What's happening this month in Virginia State Parks
September
In September, Virginia welcomes the vibrant colors and crisp air of the fall season. Autumn in the state parks is the perfect time to enjoy festivities and events. Whether you're a music lover looking for live performances, a nature enthusiast seeking outdoor adventures or simply wanting to soak up the last bit of summer fun, Virginia has it all. Come celebrate National Public Lands Day on September 27, and be part of a nationwide movement to preserve and protect our public lands. Join us in ensuring that our public lands continue to be a source of beauty, inspiration and recreation.
Events Sampler:
Sept. 3, 2025. 6 - 8 p.m.
Caledon State Park
Step into the garden and relax by the waterfall for a creative and eco-friendly art experience! Join local artist Kylie Jackson at Caledon as she guides you in painting your own Native Trees of Virginia poster using a unique, sustainable medium—matcha tea as watercolor. Learn how to paint delicate leaves from Virginia’s native trees; you can focus on your favorites or explore the many varieties within a species.
Sept. 6, 2025. 6:30 - 10 p.m.
Pocahontas State Park
ZOSO The Ultimate Led Zeppelin Experience returns once again to rock the Heritage Amphitheater. Celebrating their 30th anniversary in 2025, ZOSO has become one of the most iconic and respected Led Zeppelin tribute experiences in the world, having played over 4,800 shows across the globe. Known for their unparalleled dedication to faithfully recreating the legendary band's live performances, ZOSO has earned accolades from both critics and fans alike.
Sept. 4, 2025. 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Sept. 18, 2025. 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.
New River Trail State Park
Want to experience the New River Trail State Park in a way few people get a chance to? Join us for a van tour. Rides will run from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. and will meet at the Depot at Foster Falls. The tour will follow the trail that was once the rail line of Norfolk and Western.
Sept. 6, 2025. 9 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Southwest Virginia Museum State Park
The Friends of the Southwest Virginia Museum to host their Annual Yard Sale fund raising event offering a variety of items for purchase, and all proceeds will benefit the Friends of the Southwest Virginia Museum Historical State Park.
Sept. 6, 2025. 8 - 10 p.m.
High Bridge Trail State Park
Experience the beauty of High Bridge Trail under the enchanting light of the setting sun and the rising moon. This is a unique opportunity to explore High Bridge Trail during the evening and encounter the sights and sounds of nighttime along the Appomattox River.
Sept. 7, 2025. 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Caledon State Park
Find your muse at Caledon as you draw, paint, or photograph the world around you. Join the Fredericksburg Center for Creative Arts at Caledon State Park for a truly unique artistic experience. A wagon ride will transport you to various scenic woods and beach locations throughout the park as you breathe art into the forest.
Sept. 12-14, 2025.
Various parks
Virginia State Parks is participating in the biggest national Girl Scout event of the year during Girl Scouts Love State Parks in collaboration with the National Association of State Park Directors. From guided hikes and plant identification to campfire building and backpacking basics, this special weekend helps Girl Scouts learn outdoor skills, build confidence and become advocates for the environment.
Sept. 13, 2025. 11 - 11:30 a.m. and 3: - 3:30 p.m.
Wilderness Road State Park,
Across Virginia, women made the journey into the wilderness with hearts full of hope. They established new homes and created opportunities for generations to come. Travel the hunter’s trace to Martin’s Station and join the women of Powell’s Valley as they harness the unbreakable spirit and pay homage to the women who birthed a new and free nation.
Sept. 13, 2025. 5 - 8 p.m.
Machicomoco State Park
Bring a picnic and lawn chair for a family friendly evening of live music at the Park's Interpretive Area! The Tom Euler Trio, one of Virginia's leading blues/rock musicians, will be performing! Opening act by local musician Hunter Owens.
Sept. 14, 2025. 2 - 6 p.m.
Seven Bends State Park
Join us for the fourth annual Beats on the Bend - a vibrant concert and family fun day at Seven Bends State Park! Festivities kick off at 2:00 PM with a performance by beloved storyteller Warren Halvorson, captivating audiences with tales for all ages. At 3:00 PM, enjoy live music from The John Paul Douglas & The Bitter Trades (formerly known as Who Shot John).
Sept. 14, 2025. 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Powhatan State Park
The Nature Mobile is open for discovery! Come take a look inside the park ranger's tiny electric cart to behold some of nature's fascinating wonders. Who knows what you'll find? To celebrate the beginning of pawpaw season, this week's exhibit will highlight this ancient tree and its delicious fruit.
Sept. 19-21, 2025. 12:00 p.m.
Wilderness Road State Park
Imagine finding yourself approaching a beacon of rest and resupply with nothing but the clothes on your back. You are miles, days, beyond the fringes of civilization and a wooden palisade is all the stands between you and the untamed wilderness. Danger lurks within the shadows, but opportunity arises each day with the sun. Join the men and women of Martin’s Station and immerse yourself in the lives of those who helped to forge this great nation and open America’s “first” west.
Sept. 20, 2025. 11 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Powhatan State Park
We are hosting Central Virginia's favorite fruit focused event, the 3nd Annual Pawpaw Festival. The festival will feature an array of local vendors with bites, brews, crafts, and critters. Throughout the day you can explore acoustic music performances, ranger-led programs, and animal encounters.
Sept. 20, 2025. 1 - 4 p.m.
Southwest Virginia Museum State Park
The Southwest Virginia Museum presents a historic cemetery preservation workshop focusing on intermediate conservation skills. Join Historic Preservation Specialist Burke Greear along with staff and volunteers from the Southwest Virginia Museum Historical State Park as they share a range of proper conservation methods associated with historic cemetery preservation.
Sept. 20, 2025. 5 - 8 p.m.
Westmoreland State Park
The Friends of Westmoreland State Park presents Music on the Cliffs with “Hard to Tell". Bring chairs or a blanket to enjoy the music while soaking in the view of the Potomac from the Visitor Center. General’s Ridge Vineyard will offer wine tasting and bottle sales, though no outside alcohol is allowed.
Sept. 27, 2025. 7 - 8:30 p.m.
Pocahontas State Park
Take in the sounds of the Richmond Symphony at the Heritage Amphitheater while surrounded by the beauty of Pocahontas State Park. The Richmond Symphony is the largest performing arts organization in Central Virginia. The orchestra includes more than 70 professional musicians.
Sept. 27, 2025. 11 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Shenandoah River State Park
Did you know we allow bicycles on all 25+ miles of trails?
Join us for our 1st annual Bentonville Bike Bash with Downriver Canoe Company! Whether you're a pro-mountain biker or novice trail biker, we'll have something for you. The Bentonville Bike Bash will take place on National Public Lands Day, a free parking day for Virginia State Parks!
Sept. 27 & 28, 2025. 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Grayson Highlands State Park
Join us in late September for the Grayson Highlands Fall Festival. Step back into a simple age when horses and mules ground cane into juice to be boiled into sorghum or molasses, when apple cider was the soft drink of the time, and when fresh apples were cooked in a copper kettle over an open fire all day long to render apple butter. Some of the finest local old-time bands will be featured, and food will be available for purchase from a variety of vendors.
Sept. 28, 2025. 7:30 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Natural Bridge State Park
What makes this event unique is its combination of competitive play and family-friendly fun: The morning PDGA C-tier sanctioned disc golf tournament transitions into an afternoon Disc Golf Family Fling, featuring free public clinics, food vendors, live music a beer garden and more.
