Wasteland Jamboree in Sutton / Flatwoods (West Virginia) on 2nd/3rd May 2026
The World’s Largest Post-Nuclear Fan Celebration Heads to West Virginia:
Wasteland Jamboree Announces First-Ever Appalachia Event Benefiting Mountaineer Food Bank
SUTTON, WV — March 16, 2026 — The wasteland is calling. This spring, fans of post-apocalyptic gaming culture from across the country will gather in the heart of Appalachia for Wasteland Jamboree, a two-day, family-friendly charity celebration blending gaming culture, live music, immersive experiences, and community fundraising.
Taking place May 2–3, 2026, at the Flatwoods Conference Center and Sutton/Flatwoods KOA in Sutton, West Virginia, Wasteland Jamboree brings together fans, creators, musicians, cosplayers, and storytellers for what organizers describe as the world’s largest post-nuclear fan celebration.
Produced by Buttered Popcorn Productions, in partnership with Fallout For Hope and the historic Pioneer Saloon, the event embraces the spirit of the Appalachian wasteland with a county-fair-meets-post-apocalypse atmosphere featuring music, games, immersive environments, and charity initiatives supporting the Mountaineer Food Bank, a Feeding America partner serving food-insecure communities across West Virginia.
“Wasteland Jamboree is about bringing the community together in a way that celebrates creativity, fandom, and the spirit of Appalachia,” said Stephen Staats, founder of Buttered Popcorn Productions. “We wanted to create something that feels authentic to the region while giving fans a chance to step into the world they love—and to do it in a way that makes a real difference for the people who live here.”
A Two-Day Celebration of Post-Apocalyptic Culture
Wasteland Jamboree is designed as a community-first, community-created experience operated by Buttered Popcorn Productions alongside a host of volunteers and creators from across the gaming and fan communities.
Over the course of the weekend, attendees will enjoy:
- Two days of live folk, bluegrass, and country music in a 1,700-seat amphitheater
- A community vendor village featuring creators, artists, and themed merchandise
- Food trucks from across the region
- An immersive faction LARP zone, allowing guests to explore a living slice of the
wasteland - An Atomic Midway and Carnival at nearby Holly-Gray Park
- Panels, community gatherings, and fan-driven experiences
“Wasteland Jamboree was built from the ground up by fans and creators who love this universe and want to share that passion with others,” said Brian “Chip” McLaughlin, Executive Director of the event. “Our goal is to deliver an experience that feels welcoming, immersive, and unforgettable—while also rallying the community around an important cause.”
Charity at the Heart of the Wasteland
At the center of Wasteland Jamboree is a mission to support families facing hunger across West Virginia.
Organizers have partnered with Braxton County and Mountaineer Food Bank, a Feeding America partner, to raise funds and awareness. In 2026, more than 266,000 West Virginians are estimated to face food insecurity—including over 73,000 children. In Braxton County alone, 17.2% of residents struggle with consistent access to food.
“Fallout For Hope has always been about turning our love for gaming into meaningful action,” said Kenneth Vigue, founder of the Fallout For Hope charity initiative. “Bringing Wasteland Jamboree to West Virginia allows us to directly support communities facing food insecurity while celebrating the incredible creativity of this fandom.”
Featured Add-On Experiences (“Side Quests”)
In addition to the main event, attendees can participate in several optional ticketed experiences designed to expand the adventure across Appalachia.
Fallout For Hope Charity Gala
Saturday, May 2, 2026 | 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Flatwoods Conference Center
A formal evening fundraiser benefiting Mountaineer Food Bank, featuring:
- Silent auctions
- Immersive post-apocalyptic art installations
- A themed four-course buffet dinner
- Live music and dancing
- Special presentations
Guests will attend dressed in their best “Wasteland in Formal” attire—ranging from cosplay and rugged wasteland gear to weathered formalwear.
Post-Apocalyptic Fan Film Festival
Sunday, May 3, 2026 | 4:00 PM
Elk Theatre & The Marquee Grill
192 Main St, Sutton, WV
In partnership with the historic Elk Theatre, Wasteland Jamboree will host the first East Coast fan film festival dedicated to post-apocalyptic filmmaking and animation.
The festival will showcase independent creators from across the fandom. Fifty percent of ticket proceeds will benefit Mountaineer Food Bank. Seating is limited to 250 guests, with the potential for an additional showing if demand exceeds capacity.
Tickets available at:
https://www.ticketor.com/elktheatre/upcomingevents
Appalachian Adventure Bus Tours
Sunday, May 3, 2026
Limited-capacity bus excursions will take attendees to iconic regional landmarks, including:
- Trans-Allegheny Asylum
- Helvetia, WV
- The Greenbrier Resort, including a tour of the historic Congressional bunker
Each tour includes a catered box lunch.
Wasteland Jamboree Carnival & Midway
Holly-Gray Park
Operated by Gambill Amusements, the Atomic Midway will feature rides, games, and carnival attractions. A $10 weekend pass provides unlimited rides for the entire event.
Event Details
Location:
Flatwoods Conference Center & Sutton/Flatwoods KOA
350 Days Drive
Sutton, WV 26601
Event Dates & Hours:
Saturday, May 2, 2026 — 9:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Sunday, May 3, 2026 — 9:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Flatwoods Conference Center Hours:
9:00 AM – 6:00 PM daily
Tickets:
- $71.75 — Two-Day Pass
- $46.75 — One-Day Pass
Tickets are available now at:
https://WastelandJamboree.com
About Buttered Popcorn Productions
Buttered Popcorn Productions is a creative entertainment and event production company dedicated to building immersive fan experiences that bring communities together through storytelling, gaming, film, and live events. Known for its passion-driven productions and commitment to community engagement, the company specializes in large-scale themed experiences that blend entertainment with philanthropy, giving fans unique pportunities to celebrate the worlds they love while supporting meaningful causes.
Learn more at: https://butteredpopcornentertainment.com
About Fallout For Hope
Fallout For Hope is a global charity initiative powered by the gaming community that unites streamers, creators, and fans to raise funds for humanitarian causes around the world. Since its founding, the initiative has organized large-scale streaming campaigns and community events that mobilize thousands of gamers to support nonprofit organizations focused on disaster relief, hunger, and global aid.
Through creativity, collaboration, and the power of gaming culture, Fallout For Hope demonstrates how fandom can drive real-world impact.
Learn more at: https://falloutforhope.com
Disclaimer:
This event is a fan-organized, community-driven gathering and is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by ZeniMax or Bethesda. All trademarks and rights related to
Fallout are the property of their respective owners.
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