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Media inquiries: Please contact Dave Neudeck, dave.neudeck@dcr.virginia.gov, 804-786-5053.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: September 01, 2026
Contact: Kim Wells, Public Relations and Marketing Specialist, 804-217-1077, kim.wells@dcr.virginia.gov

Celebrate Virginia's native fruit at the 4th Annual Pawpaw Festival
Experience Powhatan's natural beauty and the unique flavor of the pawpaw

(Editors: Follow this link to download an image. Photo caption: Pawpaw fruit on display)

(Editors: Follow this link to download an image. Photo caption: Ranger-led activities and interaction at the event tent)

(Editors: Follow this link to download an image. Photo caption: Man drinking Pawpaw soda lemonade)

POWHATAN, Va. – The 4th Annual Pawpaw Festival returns to Powhatan State Park on Sept. 19 from 11:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m.

This festival is Central Virginia's unique fruit-focused event that features an array of local vendors highlighting the pawpaw through snacks, drinks and crafts available for purchase.

Throughout the day, guests are able to enjoy acoustic music, participate in fun ranger-led activities and say hello to some amazing animals.

“We are excited to continue to celebrate this wonderful fruit that grows right here on trees in our park,” said Powhatan State Park Manager Amelia Hulth. “Our goal is to inspire greater awareness of Virginia’s Pawpaw trees, the wildlife they support and the many places where they can be found across the state. We are grateful that our vendors enrich this event by sharing their passion and expertise while engaging guests with a variety of fun and educational topics.”

The pawpaw is a creamy, tropical-flavored fruit and is the largest native fruit in the United States. In Virginia, pawpaw trees thrive in the Piedmont’s shady bottomlands and floodplains, which is why they grow naturally at Powhatan State Park.

This event is rain or shine.

Admission is $20 per vehicle.

Visit the park’s web page for more information at: www.dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/powhatan

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About Virginia State Parks

Virginia State Parks are managed by the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation. For more information about Virginia State Parks’ activities and amenities or to reserve one of the more than 1,800 campsites or 300 climate-controlled cabins, call the Virginia State Parks Reservation Center at 800-933-PARK or visit www.virginiastateparks.gov.

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