What's happening this month in Virginia State Parks
October
Enjoy the beauty of the season throughout Virginia by taking part in various activities this month. Whether you choose to explore a haunted hike, join a stargazing event, decorate a pumpkin or go for a hayride, there’s something for everyone. Fall festivals, Halloween celebrations and dark sky events offer just a glimpse of what’s available for you, your friends and your family. Check out the events listed below to experience the state park activities during this “spooky season,” which features cooler weather, changing foliage, birdwatching opportunities, and so much more!
Events Sampler:
Upcoming Festivals
Oct. 3, 2026. 11 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Holliday Lake State Park
Celebrate the season with a variety of activities for all ages, including: pumpkin painting, tie-dye, more crafts, bouncy house, obstacle course, games, live animals including wildlife rehab, reptiles and mini horses, birdwatching walk, live music, raffles and prizes.
Oct. 5-11, 2026
Staunton River State Park
This week long astronomy festival has gained the attention of astronomers from all over the eastern seaboard and beyond. Registration for this event is required and is run by CHAOS. Astronomers are allowed to camp on the Observation Field during this event The public viewing night is Oct. 9, 2026.
Oct. 10, 2026. 11 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Twin Lakes State Park
Fall in love with Twin Lakes State Park at our annual fall festival, where you can decorate pumpkins, enter a scarecrow stuffing contest and enjoy a leisurely hayride. You can check out the craft show, featuring local artisans and unique handmade goods, perfect for early holiday shopping!
Oct. 10, 2026. 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Wilderness Road State Park
Experience a celebration of Southwest Virginia's unique cultural heritage. This event features handmade Appalachian crafts available for purchase on the Karlan Mansion lawn. Watch as demonstrators showcase their time honored skills.
Oct. 10, 2026. 1 - 7:30 p.m.
Hungry Mother State Park
Sweater weather is better together. Bring your family and friends to our joyous festival of games, hay rides, face painting, pumpkin carving, crafts, cider, and more. There is no better way to foster community than with a hot drink under the autumn leaves.
Oct. 10, 2026. 11 a.m. - 4 p.m.
New River Trail State Park - Foster Falls
Join us for a fun-filled day as we bring history to life at the charming village of Foster Falls. This free, family-friendly event welcomes you to drop in anytime between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
Oct. 15-18, 2026.
James River State Park
This is a unique opportunity to experience a different perspective on camping. Our annual Roof Top Rally is the largest special event at James River State Park. People from all over the United States converge to enjoy overland camping with all of their special equipment.
Oct. 17, 2026. 1 - 5 p.m.
First Landing State Park
Celebrate the changing seasons at First Landing's Annual Fall Fest Event. Festivities will include free wagon rides, autumnal crafts and games, s'mores, community partner booths, music and more.
Oct. 17, 20256. 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Chippokes State Park
Celebrate this year's fall harvest at one of the oldest continuously farmed land in the nation. Chippokes' Harvest Festival features music and family activities such an antique tractor pull, painting a pumpkin, creating a corn cob doll, playing corn hole, and going on a tractor drawn hay ride.
Oct. 17-18, 2026. 11 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Sky Meadows State Park
Nestled in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains, the park offers the perfect backdrop for celebrating the stunning colors of the season. Enjoy breathtaking views of the changing leaves, wagon rides, and scenic hikes through vibrant forests. The festival features family-fun activities, community partners, live music, and delicious fall treats, making it a delightful event for all ages. Come and embrace the beauty of fall, connect with nature, and create lasting memories.
Oct. 24, 2026. 11 a.m.- 3 p.m.
Leesylvania State Park
Enjoy the Potomac River's cool autumn breeze with your friends and family at Leesylvania State Park's Annual Fall Festival! We will celebrate the season with hayrides, kids costume contest, crafts, trunk or treat, and more.
Oct. 24, 2026. 9 a.m.- 3 p.m.
Sweet Run State Park
Step back in time and celebrate the rural traditions that shaped the landscape of Sweet Run State Park! Homestead Heritage Day brings the park’s agricultural past to life with hands-on demonstrations, traditional skills, and activities for the whole family.
Oct. 31, 2026. 5 - 9 p.m.
Southwest Virginia Museum
On Halloween night, we’re calling all trick-or-treaters to take a break from your candy gathering and visit the museum for some ghoulish fun and games. There will be scary stories, a gypsy fortune teller, pumpkin bowling, monster bingo, mummy races, pick up the pumpkin, the “Haunting on the Hill” attraction and much more.
More Events
Haunted History: A Lantern Tour of Natural Bridge
Oct. 2, 9, 16, & 23, 2026.
Natural Bridge State Park
High Bridge Half Marathon & 5K
Oct. 3, 2026. 7:30 - 11:30 a.m.
High Bridge Trail State Park
Fall Foliage History Walk
Oct. 2, 9, 16, 23 & 30, 2026. 3 - 4 p.m.
Douthat State Park
Fall Colors Hike
Oct. 3, 2026. 10 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Hungry Mother State Park
Twilight Owl Prowl
Oct. 16, 2026. 6:30 - 7:30 p.m.
Powhatan State Park
Finding Fall
Oct. 17, 2026. 10 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Caledon State Park
Pumpkins in the Park: Trunk or Treat
Oct. 22, 2026. 5 - 7 p.m.
Wilderness Road State Park
Haunted History Tram Tour
Oct. 23 & 24, 2026. 6:30 - 10 p.m.
False Cape State Park
The Search for Sasquatch
Oct. 24, 2026. 5:30 - 7 p.m.
Shenandoah River State Park
Trunk-or-Treat
Oct. 23, 2026. 5 - 7 p.m.
Fairy Stone State Park
Halloween Howl
Oct. 30, 2026. 6 - 8 p.m.
Caledon State Park
Fall Hayride
Oct. 31, 2026. 4 - 5 p.m.
Natural Tunnel State Park
More October Events
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