Open fires are prohibited throughout the park from midnight to 4 p.m. through April 30 per the 4 p.m. Burning Law. This includes wood and charcoal. Gas is permissible. Campground fires are allowed during the restricted time if a camp host is on duty and signage to that effect is posted in the campground. Failure to observe the 4 p.m. Burning Law can result in a fine. Contact the Park Office for additional information.

Home > Blog > Save the Dates for October Festivals, Events and Fun

Save the Dates for October Festivals, Events and Fun

By Shellie AnnePosted September 13, 2019

It's fall y'all, and that means cooler temperatures and more opportunities to gather together outside to make fond memories at Virginia State Parks.

Fall is calling Virginia, you better grab your sweater, scarf, and answer

The fall forecast is in, and it looks like it's going to be a stellar year for leaf peeping, star parties, woolly bear racing and spooky after dark events. This is just a sampling of some of the great fall activities, festivals and more we have instore this October. Don't miss out on all this fun!

Fall Harvest Festival - James River State Park, Gladstone, VA

October 5, 2019 1:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.

Experience beautiful James River State Park in the fall at our Annual Fall Festival

Enjoy pumpkin carving and painting (pumpkins will be for sale), candle dipping, apple pressing, face painting, 19th century children's games, an apple slingshot, a candy maze and more. Wagon rides for $3/person or $8/family run every hour from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. Enjoy the sunset and sip hot cider by the bonfire at 6:30 p.m.

When darkness falls, take a spooky trail at the amphitheater. Directions and more information about James River State Park here.

Howlin' Coyote 10K Trail Race and Wiley Pup Kids Trail Dash - Caledon State Park, King George, Va

October 5, 2019 8:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

Have a howlin' good time at Caledon State Park

The Howlin' Coyote 10k race starts at 9:30 a.m. The race course takes runners through the shaded park trails and past the Potomac river. Walkers are welcome. This is a dog friendly race. Awards will be given to the top three over all finishers male and female and to the top male and female in each age group.

The Wiley Pup Kids Trail Dash takes off at 9 a.m. This 1-mile fun run is for children ages 5-13. Parents are encouraged to join the pups on the run or to serve as course marshals. Every child participating gets a finisher award.

Stick around after the races for cold beverages and chili. Awards for both races will be given out at 11 a.m.

Registration: 10K $20 ($25 if received after Sept 14), Wiley Pup $5. Pre-registration by mail or online.

Don't want to run the race? We need volunteers. Volunteers help the park staff with race timing, check in, manning water stations, and serving as course safety marshals. To volunteer please contact the race director at 540-295-5300 or email here. We can't do this without you.

Directions and more information about Caledon State Park here.

Fall Farm Days: The Nature of Sky Meadows - Sky Meadows State Park, Delaplane, VA

October 5, 2019 - October 6, 2019 11:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

During Fall Farm Days' Nature Weekend, get in touch with nature and explore a managed landscape rich in biodiversity. Stop by our Woolly Bear races and pick a winning Woolly Bear. See a glimpse of Sky Meadows' diversity of plants, animals, birds and insects at the Explorer Outpost table. Meet some of the many partners at the park to learn about bluebird monitoring, water conservation, amphibian habitats and more. Lastly, follow your nose to the Log Cabin and see what Sky Meadows' pumpkin and corn treats are being cooked over the hearth.

In addition to the nature-themed programs, we also offer Mount Bleak House tours, a children's play area, live music, delicious food and drinks for sale and, of course, the pick-your-own pumpkin patch.

Come back the following weekends for more Fall Farm Days fun:

October 12 & 13: Life on the Farm
October 19 & 20: Rest and Rejuvenation
October 26 & 27: History of Sky Meadows

There is no extra fee for these farm days. Directions and more information about Sky Meadows State Park here.

More October 5 events and programs you may enjoy:

Crewe Astronomy Club - Bear Creek Lake State Park, 22 Bear Creek Lake Rd., Cumberland, VA.
Clogging The Potomac - Leesylvania State Park, Woodbridge, VA
Touring the Galaxy - Natural Tunnel State Park, Duffield, VA
Photo Scavenger Hunt - Twin Lakes State Park, Green Bay, VA
First Saturday Community Coffee House - Southwest Virginia Museum, Big Stone Gap, VA
Shenandoah Astronomical Society - Shenandoah River State Park, Bentonville, VA

Chippokes 400th Anniversary Commemoration Event - Chippokes State Park, Surry, VA

October 6, 2019 2:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Jones-Stewart Mansion in the fall at Chippokes State Park

Chippokes is celebrating 400 years of continuous farming. Join us as we welcome guest speakers to honor the diverse cultures of those who have contributed to the legacy of Chippokes. Light refreshments will be provided by the Friends of Chippokes.

Following the commemoration, attendees can enjoy hearth cooking demonstrations at the Brick Kitchen, guided-tours of the Jones-Stewart Mansion, and view thousands of artifacts at the Farm and Forestry Museum featuring farming equipment throughout the ages.

There is no extra fee for this event. Directions and more information about Chippokes State Park here.

Campsite Cook-Off - Douthat State Park, Millboro, VA

October 11, 2019 - October 12, 2019 10:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.

We're stoked about this event at Douthat State Park, fire up those grills!

Be a part of our 3rd Annual Campsite Cook-off. This is no ordinary cook-off and it will put your creativity to the test. What makes this such a unique event? 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 Friday evening to prepare overnight.

Tastings will follow on Saturday. Live music will be available for both participants and spectators to enjoy. There is limited space so teams must pre-register. There is a $150 registration fee which includes the meat and two nights of camping in the Whispering Pines Campground. Registration is open. To register or for the rules and regulations, please call the park at 540-862-8114.

For spectators, entry into the event will be $10 per person. Craft artisans and food vendors will also be onsite. Directions and more information about Douthat State Park here.

More October 11-13 events and programs you may enjoy:

Martin's Station Fall Encampment - Wilderness Road State Park, Ewing, VA
Full Moon Yoga - Natural Bridge State Park, Natural Bridge, VA
Art in the Park Moonlight Photography - False Cape State Park, Sandbridge, VA

Roof Top Tent Rally - James River State Park, Gladstone, VA

October 18, 2019 - October 20, 2019

You won't need a rooftop tent to enjoy James River State Park on this full weekend of fun

Join us for the third annual James River State Park Roof Top Tent Rally. This two-night camping experience will highlight the overlander life style of camping in a roof top tent. These tents are rapid deploying tents that mount on top of a vehicle. Ground tents are also welcome, providing everyone with an opportunity to discover the benefits of roof top tents and learn some tricks of the overlander trade. Spend time with experienced overlanders and attend our demonstrations to learn how to plan safe and adventurous overland trips.

Also, visit with our local venders and sponsors, such as Blue Ridge Overland Gear, to see some of the newest gear on the market. While at the rally, enjoy live music and the original Overlander Cook-off.

Registration open August 1, 2019. Pre-registration will be $55 per camping unit (There is a $2 processing fee). RVs and campers are not permitted at this event. Check-in begins on Friday October 18, 2019 at 1 p.m. and check-out is Sunday October 20, 2019 at 2 p.m. For more information, please call the park at 434-933-8527.

Directions and more information about James River State Park here.

Ghost Trails Hayrides - York River State Park, Williamsburg, VA

October 25, 2019 6:30 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.

Ride through the woods if you dare at York River State Park

Join us for this spooky hayride through the woods to discover some of the park's haunted past through storytelling. Don't worry, you can pretend that you aren't scared, but who are you really fooling? Reservations are required. Please speak with a member of our office staff to make the reservation 757-566-3036. Cost: $4/person.

Directions and more information about York River State Park here.

Even more fun and spooky October events - click on any below:

Full listing of events

Click here to search our events database for more festivals and programs in October and beyond. You can search by park, event type or date.

Find the Love

Can you guess which park created this LOVEwork?

Park staff put heart and soul into their LOVEworks, like Staunton River State Park

Did you know that some of your favorite Virginia State Parks participated in a Virginia LOVEworks contest? Have you found the love at any of these parks? Most of them feature letters made from something iconic or representative of the specific park.

If you find them, we'd love it if you'd snap a photo and share the love on Instagram: #LoveVSP

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We're excited about the line-up of great events and activities this fall and October rounds up a very busy fun season at Virginia State Parks, but it's not over yet. Make your plans to attend one or more of these events, don't miss out on any of these great opportunities to spend time outside.

You may also enjoy: Save the Dates for September Festivals, Events and Fun.