inn Express – Very close to the Augusta Heritage Center, by the Elkins historic train depot. To redeem the Augusta discount (Approx $145 per night) call 304 – 630 – 2266 and tell them you are with Augusta. To see photos of the rooms, click here.
• The Isaac Jackson Hotel (Wingate by Windham) – Augusta participants enjoy 15% off all rooms. To book call Chip Friddle between 7am and 3pm Monday through Friday at 304 – 636 – 1400. To see photos of the rooms, click here.
• Graceland – A bed and breakfast in a historic mansion on the campus of Davis & Elkins College. Less than a mile from the Augusta Heritage Center. To visit their website, click here.
• Luxor Inn – Economy motel about one and a half miles from the Augusta Heritage Center. Rooms for about $100 per night. Click here to visit their site.
• The Brewstel – Hostel style accommodations above a brewery with six bunks per room. $40 per night for a bed, about a block away from the Augusta Heritage Center. Click here to learn more.
• Smoky Bottom Campground – Campground with full RV Hookups two and a half miles from the Augusta Heritage Center. Click here for more information.
• Stuart Recreation Area – Stay in an incredibly scenic state park. Tent camping and RV hookups about a 10-minute drive from the Augusta Heritage Center. Click here to see more.
• Shavers Fork Cabins – A variety of cabins and rooms near both the Augusta Heritage Center and the Shavers Fork of the Cheat River. Click here to view options.
• Stay Waterfront Cabins – A variety of cabins along the Shavers Fork of the Cheat River. Click here to view options.
• There are a number of Airbnb and VRBO rentals nearby. Many are within walking distance. These hosts love renting to Augusta participants.

Q: Are there any housing discounts for Augusta students? How do I ensure I receive these discounts? What is the cheapest housing option?
A: In order to receive the housing discounts for Augusta students, please use one the Augusta student registration links above OR call the business directly and ask for the Augusta group rate.

Q: Will housing be available on the campus of Davis & Elkins College.
A: No, the Augusta Summer Workshops series will not be taking place at Davis & Elkins College in 2026. Likewise, housing options at Davis & Elkins College will also be unavailable (aside from the Graceland Inn which is has publicly available rooms).

Meals

Q: Are meals included?
A: Meal plans are available for purchase in February 2026. Students who register in the early registration period will add their meal card when they pick their classes. For those who register in February or later, they will add their meal card during registration. There are also local restaurants and grocery stores nearby. If you have registered and would like to add a meal plan please contact us at 304-637-1209 or info@augustaartsandculture.org

The meal package includes 8 meals: Lunch and dinner from Tuesday-Friday. Meals will be served family-style in a warm, communal setting by The Baker’s Daughter; an eatery and bakery run by Zoe Uhrig and her family on the first-floor of the Augusta Heritage Center. The daily menu will blend the Uhrig’s English and European culinary background with Appalachian dining culture. Each day participants will enjoy thoughtfully prepared hearty meat and vegetarian options, salads, sides and artisan bread baked by Zoe’s father Ron. 

Q: Who is catering the Augusta meals this year?
A: Augusta is working with a wonderful family business called the Baker’s Daughter for all of our catering this year. Please read below to learn more about them!

Augusta Heritage Center x The Baker’s Daughter

Concerts and Public Events

Q: Are there evening concerts and dances?
A: Yes! Each week features evening events such as concerts, dances, and jam sessions that are open to participants and the public. Details will be announced in Spring 2026!

Travel and Accessibility

Q: What is the closest airport to Elkins, WV?
A: The nearest major airport is in Pittsburgh, PA (approximately 2.5 hours away). There is also a smaller regional airport in Clarksburg (North Central West Virginia Airport, approximately 1 hour away) and Washington Dulles International Airport, approximately 3.5 hours away. Augusta cannot provide shuttle service or organize car pooling. If you are interested in carpooling we advise that you post in the Augusta Facebook group Augusta: Learn – Create – Connect

Q: Is downtown Elkins accessible for individuals with mobility concerns?
A: Downtown Elkins is historic, so not all buildings adhere to modern ADA regulations. The Tygart Hotel, the Wilt Building, the Holiday Inn and almost all of the spaces we use will be accessible. With advance notice, we can ensure that your classes will be scheduled in accessible locations. We recommend contacting us in advance to discuss specific needs and accommodations. Please call 304-637-1209 ext. 2. Please leave a message and we will get back to you ASAP.