Events in Virginia State Parks

Ready to put your knowledge to the test?

Come join the Driftwood Band for an evening of memorable music.

Explore the marshes of Back Bay by kayak while observing birds and other wildlife.

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.

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

Join us for a compelling exploration of the mysteries surrounding paranormal research.

Who cooks for you?

Tonight, we celebrate the 100th anniversary of Virginia's Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) with some fun trivia.

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!

You’re invited to gather ‘round the campfire for a truly warm welcome at Pocahontas State Park.

Enjoy a twilight stroll along the Chesapeake Bay’s shoreline taking in sunset views and gentle waves.

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.

What's a camping trip without a campfire?

Gather around the glowing campfire for an evening of laughter, friendly competition, and gooey s'mores!

Ever wondered what it’s like to paddle under a sky full of stars?

A light glows beneath the surface of Holliday Lake.

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

Bring your four-legged hiking companion for a special B.A.R.K.

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!

Experience the James River like never before on this ranger-guided canoe float between Canoe Landing and Dixon Landing!

Have you ever wondered about the birds in your area?

Over 200 years ago, early adventurers like Daniel Boone walked these same hills and valleys we see today.

Start your day with birdsong and discovery by joining a park ranger for a bird-watching walk.

Join certified Forest Therapy volunteer, Tina Hayes, for a relaxing program made to calm the mind.

Come watch our resident snakes enjoy their mealtime!

Come talk to the Kiptopeke Rangers at our educational booth at the entrance to North Beach.

With warmer wetter weather comes springtime fungi!

Be on the lookout for our Roving Ranger as they roam the picnic area and beaches with interesting animals or historical artifacts from the park.

Bring out your inner artist using air dry clay.

Take a guided stroll through the vibrant salt marsh along the Cape Henry Trail and uncover the hidden life of this vital wetland ecosystem.

Discover how the many trees in the park play a purpose in supporting the inhabitants - past and present - of the park.

Bird watching can be challenging, even for the most experienced birders.

Ever wanted to learn how to fish, but never knew where to start?

Have you ever wondered what owls look like, what they eat, or where they live?

Beetles are our friendly neighbors in nature; though small in size, they have a major impact on ecosystems and food at the table.

How can you determine the approximate age of a box turtle?

Without pollinators, people and all of Earth's terrestrial ecosystems would not survive.

Explore the Chesapeake Bay through the animals that live in it!

This historical building tour is designed to highlight the architecture of the time, designs, furnishings, special touches, ornate decor, and stories within the walls of the Jones-Stewart Mansion.

Find our table near the beach.

The common practice of "tagging" individuals with nicknames has been around since the beginning of time. History is filled with colorful, comical, degrading and demeaning examples.

This field-based game is a fun and safe way to examine the interactions between a predator population of coyotes and a prey population of deer in a forest. This program is suitable for all ages.

Ever heard of a seed bomb?

Westmoreland State Park is home to four different ambassador animals: Reba the corn snake, Stevie the king snake, and two red-eared sliders, Venus and Jennika.

Join our rangers for a look at the skins and skulls of fauna you can find at Hayfields State Park.

Butterfly Walk Join Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy and Virginia Master Naturalist Anne Ellis for a leisurely walk in search of butterflies.

The trash and litter we leave behind can hurt the environment.

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

Learn the legend behind the naturally occurring stone cross formations and travel to the special location in the park to search for your own "fairy stone." After a short presentation on what you will be looking for, we will head to the site.

“What does the fox say?” Did you know that there are two different foxes found in Virginia, the red fox and the grey fox?

Set out on a relaxing ranger-guided tubing adventure as you float from Canoe Landing to Dixon Landing along the scenic James River! This approximately 2-mile trip generally takes around two hours, depending on river flow.

Spend your Sunday by the river!  A ranger will be stationed or roving in the picnic area with a fun activity for the whole family!  Activities may include a fur and skull table, meeting the wildlife ambassadors Henry the turtle or Fred the snake, dip netting, crafts, and more!

Find out which reptiles and amphibians call First Landing home! Located within the Trail Center, the Discovery Room is welcome to all ages.

Join us for "Turtle Time" at Holliday Lake State Park and meet our beloved turtle, Ranger Harrold Holliday!

Not all-aquatic wildlife has fins or scales!

Ever wanted to learn to crab?

Want to know a secret?

Come out of your shell and spend some time getting to know the Eastern Box Turtle.

Discover the timeless art of pine needle basket weaving and unlock your creativity with this hands-on workshop.

Have you ever wondered why this park has two lakes?

Join us as we discover how Austinville transformed from one of the oldest continuous mining operations into a protected public landscape, as we celebrate the 100th Anniversary of the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation!

Stop by and investigate the variety of flora and fauna found around Smith Mountain Lake.

Did you know there was once a thriving "boom town" located where our lake is today?

All are welcome at the Friends of Sailor's Creek Battlefield volunteer support group during their monthly meeting as they focus on a variety of objectives designed to assist the park's mission in preserving the hallowed grounds of the last major battle of the American Civil War in Virginia on April 6, 1865.

When a tree falls in the forest, what happens next?

This summer’s Outdoor Theater and Music night at the Amphitheater will emphasize music.

Hop on over for a hands-on adventure into the world of frogs and toads. Join park staff as we search for some of Virginia’s native frog and toad species and their tadpoles.

Ride with a ranger as we explore the shores of Smith Mountain Lake State Park on a beautiful summer evening.

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

This summer the Junior Ranger program is exploring the outdoors through the elements, and Week 3 is Fire!

Beat the heat at our River Bend Discovery Center!

Have you ever wondered what secrets the natural world holds? This drop-in program offers a unique opportunity to meet with Virginia Master Naturalists who will be available to answer all your nature-related questions.

Migrate to the Discovery Center to learn about the fascinating "Fish Hawk".

Learn the legend behind the naturally occurring stone cross formations and travel to the special location in the park to search for your own "fairy stone." After a short presentation on what you will be looking for, we will head to the site.

Explore the life cycle of butterflies.

Frogs, Toads, what's the difference?

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.

Celebrate the beauty of summer with a guided hike under the radiant Strawberry Moon!

Ride with a park guide as we experience the shores of Smith Mountain Lake State Park.

Have you ever bumped into one of our tall bark-covered residents and wondered who it is you've just run into?

Come learn what makes cave ecosystems so delicate and special.

Through history, people have utilized plants to survive, out of which have come special relationships.

This summer the Junior Ranger program is exploring the outdoors through the elements, and Week 3 is Fire!

Beat the heat at our River Bend Discovery Center!

Stop by and investigate the variety of flora and fauna found around Smith Mountain Lake.

Come out of your shell and spend some time getting to know the Eastern Box Turtle.

Is the opossum misunderstood?

Learn the legend behind the naturally occurring stone cross formations and travel to the special location in the park to search for your own "fairy stone." After a short presentation on what you will be looking for, we will head to the site.

Animals may be shy, but they leave plenty of clues behind.

Are all snakes venomous?

Ever wondered how you stack up against some of the largest birds in the sky?

Do you enjoy coffee, chocolate, fruits, and vegetables?

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

Did you know that people have been using plants to dye fabric for centuries?

The Friends of York River State Park is a non-profit organization whose purpose is to support the mission of the park: We champion the unique natural, historical, and cultural resources of York River State Park's estuarine environment.

Allow the evening to envelop you and enjoy a hay wagon ride with our park guide.

Get knee-deep in the Shenandoah during Fly Fishing 101!  Join us for an introductory fly-fishing program designed to teach you all the basics you need to start catching fish on a fly.

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