Pickin’ in the Panhandle, the West Virginia State BBQ & Bluegrass Festival, will celebrate the best in bluegrass at the Lazy A Campground in Hedgesville, W.Va., Sept. 9 through 11.

Throughout the weekend, 28 bands will play on three different stages, including the brand-new Mountaineer Stage, which will showcase bands from across the state.

On Saturday, Sept. 10, aspiring stars will have the opportunity to share their musical talents in music contests. Categories include fiddle, banjo, flat pick, and bluegrass band. Winners will receive cash prizes and the winner of the band competition will be added to the lineup for Pickin’ 2012.

Those looking to learn new musical techniques or improve their skills can participate in workshops that will be hosted on Sunday, Sept. 11 from 1 to 3 p.m.

The weekend will feature Marty Stuart, Confederate Railroad, Trent Tomlinson, The SteelDrivers, Junior Sisk & Ramblers Choice and 23 other bluegrass and roots music artists. In addition to music, the festival features the WV State BBQ Championship, a backyard BBQ cook-off, crafts, children’s activities, camping and lots of family fun.

Tickets for Pickin’ in the Panhandle are available at and the Martinsburg-Berkeley County Convention & Visitors Bureau, located at 115 N. Queen St. in downtown Martinsburg.

Tickets are also available at all three Cell Page Communications locations, Texas BBQ and Outdoor Express RV. Weekend passes are $50, one-day passes are $25 and children 12 and under are admitted free with an adult.

For additional information, visit www.PanhandlePickin.com or follow the festival on Facebook.