ELKINS, W.Va. — The Railyard Event & Conference Center is now open in the heart of historic downtown Elkins, welcoming guests to a 28,000-square-foot venue built on the former site of the city’s iconic railroad roundhouse. Blending Appalachian heritage with modern event functionality, The Railyard is designed to host weddings, conferences, corporate gatherings, signature shows, banquets and community events year-round.
Managed by Taylor Hospitality and developed as a project of the Randolph County Development Authority, The Railyard rises on ground once central to the region’s rail industry — now reimagined as a full-service destination for celebrations, conferences and live performances. The venue features flexible indoor event spaces, high-end audiovisual capabilities, on-site event coordination and a walkable downtown location surrounded by shops, restaurants and lodging.
“The Railyard was created as a space where celebrations, connections and community come together,” said Shane Jones, general manager of The Railyard. “Opening our doors to the people of Elkins and to visitors from across the region is exactly the moment we’ve been building toward.”
“The Railyard represents years of vision and investment — not only in downtown Elkins, but in the future of Randolph County,” said Robbie Morris, Executive Director of the Randolph County Development Authority. “This is more than an event venue; it’s a catalyst for tourism, small business and community pride, built on ground that has always been at the heart of our region’s story.”
The Railyard also anchors a broader downtown experience, sitting just steps from the Elkins Depot Welcome Center and Mountain Rail excursions, and near Davis & Elkins College and outdoor recreation throughout Randolph County.
A packed opening season
The Railyard opens with a lineup that spans comedy, live music, community events and its own original productions:
• The Eagles Project — July 31, 7 p.m. on The Railyard Stage. The Eagles Project is a powerful tribute featuring the signature harmonies, guitar work, and classic hits that defined a generation. Hear favorites like “Hotel California” and “Take It Easy” live on The Railyard Stage in downtown Elkins.
• Katherine Blanford: “Delightfully Unfiltered,” with Brooks Wheelan — Aug. 1 at 7 p.m. on The Railyard Stage. The nationally touring comedian brings her debut hour, “Catholic Cowgirl,” following two “Tonight Show” appearances and a spot on Deadline’s “Comedians Ready to Break Out in 2025.” She’ll be joined by Brooks Wheelan, a nationally touring comedian and former “Saturday Night Live” cast member.
• West Virginia Outdoor Expo — Aug. 8–9, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. in the Conference Center. Free admission, featuring a Turkey Calling Contest and vendors celebrating the region’s outdoor heritage.
• The Mainline Show: “Memories on the Mainline” — debuting Aug. 14–15 at 7 p.m. on The Railyard Stage, then running every Saturday through October. The Railyard’s flagship original production.
• Echoes of Icons — debuting Aug. 21 at 7 p.m. on The Railyard Stage, then running every Friday through October. The Railyard’s second signature production.
• Jason Crabb — Sept. 27 on The Railyard Stage. Doors and opening act at 6:30 p.m.; Crabb takes the stage at 7 p.m.
• Connor King — Nov. 21 on The Railyard Stage.
The Mainline Show and Echoes of Icons are original productions created and performed at The Railyard, distinguishing the venue as not only a host for touring talent but a home for homegrown entertainment. Following its Aug. 14–15 debut, The Mainline Show plays every Saturday, with Echoes of Icons joining the calendar every Friday — together forming the backbone of The Railyard’s live entertainment season through October. Additional programming will be announced throughout the season.
Tickets and event details are available at therailyardwv.com. To schedule a venue tour, book an event or learn more about weddings, conferences and private celebrations, visit therailyardwv.com or contact the sales team.
