FAQs

FAQs

What is the Lewisburg Winter Music Festival?

The Lewisburg Winter Music Festival (LWMF) is a two-day music festival held January 30-31, produced by the Southern Appalachia Musician’s Association (SAMA), based out of Lewisburg, WV. The festival brings together over 200 musicians, along with many hundreds of music fans throughout the downtown area of Lewisburg. This year, over 70 music acts are performing over 2 nights at 9 different venues throughout downtown.

Who is the Southern Appalachia Musician’s Association (SAMA) and where does the money go?

SAMA is a West Virginia-based non-profit whose mission is to assist musicians in times of crisis and also to foster music education through direct funding and grant writing. This event raises money to help us fulfill our mission. All music acts performing at the event are donating their time and talent towards our cause, making it a true case of musicians helping musicians. Our 8-person, all-volunteer board is made up of musicians and music professionals. Distributions will be approved by board vote and reported in our annual reporting.

What is the cost of admission?

In our effort to keep the festival affordable for all, tickets for the entire 2 day event are only $30. Single day tickets are only $20. We recommend pre-ordering your tickets, which can be done here: https://www.lewisburgwintermusicfest.com/tickets

How do I redeem my ticket?

You will present your ticket at the first venue you visit on exchange for the appropriate wristband. Didn’t pre-purchase your ticket? No worries! Tickets can be purchased at any venue the days of the event, with cash or card.

Can I volunteer?

Yes! Volunteer blocks will run 2 hours and will include a free pass to the festival.
Volunteering needs include: working the door at venues (checking and selling tickets), selling festival merch, and being a runner for band/venue needs.
Sign up to volunteer at: https://www.lewisburgwintermusicfest.com/volunteer

What venues are participating?

This year our venues include: The Asylum, Washington Street Pub, Sweet Shoppe, Briergarten, Wild Bean, Hill and Holler, Old Red Mill, Lewis Theatre, and Greenbrier Valley Visitors Center. An event map will be available for those unfamiliar with the area.

What time will the music take place?

Live music acts will be performing at all venues from 6:00 PM until around Midnight. There will also be late night DJ sets at some venues. Please check the schedule for exact performance times. While we will do our best to stay on schedule, be advised that delays and changes may occasionally happen.

Where can I view the lineup and schedule?

The lineup and schedule will be posted in December…stay tuned to social media for announcement!

Can I walk between venues?

Yes! Our downtown is very compact and all venues are within a couple minutes walk from each other.

Where can I park?

Lewisburg has ample free street parking throughout town and a free municipal lot located on the corner of Foster St. and Lafayette St.

Is this event for all ages?

Age requirement is venue and time dependent. Please check with the venues. While many venues serve food and in the earlier evening may be appropriate for children, be advised that as the evening progresses under 21 may no longer be appropriate. On Saturday, the Greenbrier Valley Visitors Center will be a free, all ages venue hosted by our local high school’s 2nd Block Rock class.

Will merchandise be available?

Festival shirts will be available for purchase at the Wild Bean and Lewis Theatre. Music acts are also encouraged to sell their merch at the venues at which they are performing.

Can I bring my pet?

Due to the nature of this event being indoors at the bars and restaurants throughout downtown, it is not suitable for animals.

Band FAQs

What is the Lewisburg Winter Music Festival?

The Lewisburg Winter Music Festival (LWMF) is a two-day music festival produced by the Southern Appalachia Musician’s Association (SAMA), based out of Lewisburg, WV. SAMA is a 501(c) non-profit who has recently relaunched the previously successful festival. Our mission is to assist musicians in times of crisis and also to foster music education through direct funding and grant writing. This event raises money to help us fulfill our mission. 

Who is the Southern Appalachia Musician’s Association (SAMA) and where does the money go?

SAMA is a West Virginia-based non-profit that is focused on helping musicians recover from disaster and crisis and also helps promote and foster music education. Our 8-person, all-volunteer board is made up of musicians and music professionals. Our intent is to hold single events and festivals in other cities so that our efforts can reach as many people as possible, including Virginia, North Carolina, and Kentucky, with each event distributing its funding in its immediate area for those in need. Distributions will be approved by board vote and reported in our annual reporting.

How Can I play LWMF?

The deadline has passed for playing 2026 LWMF. Stay tuned in September 2026 for the portal to open again!

How much do we get paid for performing at LWMF?

Our performers donate their time and musicianship to help further the cause. This allows all revenue from ticket sales to go directly to those in need. Think of it as “Musicians Helping Musicians.” We do provide discounted lodging, discounted food and beverage, and other freebies for those that play at the festival. Musicians are also allowed to put out tip jars, sell merch, or request tips through QR codes.

Who runs our band’s sound at LWMF?

Each venue has a dedicated sound engineer who, along with an appointed board member, will communicate with you for all of your band’s needs. Please prepare a working stage plot with all inputs prior to the deadline (will be announced soon). Our sound engineers have years of experience and are compensated for their work.

How long of a set do we get?

Each performer's set is between 45 - 90 mins. This allows us to feature as many musicians as possible across our multiple venues.


Can I choose where to play?

Unfortunately our scheduling coordinator needs to assign each band at the most appropriate place so that “show-flow” works as efficiently as possible. That being said, you are welcome to request a place and we will do everything humanly possible to make it happen.

Do we get a “plus-one?”

Due to the large number of musicians for the festival, we cannot accommodate plus-ones for free. This would be at a huge loss to the event’s revenue and its ability to serve its mission. However, we are offering 50% discount for plus ones PRE-SALE ONLY. If your plus-one would like to volunteer for the event, they are welcome to do that HERE.

When do we do soundcheck?

A call sheet will be sent out before the festival dates with all appropriate technical and timing information.

What time frame will the music be happening?

Music runs from approximately  6pm - Midnight at each venue.