As the leaves begin to change color, it’s the perfect time to get outdoors and experience some nature while you hear live music, sip some cider, go on hayrides, and partake in other fun fall activities at a Virginia State Park.

Whether you want to stay local to celebrate or travel across the Commonwealth, I have put together a list of 13 Virginia State Park festivals and events to consider.

Please note that most events are free unless stated otherwise, but parking fees will still apply at all locations. As always, check out the park’s web page with all the know before you go details before your visit.

1. Kiptopeke Outdoor Exploration Day (Canceled due to inclement weather)

Kiptopeke State Park's Outdoor Exploration Day falls on National Public Lands Day (September 23) and honors the park and its surrounding natural, historical and cultural resources. This event is committed to providing opportunities for visitors to experience and learn about Virginia’s Eastern Shore and the Chesapeake Bay.

2. Grayson Highlands Fall Festival

The festival at Grayson Highlands State Park will be held on September 23 and 24 from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. on both days and will include activities for the whole family. Virginia's traditional mountain culture comes alive during this two-day festival as the air fills with sounds of bluegrass, old-time music and the sweet aroma of barbecued chicken and sorghum molasses.

Enjoy the crafts fair and numerous demonstrations of pioneer living. This community event is sponsored by the Rugby Rescue Squad and Volunteer Fire Department and Ladies Auxiliary, with assistance from the Virginia Division of State Parks.

3. Leesylvania Fall Festival

The festival at Leesylvania State Park will be held on October 7 from 11 a.m. until 6 p.m. and this venue provides a wonderful opportunity to get outside and enjoy the fall weather. Stroll the trails and witness the spectacular fall foliage colors surrounding you.

This event will include hayrides, pumpkin carving and painting as well as activities for children along with games and prizes. There will be a pumpkin carving contest that begins at 3 p.m. and only costs $5 to enter. We can’t wait to see your creative submissions!

4. Belle Isle State Park Fall Festival

Treat yourself to a fun day at Belle Isle State Park and check out the park’s Fall Festival on October 7 from 10:30 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. in the picnic area of the park.

Kick off the morning with the Rapp River Run II 5K, then enjoy the crisp fall weather around the campfire for a tasty s'mores treat. Activities include a wagon tour around the park, decorating a pumpkin ($3), launching a mini gourd with a giant slingshot, as well as playing games to win a prize.

Don't forget to stop by and check out the Northern Neck Master Naturalists, U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary Flotilla 33, and other community partners who will be setting up with their own activities to explore.  

This event is sponsored by the Friends of Belle Isle State Park. 

5. Sky Meadow Fall Farm Days

Embrace the changing colors of the season and celebrate Fall Farm Days at Sky Meadows State Park. Each Saturday in October beginning on the 7th from 11 a.m. until 4 p.m., you can step back in time and see history come to life as you take in the many sights and sounds of a Piedmont farm and explore the park's Historic Area. These events are a great way to get in touch with nature and explore a managed landscape rich in biodiversity. Discover native flora and fauna, learn the craft of beekeeping, the importance of various pollinators and much more. 

In addition to the history and nature-themed programs, the park will also offer hearth cooking and blacksmith demonstrations, food vendors, and live music.

6. Wilderness Road Heritage Festival

Come out by the carload and experience a celebration of Southwest Virginia's unique cultural heritage at Wilderness Road State Park on October 14 from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. Admission is $10 per vehicle.

This event features handmade Appalachian crafts available for purchase on the Karlan Mansion lawn. Watch as demonstrators showcase their time-honored skills. Musicians grace the stage to keep you entertained, while the children enjoy fun and educational activities all with an Appalachian theme. Concessions will be available.

7. Beats on the Bend at Seven Bends State Park

Beats on the Bend returns for a second year at Seven Bends State Park on October 14 from 2 p.m. until 6 p.m. and where you can enjoy the fall atmosphere surrounded by rhythmic music. Use the Lupton entrance for the festivities.

Family activities begin at 2 p.m. and music starts at 4 p.m. Food will be for sale on site along with Seven Bends State Park merchandise starting at 3 p.m. Enjoy the beauty of Seven Bends while listening to the Rogue Farmers at the historic Lupton Barn from 4 p.m. until 6 p.m.

Activities include a hike to the Apiary and Camp Lupton, Family Wildlife Walk, Color Scavenger Hunt, and Water Scavenger Hunt.

Entrance fee for this event is $15 for adults, $5 for youth ages 5-12, and free for children under 5. The fee includes a parking pass. Advance tickets are required. You can purchase your tickets here.

8. Fall for Twin Lakes Festival

Fall in love with Twin Lakes State Park at the annual fall festival on October 14 from 11 a.m. until 3 p.m. You can decorate pumpkins, enter yourself and your pet in a costume contest, have your face painted, roast marshmallows around a campfire, as well as enjoy a leisurely hayride.

Snacks and drinks will be available for purchase. S'mores kits and pumpkins will be available for purchase from the Friends of Twin Lakes State Park, an all-volunteer non-profit organization. The winner of the costume contest will receive a Virginia State Parks gift certificate. As a reminder, all pets must be on a leash. 

9. First Landing Fall Fest

Celebrate the changing seasons at First Landing State Park’s Annual Fall Fest on October 21 from 1 p.m. until 5 p.m. in the main Visitor Center Courtyard.

Festivities will include free wagon rides, autumn themed crafts and games, s'mores, community partner booths, music, and more. Food and beverages will be available for purchase and proceeds benefit the Friends of First Landing.  

10. 10th Annual Harvest Festival at Chippokes State Park

Celebrate this year's fall harvest at one of the oldest continuously farmed land in the nation on Saturday, October 21, 2023, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. This event will take place rain or shine.

Chippokes State Park hosts its Harvest Festival that features music and family activities, including an antique tractor pull, pumpkin painting, creating a corn cob doll, playing corn hole and going on a tractor-drawn hayride. There will be various local food and craft vendors with a wide array of selections.

You will witness antique harvest equipment in operation and watch costumed interpreters cook on the hearth in the 1850s Brick Kitchen. Guided tours of the antebellum Jones-Stewart Mansion and self-guided tours of the Farm and Forestry Museum are included.

11. Fall Celebration at Claytor Lake State Park

Save the date for Claytor Lake State Park's Fall Celebration on October 28 from 10 a.m. until 8 p.m.

Participate in hands-on living history through corn shelling, doll making, candle making, blacksmithing, survival skills, as well as a visit from the Fincastle Colonial Militia Re-enactors. There will also be a campsite decorating and pumpkin carving contest and much more.

12. Indigenous Peoples Celebration at Machicomoco State Park

Machicomoco State Park is hosting the second annual Indigenous Peoples' Celebration on November 4 from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. Experience the unique cultural ties the park has with the community while you are immersed in a scenic fall atmosphere.

Join in on honoring Machicomoco's dedication by celebrating, experiencing and acknowledging the history, culture and persistence of the Indigenous Tribes of Virginia. This event will feature education vendors from diverse groups and organizations for guests to explore as well as some hands-on and interactive opportunities. This year will include food trucks, exciting new educators, music and more.

13. Veterans Day Extravaganza at High Bridge Trail State Park

High Bridge Trail State Park will be a key host in offering what is to be known as "the best darn Veterans Day event the Heart of Virginia has ever seen.”

The event will be held on November 11 from 1 p.m. until 9 p.m. at Three Roads Brewing Company located at 312 W. Third St. in Farmville.

This festival will start with opening ceremonies with a local brass band at 1:30 p.m. There will be plenty of food and drink available, music and sponsor booths. Great door prizes will be given away and at a venue that is in beautiful downtown Farmville and trail-side of High Bridge Trail State Park.

Visit a Virginia State Park

Check out at least one or more of these wonderful fall events and share your experiences with us using #VaStateParks.

Happy fall everyone!