While summer might not start officially until mid-June, in Virginia State Parks all the trappings of summer will be evident beginning Memorial Day Weekend.

The beach at Lake Anna State Park

Guarded swimming and snack bars at parks with pools and lakes open Saturday, May 25. Memorial Day weekend is always popular for family picnics and gatherings at our 35 Virginia State Parks. Swimming and snack bar operational times vary so please contact the park for details or check our website.

Snack bar at Smith Mountain Lake State Park

While many parks offer self-guided and some ranger led programming year-round, Memorial Day weekend is the start of more regularly scheduled guided programs in the parks. Whether you are interested in paddling programs and other outdoor recreation activities, programs on our rich Virginia culture and history, or programs on the natural world, you will find them at a Virginia State Park near you. You can search by park, date and/or type of program here. 

Several parks are offering special events over the weekend

If you like beach music, start the weekend May 24 with a concert by the legendary Bill Deal’s Original Rhondels at the Pocahontas State Park Amphitheater in Chesterfield. Click here for more information.

The Pocahontas Amphitheater is the perfect venue to enjoy a concert

Memorial Day weekend would not be the same without the annual Delaplane Strawberry Festival at Sky Meadows State Park. This year marks the 20th anniversary of family fun and strawberries on May 25 and 26. Click here for more information. Here is a slide show of pictures from past events:

Southwest Virginia Museum in Big Stone Gap is hosting Gathering in the Gap celebrating southwest Virginia’s rich tradition of old-time, bluegrass, blues and Americana music on May 25. Enjoy performances by regionally and nationally renowned musicians including John Carter Cash, Mountain Heart, Dale Jett and Hello Stranger, and Dave Eggar and Deoro with Amber Rubarth. Click here for more information.

The Gathering in the Gap is more than outstanding music.

Click here for a complete listing of all scheduled programs and events from May 24 to 27. 

Create some family memories this Memorial Day weekend with a visit to a Virginia State Park!