Events in Virginia State Parks

Pan for gold in the James River while learning about Virginia’s unique geology, the rocks and minerals of the park, and the magnetic sand on the banks of the river.

Food webs can get pretty complex, but at the very top of the food chain is the best predator in the ecosystem.

Murders over moonshine rocked the town of Fayerdale in the 1920s and 30s, leaving a dying town remembered for tragedy rather than the mining operations that once made it a boomtown. Moonshining (illegal whiskey making) was quite prevalent in and around the Fairy Stone State Park area in the early 1900s. Jealousy, greed, and competition often led to feuds, brawls, and even killings.

Come say hello to Ranger Shelly, our red-eared slider and local shellebrity. Join us at the beach as she enjoys some sunshine and enrichment time.

It is Memorial Day weekend, and we are honoring the heroes who sacrifice for all of our freedoms. Join a ranger to learn about this special American holiday.

Find out what lurks below the surface of the swamp in this fun dip-netting adventure!

You don't need a boat or fishing license to learn how to fish with the rangers at Holliday Lake State Park.

Frogs, crawdads, and children, oh my!

Did you know people were tie-dyeing clothes over a thousand years before it became a 1960s fashion trend?

The blue crab is one of the most iconic species of the Chesapeake Bay.

Ever wonder what the fish are doing when they dive deep under water?

We will begin the 2025 Music in the Park series with Occoneechee's second annual open mic session.

Twilight Paddle Adventures are a great way to spend an evening away from the hustle and bustle of work, traffic and the cares of life.

Spend an entertaining evening sitting around the campfire with other park visitors.

Throughout the summer we offer multiple opportunities for you to take a tour of our beautiful park by wagon ride.

Join us for a special night hike through False Cape State Park.

Enjoy a cool fall evening with a short, moderate hike to the highest point in the park, Little Pinnacle, to witness one of the most stunning sunsets in Virginia.

Take a wagon ride to the scenic Tye Overlook and enjoy the prettiest view for miles around.

Come with us to experience the beginnings of Bluegrass music and follow its evolution as it traveled across the ocean and settled in the Appalachian Mountains.

What does it take to build a "one match" fire?

With 400 years of history, there are thousands of stories that the land of Chippokes has to offer.

Gather around a crackling fire to hear stories shared by a park ranger. Some stories come from this region's history as well as a few short stories featuring adventure, mystery, and mishaps in the outdoors.

Secrets and spiders and campfires?

Discover our International Dark-Sky Park!

Did you know that James River State Park is a member of the International Dark Sky Association?

The surface of the water might seem calm, but down under there is an exciting world filled with all kinds of life.

Take a stroll along our lake shore as you visit several mesmerizing lights that have been placed in or along the lake.

Whooo’s out there in the dark?

Come join the storytellers from CHAOS (Chapel Hill Astronomical and Observational Society) on the Observation Field to share the stories of the stars.

Come see the stars and explore our night sky with our park rangers at this International Dark Sky Park.

Did you know that James River State Park is a member of the International Dark Sky Association?

This is a self-guided program for the whole family to enjoy.

Looking for a fun way to explore the park at your own pace?

Take a 4-hour guided tour through Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge and False Cape State Park!

Come experience the beautiful James River on this guided kayak tour with DCR's Bay Experience team!

What is wet, muddy, has lots of plants and animals, and kind of stinks?

Join a ranger, enjoy Big Meadow Trail, and learn about the natural history of Westmoreland State Park.

Bows and arrows have been a part of human society for thousands of years and used for both survival and sport.

We all enjoy a yummy meal and that’s the same for our resident snake that lives here in our Visitor Center.

Did you know if Americans recycled one-tenth of their newspapers it would save 25 million trees a year?

Let's venture out in search of the great bumble bee.

There are many stories to tell about Sweet Run State Park.  Some are visual, some will be tactile, and most do not use words.

Long before there was a York River State Park, or even a York River, 6,000 plus years ago, marine creatures swam here in a shallow sea.

Are you participating in No Meat May?

Walk in the footsteps of moonshiners of decades gone by.

Step into the heart of Douthat State Park on this guided hike that uncovers the wonders of nature, from the smallest details to the grandest views.

Ever wonder what animals call Kiptopeke home or what those shells on the beach are called?

What's a benthic organism and how do they survive in the creek?

Chippokes State Park welcomes visitors to accompany an interpretive guide on a very unique historical building tour experience to explore one of the oldest dwellings on property.

Join us for a hike showcasing summer wildflowers along Saunder's Creek.

Come join our Rangers on a hike of Long Pond Trail!

Join our volunteer on a short stroll and tour of the historic Howe House.

Is the opossum misunderstood?

Join the Rangers on a guided hike through our most popular trail!

This historical building tour is designed to highlight the architecture of the time, designs, furnishings, special touches, ornate decor, and stories within the walls of the Jones-Stewart Mansion.

Visit a ranger and learn about bear safety.

Do you know how many common "weeds" have historic use as food and medicine?

Interested in learning more about archery while having fun?

Yes, this is an honest-to-goodness game show with buzzers, lights, excitement, and prizes (without the TV cameras). We will put your knowledge to the test about everything from history, animals, plants, and more.

With over two thousand acres, the park has a wide variety of life in the wetlands and woods.

Regurgitated owl puke!?

Come out of your shell and spend some time getting to know the Eastern Box Turtle.

Animals may be shy, but they leave plenty of clues behind.

This field-based game is a fun and safe way to examine the remarkable abilities of bats and the importance of preserving their habitats.

Nature has a wide variety of different colors and patterns for us to look at.

Join us as we learn more about the prehistoric history of Chippokes through fossils that can be found right on our beaches!

Use nets to catch lake life!

Did you know that 11 to 3 million years ago Chippokes, the James River, and most of the Tidewater area of Virginia was all under water and at the bottom of the Claremont Manor Sea? Join an interpreter on an adventure through the Fossil Beds of Chippokes to see what we can find...

Over 200 years ago, early adventurers like Daniel Boone walked these same hills and valleys we see today.

Are you ready to broaden your horizons beyond car camping to enjoy a more challenging and immersive camping experience?

Want to know a secret?

Did you know there was once a thriving "boom town" located where our lake is today?

Are you new to fishing and would like to learn the basics?

The Bay can hold many secrets.

Join us for Art in the Park and learn how to fish print using rubber replicas.

Stop by and investigate the variety of flora and fauna found around Smith Mountain Lake.

First Landing is home to many creatures both large and small.

Of all the mammals, opossums are the most misunderstood. They are fascinating creatures with very unique characteristics.

Have you met the animals living at Hungry Mother State Park's Discovery Center?

Ever wondered what a skunk’s fur feels like, or how big a bobcat’s skull really is?

Paddle around the lake with us and discover the variety of habitats the lake provides.

Come enjoy an afternoon with guitar legend and world-famous builder Wayne C.

Let’s head over to Edmunds Lake and try to wrangle in some big fish.

How can we be more sustainable when practicing our favorite hobbies?

Scurry on over to investigate the secret life of a bug.

Evenings are a wonderful time in the park to be on the water.

What's a camping trip without a campfire?

Enjoy a movie under the stars.

Come learn what makes cave ecosystems so delicate and special.

Paddle the lower Potomac River on a fossil finding adventure! Millions of years ago, Virginia was covered in a shallow sea that was teeming with life, leaving behind prolific fossil beds.

Come walk the park's bluebird trail with a Virginia Master Naturalist as she checks the nestboxes and records data for the Virginia Bluebird Society.

Spring is in the air; this is prime time for bird watching!

Do you want to witness the art of Gyotaku fish printing, an ancient craft where you can create your own fish masterpiece!

Every program description needs a hook, but this program already has plenty of them.

Explore the beautiful wetlands with us.

Show off your creativity with a beach themed craft on your way to or from the Chesapeake Bay.

Kick off this Memorial day by joining the Rangers for an assortment of games on the beach!

Plein Air is a 19th century style of painting in the open air.

Explore the Chesapeake Bay through the animals that live in it!

Make crafts inspired by our critter friends.