Events in Virginia State Parks

Ever wonder what goes on at night in a park?

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

Imagine your afternoon at the park involving turtles soaking up sunshine as they enjoy the tickling grass.

Hear the sound of axes.

Everyone loves a relaxing evening especially out on Hungry Mother Lake.

Summer is a great time of year to take-in Southwest Virginia's beautiful scenery by bike.  This ranger-led bike meet up will go from Foster Falls to Austinville and back (10.4 miles round trip).  Group Ride: Rides will be at a group pace.

Imagine spending your afternoon by the water, catching dragonflies and damselflies discovering all the little details you usually miss.

Customize your hiking stick and suddenly every trail feels more personal.

“The Moon and stars are not above us; they are within us." --John Muir Come join our rangers on an evening hike through the Holly Marsh Trail to view the Full Moon rising above the Potomac River!

Shine a light on days gone by with a lantern-lit history tour of the Natural Bridge.

Join Park Staff for a majestic kayak paddle along the waters of Back Bay by the light of the moon.

The one and only mammal on the planet capable of true flight absolutely loves Hungry Mother.

Our park is known for its biodiversity and is home to many species of birds.

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

Most people don't like to drop their camera in the lake, but the rangers at the park will do it on purpose.

Bees get all the credit, but they're not the only pollinators.

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

Meet Lake Anna State Park's animal ambassadors Flick, General Raphael, and Julia at the Visitor Center. Learn about the important roles Virginia reptiles play in the environment, snake safety tips, and what you can do to help protect wild reptiles.

While designing a cool animal tooth necklace, learn how to to identify different animal skulls like a mini wildlife scientist.

Twilight Paddle Adventures are a great way to spend an evening away from the hustle and bustle of work, traffic and the cares of life.

Enjoy the beautiful park setting as you are entertained by some of our very own local musicians.

Explore an enchanting evening amidst the rolling Blue Ridge Mountains as the sun sets and the world transitions from day to night!

Everyone has heard of dancing in the moonlight, but what about kayaking?

Watch the last traces of daylight strike the Blue Ridge Mountains on this haywagon ride.

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

Ready to learn the ins and outs of stand up paddleboarding?

Would you like to have the chance to explore the trails in Powhatan State Park and meet new people?

Ever tried to balance on a board in the water as you paddle down the lake?

Join us on a ranger-led hike to certify your canine companion as a New River Trail State Park B.A.R.K Ranger!    The B.A.R.K.

The Green Arrow?

Will you take up the bow and try your hand at the sport of archery?

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

What makes a bird a bird?

Art in the Park programs explore connections between art and the natural world through a hands-on project each month.  This month's program is Paper Making!

Learn why they're called survival bracelets--and then make one yourself.

Twilight Paddle Adventures are a great way to spend an evening away from the hustle and bustle of work, traffic and the cares of life.

As the sun dips low and the night draws near, we humans usually turn in for the night...but this is show-time for bats!

Come gather around the campfire and immerse yourself in a night of fun.

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.

Take part in the Bishop’s Events Sweet Run 5K & 10K trail race.

Looking for a fun way to explore the park at your own pace?

Join our Park Rangers as they discuss the history, ecology, and culture of the Widewater peninsula.

One of the best times to be on Hungry Mother Lake is in the early mornings when no one else is on the lake.

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

Interested in learning about archery in an adult setting?

This is the kind of Sunday program where you wander down the beach, stumble into a ranger-led arts and craft activities, and end up staying way longer than planned!

Will you take up the bow and try your hand at the sport of archery?

Every Monday evening from May to September you can find local fresh produce, baked goods, honey, jams and jellies, soap, and local artisan crafters, as well as food vendors, here at Fairy Stone State Park.

Our beautiful park is the perfect place to pick up a fun new workout routine.

Everyone loves a relaxing evening especially out on Hungry Mother Lake.

Shine a light on days gone by with a lantern-lit history tour of the Natural Bridge.

The one and only mammal on the planet capable of true flight absolutely loves Hungry Mother.

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

Have you ever tried archery or mountain biking or fly fishing?

Enjoy the beautiful park setting as you are entertained by some of our very own local musicians.

Watch the last traces of daylight strike the Blue Ridge Mountains on this haywagon ride.

Join our Park Rangers as they discuss the history, ecology, and culture of the Widewater peninsula.

Experience paddling on one of Virginia's most beautiful and historic waterways: the James River.

Join us for a rewarding morning of gardening with fellow plant lovers.

Hot diggity dog, the Friends of False Cape are having a FUNdraiser!

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.

Come out to the newly renovated Roanoke Station Nature Center!

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

Join us at Sailor’s Creek Battlefield State Park for a unique look at one of the American Civil War's most unexpected stories.

Experience the park in a whole new way.

Come gather around the campfire and immerse yourself in a night of fun.

Take a lantern lit chairlift ride down to the naturally made tunnel.

Experience the sights and sounds of the park at sunset with a leisurely guided hike beginning at 7 p.m. from the main parking lot.

Join astronomy volunteers as they share the stories written in the night sky.

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.

James River State Park is a designated International Dark Sky park.

"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.

Will you take up the bow and try your hand at the sport of archery?

Discover the science beneath the surface at Karst in a Cup, where you'll learn how groundwater moves, how caves develop, and how karst landscapes shape out environment.

Join us at Sailor’s Creek Battlefield State Park for a unique look at one of the American Civil War's most unexpected stories.

Salamander Meander invites you to explore Appalachian creeks in search of the region's unique salamander species.

Every Monday evening from May to September you can find local fresh produce, baked goods, honey, jams and jellies, soap, and local artisan crafters, as well as food vendors, here at Fairy Stone State Park.

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

All aboard the Virginia Dare for a fun-filled and informative lunch cruise.

Everyone loves a relaxing evening especially out on Hungry Mother Lake.

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

Calling all Girl Scouts!  Welcome to Shenandoah River State Park!

Calling all Girl Scouts and Scout leaders!

Calling all adventurous Girl Scouts!

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

Who wants to earn their Girl Scouts Love State Parks Badge at Kiptopeke State Park?

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

Explore our park and learn something new with some special programming:  Friday, Sept.

What does fire mean to you?

Join a Ranger for a weekend of activities to that help you earn the Girl Scouts Love the Outdoors Challenge 2026 badge (Activity List).

Twilight Paddle Adventures are a great way to spend an evening away from the hustle and bustle of work, traffic and the cares of life.

As the sun dips low and the night draws near, we humans usually turn in for the night, but this is showtime for bats!

Join park rangers for a campfire at the Visitor Center.

From the backyard to the backcountry, Girl Scouts USA has a long and storied history of getting every girl outdoors.

The one and only mammal on the planet capable of true flight absolutely loves Hungry Mother.

"The sky is the ultimate art gallery just above us." - Ralph Waldo Emerson With the use of a Celestron telescope, view the astral bodies up close and learn about the history of the stars.

Join us for a day of competitive fly fishing on one of Virginia's most scenic waterways!

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

In honor of National Girl Scouts Love State Parks weekend, join us for an educational, yet thrilling trek.

Join Rangers for a morning of family fun, fishing and learning about the Potomac River.