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.
Between 04/29/2024 and 12/31/2025
(131) Events Found For Event Types
Astronomy/Stargazing
May 4, 2024. 6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
James River State Park Shelter #4/IDA viewing area
Did you know that James River State Park is a member of the International Dark Sky Association?
May 4, 2024. 7:30 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Machicomoco State Park Interpretive Area: Hillside Steps
Star gaze with us and become a "Night Sky Explorer" Junior Ranger!
May 4, 2024. 8:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.
Powhatan State Park Equestrian Parking
Join astronomers from the Richmond Astronomical Society for Saturday Under the Stars.
May 4, 2024. 8:00 p.m. - 11:00 p.m.
York River State Park Visitor Center
Join the Virginia Peninsula Stargazers as they point out the different items of our solar system in the night sky. They will have the equipment. Just bring your curiosity. This program is dependent on the clarity of the viewing sky on the night it occurs. .
May 4, 2024. 8:00 p.m. - 11:00 p.m.
Natural Tunnel State Park Gazebo
Join astronomy volunteers as they share the stories written in the night sky.
May 4, 2024. 9:00 p.m. - 11:00 p.m.
Natural Bridge State Park Skyline Trailhead Parking Lot
If you ever wanted to see a shooting star, come join our meteor shower watch! Join park rangers for an exploration of our night sky at this International Dark Sky Park.
May 10, 2024. 6:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.
Chippokes State Park Historic Area
Chippokes State Park is proud to partner with the Back Bay Amateur Astronomers Club to introduce a special dark night sky and stargazing opportunity for all to enjoy. Club members will use their telescopes to share the night time sky with park visitors. Visitors will be free to ask questions, observe, and look through telescopes during this public viewing outreach event.
May 11, 2024. 7:30 p.m. - 10:30 p.m.
Sweet Run State Park Interpretive Center
Join us for an evening presentation at 7:30 in the interpretive center. Dr.
May 11, 2024. 8:00 p.m. - 11:00 p.m.
Sky Meadows State Park Historic Area
Discover our International Dark-Sky Park!
May 11, 2024. 8:00 p.m. - 11:00 p.m.
Natural Tunnel State Park Gazebo
Calling all amateur astronomers and people who enjoy the night sky!
May 11, 2024. 9:00 p.m. - 11:00 p.m.
Staunton River State Park Observation Field
Come join the storytellers from CHAOS (Chapel Hill Astronomical and Observational Society) on the Observation Field to share the stories of the stars.
May 12, 2024. 11:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Natural Tunnel State Park Visitor Center
Stop by the Visitor Center and have the opportunity to view the sun through a telescope.
May 17, 2024. 8:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Natural Tunnel State Park Blockhouse Parking Lot
Ever wonder what goes on at night in a park?
May 18, 2024. 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Natural Tunnel State Park Picnic Area
International Astronomy Day is an annual event created to celebrate the importance of astronomy, a long-standing science throughout the world.
May 18, 2024. 8:15 p.m. - 11:00 p.m.
Natural Tunnel State Park Gazebo
Join astronomy volunteers as they share the stories written in the night sky.
May 23, 2024. 8:30 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.
Powhatan State Park Launch A Parking
Gather around the campfire as sun sinks low.
May 24, 2024. 5:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Belle Isle State Park Campground Bath House
Let us keep the kids entertained while the adults set up or take a break from setting up and stop by for interesting facts, history, and lore about our moon then make a craft to take home.
May 24, 2024. 8:15 p.m. - 11:00 p.m.
Natural Tunnel State Park Gazebo
Join astronomy volunteers as they share the stories written in the night sky.
May 24, 2024. 9:00 p.m. - 11:00 p.m.
Natural Bridge State Park Skyline Trailhead Parking Lot
The end of May marks the beginning of the summer season, so come enjoy the warmer days for stargazing!
May 25, 2024. 7:30 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.
Leesylvania State Park Bushey Point Canoe/Kayak Launch
Enjoy a peaceful evening canoe adventure at Leesylvania State Park on Powell's Creek! View the majestic colors of a Northern Virginia summer sunset on this tranquil tributary of the Potomac River while catching glimpses of the nocturnal wildlife emerging for the evening. No paddling experience is required; all participants must be of 6 years or older.
May 26, 2024. 11:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Natural Tunnel State Park Visitor Center
Stop by the Visitor Center and have the opportunity to view the sun through a telescope.
May 26, 2024. 7:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.
False Cape State Park Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge Parking Lot
Join us for a special night hike through False Cape State Park.
May 31, 2024. 7:30 p.m. - 10:30 p.m.
York River State Park Visitor Center
Get away from the city lights and gaze at the celestial bodies in the night sky. Discover how to identify constellations and hear a legend or two of how they came to be. This program is dependent on the clarity of the viewing sky on the night it occurs. Reservations with pre-payment only. Canoes - $13/person or $8/person (family of 4+).
June 1, 2024. 7:30 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.
York River State Park Amphitheater
When the sun goes down, our other senses become more alert than our sight. Nocturnal creatures become more active in the pursuit of food and mates. Hike with us for a magical natural journey through the night. After the hike, continue your adventure with our Stargazing program.
June 1, 2024. 8:00 p.m. - 11:00 p.m.
York River State Park Visitor Center
Join the Virginia Peninsula Stargazers as they point out the different items of our solar system in the night sky. They will have the equipment. Just bring your curiosity. This program is dependent on the clarity of the viewing sky on the night it occurs. .
June 1, 2024. 8:30 p.m. - 11:30 p.m.
Natural Tunnel State Park Gazebo
Join astronomy volunteers as they share the stories written in the night sky.
June 1, 2024. 9:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.
James River State Park Shelter #4/IDA viewing area
Did you know that James River State Park is a member of the International Dark Sky Association?
June 8, 2024. 8:00 p.m. - 11:00 p.m.
Sky Meadows State Park Historic Area
Discover our International Dark-Sky Park!
June 8, 2024. 9:00 p.m. - 11:00 p.m.
Staunton River State Park Observation Field
Come join the storytellers from CHAOS (Chapel Hill Astronomical and Observational Society) on the Observation Field to share the stories of the stars.
June 8, 2024. 9:00 p.m. - 11:00 p.m.
Natural Bridge State Park Skyline Trailhead Parking Lot
When the moon is totally hidden, we have the darkest nights and some of the best stargazing!
June 9, 2024. 11:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Natural Tunnel State Park Visitor Center
Stop by the Visitor Center and have the opportunity to view the sun through a telescope.
June 15, 2024. 8:30 p.m. - 11:30 p.m.
Natural Tunnel State Park Gazebo
Join astronomy volunteers as they share the stories written in the night sky.
June 18, 2024. 7:30 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Bear Creek Lake State Park Beach Area
Take a float as day turns into twilight, and the creatures of the night arise.
June 18, 2024. 8:30 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.
Natural Tunnel State Park Blockhouse Parking Lot
Ever wonder what goes on at night in a park?
June 21, 2024. 7:30 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.
Leesylvania State Park Bushey Point Canoe/Kayak Launch
Enjoy a peaceful evening canoe adventure at Leesylvania State Park on Powell's Creek! View the majestic colors of a Northern Virginia summer sunset on this tranquil tributary of the Potomac River while catching glimpses of the nocturnal wildlife emerging for the evening. No paddling experience is required; all participants must be of 6 years or older.
June 21, 2024. 8:30 p.m. - 10:30 p.m.
Grayson Highlands State Park Visitor Center
Enjoy summer evening at Grayson Highlands State Park and take a short hike using the moonlight to the highest point in the park.
June 22, 2024. 7:30 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.
Leesylvania State Park Bushey Point Canoe/Kayak Launch
Enjoy a peaceful evening canoe adventure at Leesylvania State Park on Powell's Creek! View the majestic colors of a Northern Virginia summer sunset on this tranquil tributary of the Potomac River while catching glimpses of the nocturnal wildlife emerging for the evening. No paddling experience is required; all participants must be of 6 years or older.
June 23, 2024. 11:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Natural Tunnel State Park Visitor Center
Stop by the Visitor Center and have the opportunity to view the sun through a telescope.
June 23, 2024. 7:30 p.m. - 10:30 p.m.
York River State Park Amphitheater
Explore the marsh at night as you paddle up its placid waters. Various creatures may be seen in the creek or along the shoreline, while bats fly above in the night sky. You may even experience owls calling at a distance. Take it all in as the light of the moon blankets the surroundings with mystery. Reservations with pre-payment only. Canoes - $13/person or $8/person (family of 4+).
June 30, 2024. 8:00 p.m. - 11:00 p.m.
False Cape State Park Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge Parking Lot
Join us for a special night hike through False Cape State Park.
July 5, 2024. 9:00 p.m. - 11:00 p.m.
Natural Bridge State Park Skyline Trailhead Parking Lot
Are you looking for a light show without the fireworks this Independence Day weekend? Join park rangers for an exploration of our night sky at this International Dark Sky Park.
July 6, 2024. 8:00 p.m. - 11:00 p.m.
Sky Meadows State Park Historic Area
Discover our International Dark-Sky Park!
July 6, 2024. 8:00 p.m. - 11:00 p.m.
York River State Park Visitor Center
Join the Virginia Peninsula Stargazers as they point out the different items of our solar system in the night sky. They will have the equipment. Just bring your curiosity. This program is dependent on the clarity of the viewing sky on the night it occurs. .
July 6, 2024. 8:45 p.m. - 11:30 p.m.
Natural Tunnel State Park Gazebo
Join astronomy volunteers as they share the stories written in the night sky.
July 6, 2024. 9:00 p.m. - 11:00 p.m.
Staunton River State Park Observation Field
Come join the storytellers from CHAOS (Chapel Hill Astronomical and Observational Society) on the Observation Field to share the stories of the stars.
July 6, 2024. 9:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.
James River State Park Shelter #4/IDA viewing area
Did you know that James River State Park is a member of the International Dark Sky Association?
July 13, 2024. 8:30 p.m. - 10:30 p.m.
Powhatan State Park Equestrian Parking
Join astronomers from the Richmond Astronomical Society for Saturday Under the Stars.
July 14, 2024. 11:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Natural Tunnel State Park Visitor Center
Stop by the Visitor Center and have the opportunity to view the sun through a telescope.
July 17, 2024 12:00 a.m. - Aug. 24, 2024 12:00 a.m.
Staunton River State Park Observation Field
The Perseids is one of the best meteor showers to observe, producing up to 60 meteors per hour at its peak.
July 17, 2024. 8:30 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.
Natural Tunnel State Park Blockhouse Parking Lot
Ever wonder what goes on at night in a park?
July 19, 2024. 7:30 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.
Leesylvania State Park Bushey Point Canoe/Kayak Launch
Enjoy a peaceful evening canoe adventure at Leesylvania State Park on Powell's Creek! View the majestic colors of a Northern Virginia summer sunset on this tranquil tributary of the Potomac River while catching glimpses of the nocturnal wildlife emerging for the evening. No paddling experience is required; all participants must be of 6 years or older.
July 20, 2024. 7:30 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.
Leesylvania State Park Bushey Point Canoe/Kayak Launch
Enjoy a peaceful evening canoe adventure at Leesylvania State Park on Powell's Creek! View the majestic colors of a Northern Virginia summer sunset on this tranquil tributary of the Potomac River while catching glimpses of the nocturnal wildlife emerging for the evening. No paddling experience is required; all participants must be of 6 years or older.
July 20, 2024. 8:00 p.m. - 11:00 p.m.
False Cape State Park Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge Parking Lot
Join us for a special night hike through False Cape State Park.
July 20, 2024. 8:30 p.m. - 11:30 p.m.
Natural Tunnel State Park Gazebo
Join astronomy volunteers as they share the stories written in the night sky.
July 20, 2024. 9:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.
James River State Park Shelter #4/IDA viewing area
Did you know that James River State Park is a member of the International Dark Sky Association?
July 26, 2024. 9:00 p.m. - 11:00 p.m.
Natural Bridge State Park Skyline Trailhead Parking Lot
If you ever wanted to see a shooting star, come join our meteor shower watch! Join park rangers for an exploration of our night sky at this International Dark Sky Park.
July 27, 2024. 9:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.
James River State Park Shelter #4/IDA viewing area
James River State Park is a designated International Dark Sky park.
July 28, 2024. 11:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Natural Tunnel State Park Visitor Center
Stop by the Visitor Center and have the opportunity to view the sun through a telescope.
Aug. 2, 2024. 9:30 p.m. - 11:30 p.m.
Grayson Highlands State Park Visitor Center
Come out to Grayson Highlands State Park for a magical night under the stars and witness the amazing Perseid Meteor Shower.
Aug. 3, 2024. 8:00 p.m. - 11:00 p.m.
York River State Park Visitor Center
Join the Virginia Peninsula Stargazers as they point out the different items of our solar system in the night sky. They will have the equipment. Just bring your curiosity. This program is dependent on the clarity of the viewing sky on the night it occurs. .
Aug. 3, 2024. 8:15 p.m. - 11:00 p.m.
Natural Tunnel State Park Gazebo
Join astronomy volunteers as they share the stories written in the night sky.
Aug. 3, 2024. 9:00 p.m. - 11:00 p.m.
Staunton River State Park Observation Field
Come join the storytellers from CHAOS (Chapel Hill Astronomical and Observational Society) on the Observation Field to share the stories of the stars.
Aug. 3, 2024. 9:30 p.m. - 11:30 p.m.
Grayson Highlands State Park Visitor Center
Come out to Grayson Highlands State Park for a magical night under the stars and witness the amazing Perseid Meteor Shower.
Aug. 4, 2024. 11:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Natural Tunnel State Park Visitor Center
Stop by the Visitor Center and have the opportunity to view the sun through a telescope.
Aug. 10, 2024. 7:30 p.m. - 10:30 p.m.
Sky Meadows State Park Historic Area
Discover our International Dark-Sky Park!
Aug. 10, 2024. 7:30 p.m. - 10:30 p.m.
Sweet Run State Park Interpretive Center
We will have a gentle evening walk around one of the trails beginning at 7:30. There will also be some activities in the Interpretive Center from 7:30-9:00 pm. At 9:00 p.m. we'll gather behind the Interpretive Center for Northern Virginia Astronomy Club (NOVAC) members to orient us with a brief sky tour and look at deep space objects through their telescopes.
Aug. 10, 2024. 8:00 p.m. - 11:00 p.m.
False Cape State Park Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge Parking Lot
Join us for a special night hike through False Cape State Park.
Aug. 10, 2024. 8:30 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.
Sailor's Creek Battlefield State Park Visitor Center
The local Crewe Astronomy Club will bring their hi-tech telescopes and amazing video presentation about our planet, our solar system, and our universe to the visitor center.
Aug. 10, 2024. 9:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.
James River State Park Shelter #4/IDA viewing area
Did you know that James River State Park is a member of the International Dark Sky Association?
Aug. 10, 2024. 9:00 p.m. - 11:00 p.m.
Natural Bridge State Park Skyline Trailhead Parking Lot
If you ever wanted to see a shooting star, come join our meteor shower watch! Join park rangers for an exploration of our night sky at this International Dark Sky Park.
Aug. 11, 2024. 9:30 p.m. - 11:00 p.m.
New River Trail State Park Shelter 1 - Foster Falls Playground and Picnic Area - 116 Orphanage Dr. Max Meadows, Va. 24360
The Perseid meteor shower (also known as the Perseids) is active every year from mid-July to late August.
Aug. 16, 2024. 7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Leesylvania State Park Bushey Point Canoe/Kayak Launch
Enjoy a peaceful evening canoe adventure at Leesylvania State Park on Powell's Creek! View the majestic colors of a Northern Virginia summer sunset on this tranquil tributary of the Potomac River while catching glimpses of the nocturnal wildlife emerging for the evening. No paddling experience is required; all participants must be of 6 years or older.
Aug. 16, 2024. 7:30 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Bear Creek Lake State Park Beach Area
Take a float as day turns into twilight, and the creatures of the night arise.
Aug. 16, 2024. 8:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Natural Tunnel State Park Blockhouse Parking Lot
Ever wonder what goes on at night in a park?
Aug. 17, 2024. 7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Leesylvania State Park Bushey Point Canoe/Kayak Launch
Enjoy a peaceful evening canoe adventure at Leesylvania State Park on Powell's Creek! View the majestic colors of a Northern Virginia summer sunset on this tranquil tributary of the Potomac River while catching glimpses of the nocturnal wildlife emerging for the evening. No paddling experience is required; all participants must be of 6 years or older.
Aug. 17, 2024. 8:00 p.m. - 11:00 p.m.
Natural Tunnel State Park Gazebo
Join astronomy volunteers as they share the stories written in the night sky.
Aug. 18, 2024. 11:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Natural Tunnel State Park Visitor Center
Stop by the Visitor Center and have the opportunity to view the sun through a telescope.
Aug. 18, 2024. 8:00 p.m. - 11:00 p.m.
False Cape State Park Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge Parking Lot
Join us for a special night hike through False Cape State Park.
Aug. 24, 2024. 8:00 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.
High Bridge Trail State Park Camp Paradise - 1466 Camp Paradise Road, Rice, VA 23966
From a vantage point high above the Appomattox River's floodplain, visitors can explore the cosmos from High Bridge with our local Crewe Astronomy Club.
Aug. 30, 2024. 7:45 p.m. - 11:00 p.m.
Natural Tunnel State Park Gazebo
Join astronomy volunteers as they share the stories written in the night sky.
Aug. 30, 2024. 8:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.
Natural Bridge State Park Skyline Trailhead Parking Lot
Before fall brings on chilly nights, enjoy stargazing in the park over the holiday weekend!
Aug. 31, 2024. 9:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.
James River State Park Shelter #4/IDA viewing area
Did you know that James River State Park is a member of the International Dark Sky Association?
Sept. 1, 2024. 11:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Natural Tunnel State Park Visitor Center
Stop by the Visitor Center and have the opportunity to view the sun through a telescope.
Sept. 1, 2024. 7:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.
False Cape State Park Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge Parking Lot
Join us for a special night hike through False Cape State Park.
Sept. 7, 2024. 6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
James River State Park Shelter #4/IDA viewing area
Did you know that James River State Park is a member of the International Dark Sky Association?
Sept. 7, 2024. 7:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.
Sky Meadows State Park Historic Area
Discover our International Dark-Sky Park!
Sept. 7, 2024. 7:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.
Sweet Run State Park Interpretive Center
Dusk is a magical time at the park.
Sept. 7, 2024. 7:30 p.m. - 10:30 p.m.
York River State Park Visitor Center
Join the Virginia Peninsula Stargazers as they point out the different items of our solar system in the night sky. They will have the equipment. Just bring your curiosity. This program is dependent on the clarity of the viewing sky on the night it occurs. .
Sept. 7, 2024. 7:30 p.m. - 11:00 p.m.
Natural Tunnel State Park Gazebo
Join astronomy volunteers as they share the stories written in the night sky.
Sept. 7, 2024. 8:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.
Staunton River State Park Observation Field
Come join the storytellers from CHAOS (Chapel Hill Astronomical and Observational Society) on the Observation Field to share the stories of the stars.
Sept. 13, 2024. 7:15 p.m. - 8:15 p.m.
Natural Tunnel State Park Blockhouse Parking Lot
Ever wonder what goes on at night in a park?
Sept. 14, 2024. 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Leesylvania State Park Bushey Point Canoe/Kayak Launch
Enjoy a peaceful evening canoe adventure at Leesylvania State Park on Powell's Creek! View the majestic colors of a Northern Virginia summer sunset on this tranquil tributary of the Potomac River while catching glimpses of the nocturnal wildlife emerging for the evening. No paddling experience is required; all participants must be of 6 years or older.
Sept. 14, 2024. 7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Bear Creek Lake State Park Beach Area
Take a float as day turns into twilight, and the creatures of the night arise.
Sept. 15, 2024. 11:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Natural Tunnel State Park Visitor Center
Stop by the Visitor Center and have the opportunity to view the sun through a telescope.
Sept. 17, 2024 8:00 p.m. - Sept. 18, 2024 1:00 a.m.
Staunton River State Park Observation Field
A partial lunar eclipse occurs when the Moon passes through the Earth's partial shadow, or penumbra, and only a portion of it passes through the darkest shadow, or umbra.
Sept. 21, 2024. 7:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.
False Cape State Park Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge Parking Lot
Join us for a special night hike through False Cape State Park.
Sept. 21, 2024. 7:15 p.m. - 10:30 p.m.
Natural Tunnel State Park Gazebo
Join astronomy volunteers as they share the stories written in the night sky.
Sept. 21, 2024. 8:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.
Natural Bridge State Park Skyline Trailhead Parking Lot
Watch the stars come out at night, then watch the moon rise over the Blue Ridge Mountains! Join park rangers for an exploration of our night sky at this International Dark Sky Park.
Sept. 28, 2024. 7:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.
York River State Park Visitor Center
Join the Virginia Peninsula Stargazers as they point out the different items of our solar system in the night sky. They will have the equipment. Just bring your curiosity. This program is dependent on the clarity of the viewing sky on the night it occurs. .
Sept. 29, 2024. 11:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Natural Tunnel State Park Visitor Center
Stop by the Visitor Center and have the opportunity to view the sun through a telescope.
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