What's happening this month in Virginia State Parks
August
More summer fun awaits you at your Virginia State Parks in August! When was the last time you looked up at a starry night sky, listened to live music outdoors, took a paddle tour, connected with wildlife in nature, or made memories with your family at a state park? There’s still time to do all this and more this summer! Want to learn how to kayak, backpack camp, fly fish, go orienteering or shoot a bow? Check out our Let's Go Adventures program!
Events Sampler:
Aug. 1, 2025.
Mason Neck State Park
Come see what Mason Neck State Park has to offer on International Adaptive Activity Day. Discover the beauty of inclusive outdoor adventures at our special event celebrating International Adaptive Activity Day!
Aug. 1, 8, 15, 22 & 29, 2025. Start timeat 7:30 or 8 p.m.
Natural Bridge State Park
Watch the last traces of daylight strike the Blue Ridge Mountains on this haywagon ride. Take in mountain views on this family-friendly trip on Skyline Trail with a ranger guide pointing out different peaks, plants, and nocturnal animals you could encounter along the way. Pre-registration is required.
Aug. 2, 2025. 7:30 - 10:00 p.m.
Step into the world of Kanin Wren’s Taylor Swift Experience, where you'll be treated to a night of unforgettable music and entertainment. Kanin has skillfully crafted a show through the lens of a singer-songwriter, showcasing spot on delivery and authenticity. Experience a journey through Taylor Swift's discography, starting from her debut album all the way to The Tortured Poets Society.
Aug. 2, 2025. 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Sky Meadows State Park
Curious about what flowers you see blooming in Sky Meadows' fields during the summer heat? Join on an adventure of our Botany and Bloom Series with Shenandoah Chapter Virginia Master Naturalist Paul Guay, and discover the beauty and diversity of summer blooms.
Aug. 9, 2025. 9 - 10:30 a.m.
Caledon State Park
The Great Egret joins the Great Blue Heron for super-sized avian fun at the park. Come learn about Caledon's resident herons and enjoy a morning wagon ride to Jones Pond while we search the skies for these greatest of birds. Pack a breakfast treat to enjoy at the wetlands. You can bring your own binoculars, or borrow a pair from a Ranger.
Aug. 16, 2025. 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Wilderness Road State Park
In appreciation for continued support, Wilderness Road State Park offers an afternoon of entertainment. The day includes historical activities and tours as well as bounce houses, water slides, games and more.
Aug. 15-16, 2025. 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Claytor Lake State Park
The American Jet Sport Association (AJSA) will be hosting a Southern Summer Series jet ski race at Claytor Lake State Park August 15-16. The event is open to both spectators and jet ski riders of different classifications. Spectators are encouraged to bring their own chairs and tents to the event.
Aug. 2 & 16, 2025. 10 - 11 a.m.
Hungry Mother State Park
Join certified Forest Therapy volunteer, Tina Hayes, for a relaxing program made to calm the mind. Explore helpful ways to relax and de-stress yourself in nature while learning about the history and culture of using nature as a means of therapy.
Aug. 4 & 22, 2025. 10 a.m. - 12 p.m.
York River State Park
Take a walk and discover life in four different aquatic ecosystems. We will hike to a small woodland and marsh stream, freshwater pond, and brackish/saltwater river. With nets, we will capture and identify different crustaceans, fish, and take note of plant life.
Aug. 20, 2025. 12 - 2 p.m.
Smith Mountain Lake State Park
All aboard the Virginia Dare for a fun-filled and informative lunch cruise. Enjoy a delicious lunch and tour down the lake to the dam. On the return trip enjoy a presentation from our park interpretive ranger about the wildlife that call Smith Mountain Lake home. We'll even cruise close to several Osprey platforms on the lake.
Aug. 29, 2025 4 p.m. - Sept. 1, 2025 12 p.m.
Hungry Mother State Park
oin us for Find Your Wild Women’s Weekend, a retreat designed to help you reconnect with nature, yourself and a community of like-minded women. There will be a weekend full of guided activities and time to just reconnect with nature on your own. Each activity, whether it is yoga, archery, edible plants, fly fishing, fly tying, or bike riding to name a few, will be led by an instructor who will answer your questions and allow you to try your hand at each activity.
Aug. 29, 2025. 7:30 - 9 p.m.
Shenandoah River State Park
Did you know several plant and animal species glow under black light? Examples include flying squirrels and the Jack-O-Lantern fungi. During this program, we'll uncover the important role of bioluminescence in nature. We'll also explore a few trails and the riverbank to see what else glows under a black light! Please be prepared to hike up to 2 miles on various terrain.
Aug. 30, 2025. 7 -10 p.m.
Natural Tunnel State Park
Take a lantern lit chairlift ride down to the naturally made tunnel. Visit one of Scott County's oldest buildings, the Carter Cabin. Once there, listen to stories about the Wilderness Trail given by the Daniel Boone Wilderness Trail Association. Head out to the mouth of the tunnel to view the sheer limestone rock walls at night. Entertainment will get your toes tappin' and your hands clappin'.
Aug. 30, 2025. 11 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Grayson Highlands State Park
The Albert Hash Memorial Festival will feature Old Time Music, dancing, food, crafts, and instrument makers. Featured performers include Martha Spencer and the Wonderland Band with Archer, Crooked Road Ramblers, Larry Sigmon and The VA Girls, Wayne Henderson and Friends, Crooked Road Ramblers, Dori and Scott Freemanl, Willard Gayheart and the Whitetop Mountain Band.
Aug. 30, 2025. 8 - 10 p.m.
Natural Bridge State Park
A nearly century-long tradition continues as the Natural Bridge is bathed in light. Experience the 200-foot-tall arch as it is lit from above and below by dozens of lights, with the only sound being the murmuring of Cedar Creek running below. A tribute to the first light program at the Bridge conducted in 1927, come see for yourself the sight that has drawn people out to the park at night for over 98 years, time and time again.
Aug. 30, 2025. 7 - 8 p.m.
James River State Park
This is a special event that comes once a year, so don’t miss out. This unique program is presented by the Yapatoko. They will be sharing their culture, stories, drums, and dancing. Be prepared to join in and celebrate Native American history.
Aug. 31, 2025. 5 p.m.
Natural Tunnel State Park
22nd Annual Papa Joe Smiddy Mountain Music Festival will honor the memory and legacy of Dr. Joseph “Papa Joe” Smiddy. This annual gathering seeks to promote the musical heritage of the area’s Appalachian Mountain culture and honors the tireless work of “Papa Joe,” who promoted the music of our region for many decades.
Pollinator Events
Aug. 2, 2025. 9 - 10:30 a.m.
Sweet Run State Park
Join us for a rewarding morning of gardening with fellow plant lovers. The park's pollinator, shade, and fern gardens provide habitat for wildlife and educate park guests on the benefits and beauty of native plants.
Aug. 16, 2025. 10 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Staunton River State Park
Let's venture out in search of the great bumble bee. We will spend a few minutes talking about the anatomy of bees and their habitat. After this we will go for a short hike and see if we can find some real bees in our park's pollinator areas. We will also talk about the Virginia State Parks Pollinator Initiative and how bees are a vital part of our ecosystem.
Aug. 16 & 20, 2025. 9:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
Mason Neck State Park
We're seeking passionate individuals who share our dedication to environmental stewardship and beautification. Get your hands dirty as we roll up our sleeves to tend to the pollinator gardens at Mason Neck State Park. From planting native species to weeding and mulching, every task contributes to the vibrant health of our natural spaces.
Aug. 23, 2025. 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Sailor's Creek Battlefield State Park
Join us for our 6th Annual Pollinator & Nature Festival. The festival focuses on educating guests about the important role pollinators play in their ecosystem, community resources that are available, and how to create pollinator habitats in your own backyard or community.
Aug. 23, 2025
New River Trail State Park
New River Trail State Park has planted almost two acres of native wildflowers near our lower boat launch. Join us for a walking tour through the wildflower field to enjoy this natural beauty and identify different native flower species. Following the tour we will offer a hands on flower craft ranging from flower pressing, drying, or arranging.
