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15 fall festivities at Virginia State Parks
Fall is near and as the leaves begin to change color, it’s the perfect time to get outdoors and experience 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 15 Virginia State Park festivals and events you may want 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. Pawpaw Festival at Powhatan State Park
This annual event showcases the nation’s largest native fruit, the Pawpaw. Activities are for all ages and include archery, atlatl spear throwing, Master Naturalist programs, animal demonstrations, solar viewing, crafts and music along with food and beer trucks. The event takes place Sept. 21 from 11 a.m. until 3 p.m. and costs $20 per vehicle, but if you have an annual pass the cost is only $10 per vehicle. Visit the Pawpaw Festival web page for more details.
2. Beats on the Bend at Sevens Bend State Park
Fall is the perfect time to enjoy some music at scenic Seven Bends for the annual Beats on the Bend event on Sept. 22 from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. The Seven Bends Band plays a mix of Classic Rock, Southern Rock, Blues, Funk, Jam, and Outlaw Country from the heart of the Shenandoah Valley.
You can purchase tickets here.
3. Battle of Sailor’s Creek reenactment at Sailor’s Creek State Park
Catch the battle reenactment at Sailor’s Creek to better understand how the land was utilized in the past. There are two battles planned on Saturday, September 21, beginning at noon and 2 p.m. Two battles are also planned for Sunday, September 22, beginning at 1:30 p.m. and 2:30 p.m.
In conjunction with "Longstreet's Corps," the public is invited to visit the military camps and witness camp life firsthand. Camps are open to the public 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. on Saturday, and then 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. on Sunday. There will be Infantry, Artillery, and Cavalry demonstrations both days. Enjoy the fall weather at this scenic and historic park.
Bonus event: Sailor’s Creek will host the annual Veteran Day Luminaria on Nov. 9 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. to honor all those who have served our nation's military, past and present. Both events are free to attend.
4. Grayson Highlands Fall Festival: Cancelled due to weather
The Grayson Highlands Fall Festival WAS set to take place on Sept. 28 and 29 from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. Take a step back in time and experience the music and food that are staples to the area. Some of the finest local old-time bands will be featured, and food will be available for purchase from a variety of vendors. This is a great weekend event for the entire family.
5. Campsite Cook-off at Douthat State Park
If you want to show off your campsite cooking skills then this event is for you. Be a part of the 9th Annual Campsite Cook-off at Douthat that takes place on Sept. 28 from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m. This is no ordinary cook-off, and it will put your creativity to the test. The meat for the cook-off will be provided by the park, but participants will not know the type of meat until it is time to cook. Cooks must supply their own secret seasonings to make their dish a standout. Teams will be given the meat on Friday evening to prepare overnight.
Entry into the event includes sampling meats from the competing teams. Live music will be available for both participants and spectators to enjoy. For spectators, entry into the event will be $15 per person and children ages 10 and under receive free entry. Craft artisans and food vendors will also be on site.
Those interested in competing can call 540-862-8114 for more details. Event happening rain or shine.
6. Staunton River and James River Star Parties
The cooler temperatures provide clearer skies and so star party events are popular in the fall. Catch a glimpse of the sky at Staunton River State Park Oct. 4 from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. during the Public Night of their Annual Fall Star Party, with dozens of professionals from the Chapel Hill Astronomical and Observational Society sharing their telescopes and astronomy knowledge.
To register for the Fall Star Party please email: stauntonriverstarparty@gmail.com.
James River State Park's Annual Stary Party is a month later, on Nov. 1 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. and Nov. 2 from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. Also designated as an International Dark Sky Park, it's a stargazers paradise. This is a unique, two-night opportunity that only comes once a year and will be the largest gathering of astronomers at the park.The local astronomy clubs will have telescopes available for an up-close view of planets and galaxies, but you may also bring your own telescope to explore these amazing wonders of the night sky with the knowledgeable staff as your guide. The event will include programs and presentations to help you find your way through the galaxy.
7. Harvest Celebration at New River Trail: Canceled due to weather
New River Trail State Park will host a Harvest Celebration Oct. 5 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. that will feature blacksmith and whittling demonstrations, harvest tool displays, tours of the historic village and Dutch oven cooking. Family activities such as pumpkin carving, face painting, hayrides, corn husk doll crafts and Jake Tales story time. This is a free event, and the Inn at Foster Falls will have a special lunch menu available for purchase.
8. Wilderness Road Heritage Festival
The annual Heritage Festival will take place at Wilderness Road State Park Oct. 12 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Experience a unique celebration of Southwest Virginia's cultural heritage. 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 can enjoy fun and educational activities all with an Appalachian theme.
Bonus event: The park will also host a Trunk or Treat Oct. 24 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.
9. Fall for Twin Lakes Festival
Experience the beauty of the autumn colors at the Twin Lakes Fall Festival Oct. 12 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Family-friendly activities include pumpkin decorating, hayrides, a scarecrow stuffing competition as well as a chance to meet animal ambassadors.
Snacks and drinks will be available for purchase. Pumpkins will be available for purchase by the Friends of Twin Lakes State Park, an all-volunteer non-profit organization. The winner of the scarecrow stuffing contest will receive a Virginia State Parks gift certificate. Don’t forget to check out the craft show, featuring local artisans and unique handmade goods, perfect for early holiday shopping.
Standard parking fees will apply OR a donation of two non-perishable canned goods.
10. Leesylvania Fall Festival
Enjoy the Potomac River's cool autumn breeze with your friends and family at Leesylvania State Park's Annual Fall Festival on Oct. 12 from noon to 4 p.m. Celebrate the season with hayrides, kids costume contest, crafts, trunk or treat and pumpkin painting.
11. Chippokes Harvest Festival
The 11th Annual Fall Harvest Festival at Chippokes State Park provides a wonderful opportunity to get outside and enjoy the season. This event takes place Oct. 19 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and is sponsored by the Friends of Chippokes at one of the oldest continuously farmed properties in the nation.
This event features music and family activities such an antique tractor pull, pumpkin painting, corn cob doll making, corn hole, and tractor-drawn hayrides. There will be various local food and craft vendors with a wide array of selections. Guided tours of the antebellum Jones-Stewart Mansion and self-guided tours of the Farm and Forestry Museum are included.
12. Sky Meadows Fall Foliage Festival
Experience the colors of the season in the Blue Ridge Mountains at the Fall Foliage Festival at Sky Meadows on Oct. 19 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. 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 and connect with nature while creating lasting memories.
13. First Landing Fall Festival
Fall is an ideal time to visit the beach and enjoy the Fall Festival at First Landing on Oct. 19 from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. The coastal foliage will on display and the event will include live music, community partners, games, crafts, food and beverages and a hay wagon rides. Be sure to enjoy the trails as this time of year provides unique views.
14. Claytor Lake Homecoming BBQ Cookoff
Showoff your cooking skills and compete in this Homecoming BBQ Cookoff at Claytor Lake on Oct. 25 from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. The event will also include fun tailgate games with final judging starting at 6 p.m. For more information and rules visit the website (PDF).
Please fill out the pre-registration form here.
15. Art and Wine Festival at Caledon
The annual Art and Wine Festival at Caledon State Park is the perfect time to tantalize your senses with the tastes from local wineries and restaurants, the vision of beautiful art from local artists, and the sounds of great music. This is a family-friendly event spanning two days: Nov. 2 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Nov. 3 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., rain or shine.
Non-tasters and children enjoy free admission and tickets are required for each day. Tickets are $25 online and $30 at the gate; parking is $5 per vehicle. Carpooling is recommended. Please bring cash as Wi-Fi connections are spotty and credit cards may not be taken by all vendors.
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.
Keep checking the events webpage for this year’s Halloween Events.
Happy fall everyone!
If you have read the article and have a question, please email nancy.heltman@dcr.virginia.gov.