Events in Virginia State Parks

Step into the shoes of a 19th-century farmer and help care for our heritage breed chickens and goats!

In September 1864, a group of Confederate agents boarded a passenger steamer on Lake Erie with a plan that, if successful, could have set the northern frontier ablaze.

Virginians of the past often used their imagination and everyday objects for recreation.

Create a hand-made, nature-inspired souvenir to take home.

It’s a bird, it’s a plane, or is that a bat?

Meet the park's ambassador snake, examine snake skeletons, skin sheds, and make a colorful clay snake to bring home.

Happy fall, y'all!

Douthat Lake is home to some big, beautiful trout.

Murders over moonshine rocked the town of Fayerdale in the 1920s and 30s, leaving a dying town remembered for tragedy rather than the mining operations that once made it a boom town. Moonshining (illegal whiskey making) was quite prevalent in and around the Fairy Stone State Park area in the early 1900s. Jealousy, greed, and competition often led to feuds, brawls, and even killings.

Leaf peep in style on a wagon ride with views of the Blue Ridge Mountains during the fall color change.

Join a ranger to learn about a few of the crawly creatures you may see around Belle Isle and make your own dirt treat to eat.

Join us as we build a creature to find out how adaptations of native animals (as well as creatures of Appalachian folklore) can help them be specially made for their environment.

Some of Virginia's coolest mammals are rarely seen by humans.

Did you know that opossums roamed the earth with the dinosaurs and that raccoons have “hands” like ours? Wonder what other secrets these critters hold? Join us to discover little known facts about these amazing animals and how they benefit humans.

This Halloween, trade in the candy bag for a basket and head into the woods in search of one of nature’s greatest treats—the acorn.

 Come join Ranger Webb-Watkins for an orientation tour of the Battle of Cedar Mountain!

The leaves are changing, and the nights are growing cold, it's the perfect time for a hayride!

Join our rangers around the campfire to roast some s'mores, eat some sweets, and listen for spirits while learning about the native wildlife and the seasonal lore that has sprung up around them.

Step back in time as you explore the brand‑new interpretive trail at Green Pastures Recreation Area.

Trade neighborhood sidewalks for sandy trails this Halloween during a special night hike at False Cape State Park! Explore the park after sunset as we make our way through the maritime forest to the beach, learning about the amazing animals that thrive at night and the natural mysteries of the dark.

Join a ranger around the fire at Douthat State Park, gathering inside a historic CCC-built shelter for an evening of reflection, storytelling, and warm apple crisp.

Gather around the crackling campfire for an evening of spine-tingling stories and eerie legends from Virginia State Parks' rich history!

A nearly century-long tradition continues as the Natural Bridge is bathed in light the last Saturday night of every month (plus holiday weekends), April through October.  Experience the 200-foot-tall arch as it is lit from above and below by dozens of lights, with the only sound being the murmuring of Cedar Creek running below.

Whoooooo wants to go on a spooky after-dark adventure to search for owls on the trails?

Step into the dark and join us for a fun and wild night walk into the secret world of spiders!

Join us for a series of gentle outdoor experiences designed for women who want to reconnect with nature, themselves, and each other.

"Wisdom from the Wild" is a monthly series that will lead you on wonder-filled journey to recovering your sense of belonging and finding your truest self, rooted in the rhythms and raptures of nature.

Enjoy the Autumn days while also helping out your state parks! Check out some of Widewater's Autumn volunteer opportunities below.  Educational Volunteer Opportunities Federal Duck Stamp Class: September 19th, October 17th, & November 21st Natural Resource Management Japanese Silt Grass Removal: September 25th Beaver Dam Trail Maintenance: October 24th & November 21st Recreation & Special Events Volunteer Appreciation Event: October 3rd **Registration Required Trek n' Treat Trail - Decoration Setup: October 11th  - Decoration Takedown: November 1st Saturday, September 19th : Waterway Cleanups Summer Cleanup on the Aquia Creek Join this Stafford-based non-profit as they help keep Aquia Creek clean of trash and debris via kayaks in their Autumn cleanup at the park.

Take a 4-hour guided tour through Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge and False Cape State Park!

Travel through time on this scavenger hunt.

From farm to table, the food we eat has a story.

From farm to table, the food we eat has a story.

Join us at Douthat State Park for Homeschool Naturalists, a monthly outdoor education series designed for homeschool students of all ages.

From farm to table, the food we eat has a story.

From farm to table, the food we eat has a story.

The Friends of Occoneechee State Park is a citizens support organization that supports the park's mission.

Want to experience the New River Trail State Park in a way few people get a chance to?

The Southwest Virginia Museum Historical State Park is delighted to announce the 2026 fall semester of the WiseJAMS Music Program!

The Leonids meteor shower is an average meteor shower producing up to 15 meteors per hour at its peak.

Meet Gertie and Birdie, our Educational Ambassadors, and interact with our knowledgeable rangers while they care for these beloved critters.

The library is coming to the park!

What better way to explore a Dark Sky Park than "shooting stars" through the Natural Bridge?

Join us for a special night hike through False Cape State Park.

Experience American Civil War history firsthand as soldiers of the 19th Virginia Infantry establish a period encampment at Sailor’s Creek Battlefield Historical State Park and invite the public to step into the daily life of a soldier on campaign in 1865.

Join us for our final garden workday of 2026.

Explore the rich natural history of trees guided by a Virginia Master Naturalist.

How did African slavery begin in the Virginia Colony and did they seek freedom from their condition?  Did any European indentured servants and Native Americans resist their lot as well?  Walking with us you will discover stories of rebellious conspiracies and courageous runaways and how they overcame the challenging terrain of Tidewater Virginia to elude their oppressors. .

Overlooking the New River, the Shot Tower was built in the 1800s to make ammunition for the firearms of the early settlers.

Celebrate art, wine, and the natural beauty of Caledon State Park at the 21st annual Art & Wine Festival!

Come celebrate national bird day with this fun Birding Bingo.

Join us on the first Saturday of the month from May to November to experience the sights, smells, sounds, and tastes of history at Sky Meadows.

Joining a park ranger for a fun reading adventure!

Happy fall, y'all!

Step into the shoes of a 19th-century farmer and help care for our heritage breed chickens and goats!

Parents, you spoke, and we listened!  We're excited to introduce our first toddler series: Little Wanderers.

Come discover the world of self-publishing!

Join this ranger-guided sunset bike ride along High Bridge Trail.

Experience Sky Meadows, an International Dark-Sky Park, at this monthly astronomical celebration!

Join us for an exciting presentation on birds of prey!

Come join the storytellers from CHAOS (Chapel Hill Astronomical and Observational Society) on the Observation Field to share the stories of the stars.

Experience American Civil War history firsthand as soldiers of the 19th Virginia Infantry establish a period encampment at Sailor’s Creek Battlefield Historical State Park and invite the public to step into the daily life of a soldier on campaign in 1865.

Join professional outdoor instructor Tim MacWelch to learn about the remarkable seasonal wild edible and medicinal plants of the Blue Ridge Mountains.

Celebrate art, wine, and the natural beauty of Caledon State Park at the 21st annual Art & Wine Festival!

Take a 4-hour guided tour through Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge and False Cape State Park!

Learn the essentials of basic target archery, a skill that, thanks to artifacts found at the park, we know humans have been practicing here for thousands of years.

"A small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can indeed change the world." - Margaret Meade, Anthropologist Do you have a passion for teaching and being outdoors?

Do you have a passion for nature, environmental education, and wish to make a difference?

From farm to table, the food we eat has a story.

From farm to table, the food we eat has a story.

Come join the monthly meeting of the Widewater State Park Friend's Group!

Virginia State Parks license plate holders park for free on some of our national event days.

Virginia State Park license plate owners will receive free parking on the following dates, as well as special discounts and offers provided throughout the year.

From farm to table, the food we eat has a story.

From farm to table, the food we eat has a story.

We're teaming up with the Warren Heritage Society to honor our local heroes!

Take a Walk on the Wild Side with this monthly series of true nature walks!

Imagine finding yourself approaching a beacon of rest and resupply with nothing but the clothes on your back.

Want to experience the New River Trail State Park in a way few people get a chance to?

The Southwest Virginia Museum Historical State Park is delighted to announce the 2026 fall semester of the WiseJAMS Music Program!

Meet Gertie and Birdie, our Educational Ambassadors, and interact with our knowledgeable rangers while they care for these beloved critters.

The library is coming to the park!

Join us at James River State Park for an unforgettable celebration of the cosmos!

Join us at the Southwest Virginia Museum Historical State Park for our “Birding in the Gap” series, held on the second Saturday of each month during the months of February, April, June and November.

Looking for a way to give back to nature and enjoy the outdoors?

Join us for a series of gentle outdoor experiences designed for women who want to reconnect with nature, themselves, and each other.

Join the rangers to give back a bit of your time and help maintain the beauty of York River.

Join us every second Saturday at the Mayo River Trails to explore the future Mayo River State Park. You will also discover some interesting facts about local wildlife, and about the exploration of the area by William Byrd.

Even after the chilly breezes of autumn have stripped them of their leaves, trees provide clues to their identification by way of their bark, leaf scars, and other individual characteristics.

The Friends of Occoneechee bring you the 3rd annual Turkey Trot 5K race and Kids 1 Mile Fun Run/Walk.  This 5K will take place in the beautiful scenery of Occoneechee State Park.

Check out the changing colors of Caledon and breathe in the fresh fall air of the forest.

Come meet and greet Ranger Myrtle (our Red-Eared Slider turtle), Ranger Scout (our Western Hognose snake), and Ranger Brutus (our Copperhead snake) to discover what makes these rangers so special to Twin Lakes State Park.  Parks are for everyone.

Have you ever wondered why this park has two lakes?

Happy fall, y'all!

Step into the shoes of a 19th-century farmer and help care for our heritage breed chickens and goats!

Create a hand-made, nature-inspired souvenir to take home.

Experience the sights and sounds of the park at sunset with a leisurely guided hike beginning at 4:30 p.m. from the main parking lot.

As dusk settles over one of the Civil War's most hallowed battlefields, join us for an evening of remembrance during Sailor's Creek Battlefield Historical State Park's 18th Annual Veterans Day Luminary Commemoration.

Join us at James River State Park for an unforgettable celebration of the cosmos!

 Christmas on Poplar Hill The Southwest Virginia Museum Historical State Park is pleased to announce Christmas on Poplar Hill, a celebration of the opening of the 31st Annual Festival of Trees.

Take a 4-hour guided tour through Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge and False Cape State Park!