What's happening this month in Virginia State Parks
October
Take a haunted hike, participate in a stargazing event, decorate a pumpkin or go on a hayride this month to enjoy the beauty of the season across the Commonwealth of Virginia. Fall festivals, Halloween and dark sky events are just a small sample of the activities available to you and your friends and family. Check out the events below to partake in the State Park activities during the "spooky season," as it provides cooler weather, changing foliage, birdwatching opportunities, and so much more!
Events Sampler:
Upcoming Festivals
Sept. 30-Oct. 6, 2024
Staunton River State Park
This week long astronomy festival has gained the attention of astronomers from all over the eastern seaboard and beyond. Registration for this event is required and is run by CHAOS. Astronomers are allowed to camp on the Observation Field during this event. If you are interested in making a campground or cabin reservation for the Star Party, please contact the park.
Oct. 12, 2024. 12 - 4 p.m.
Leesylvania State Park
Enjoy the Potomac River's cool autumn breeze with your friends and family at Leesylvania State Park's Annual Fall Festival! We will celebrate the season with hayrides, kids costume contest, crafts, trunk or treat, and more.
Oct. 12, 2024. 11 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Twin Lakes State Park
Fall in love with Twin Lakes State Park at our annual fall festival, where you can decorate pumpkins, enter a scarecrow stuffing contest and enjoy a leisurely hayride. You can check out the craft show, featuring local artisans and unique handmade goods, perfect for early holiday shopping!
Oct. 12, 2024. 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Wilderness Road State Park
Experience a celebration of Southwest Virginia's unique cultural heritage. This event features handmade Appalachian crafts available for purchase on the Karlan Mansion lawn. Watch as demonstrators showcase their time honored skills.
Oct. 19, 2024. 1 - 5 p.m.
First Landing State Park
Celebrate the changing seasons at First Landing's Annual Fall Fest Event. Festivities will include free wagon rides, autumnal crafts and games, s'mores, community partner booths, music and more.
Oct. 19, 2024. 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Chippokes State Park
Celebrate this year's fall harvest at one of the oldest continuously farmed land in the nation. Chippokes' Harvest Festival features music and family activities such an antique tractor pull, painting a pumpkin, creating a corn cob doll, playing corn hole, and going on a tractor drawn hay ride.
Oct. 19-20, 2024. 11 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Sky Meadows State Park
Nestled in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains, the park offers the perfect backdrop for celebrating the stunning colors of the season. Enjoy breathtaking views of the changing leaves, wagon rides, and scenic hikes through vibrant forests. The festival features family-fun activities, community partners, live music, and delicious fall treats, making it a delightful event for all ages. Come and embrace the beauty of fall, connect with nature, and create lasting memories.
Oct. 19, 2024. 9 a.m. - 10 p.m.
James River State Park
This is a unique opportunity to experience a different perspective on camping. Our annual Roof Top Rally is the largest special event at James River State Park. People from all over the United States converge to enjoy overland camping with all of their special equipment.
Oct. 31, 2024. 12 - 8 p.m.
Claytor Lake State Park
Celebrate Halloween with family and friends at Claytor Lake State Park for a day of spooky fun. Enjoy fall foliage hayrides, games, crafts, face painting, and a community-based Trunk-or-Treat. Costumes are encouraged.
Oct. 31, 2024. 5 - 9 p.m.
Southwest Virginia Museum
On Halloween night, we’re calling all trick-or-treaters to take a break from your candy gathering and visit the museum for some ghoulish fun and games. There will be scary stories, a gypsy fortune teller, pumpkin bowling, monster bingo, mummy races, pick up the pumpkin, the “Haunting on the Hill” attraction and much more.
More Events
Haunted History: A Lantern Tour of Natural Bridge
Oct. 4, 11, 18 & 25, 2024
Natural Bridge State Park
High Bridge Half Marathon & 5K
Oct. 5, 2024. 7:30 a.m. - 12 p.m.
High Bridge Trail State Park
Martin's Station Fall Encampment
Oct. 11-13, 2024.
Wilderness Road State Park
Fall Foliage History Walk
Oct. 3, 10, 17 & 24, 2024. 6 - 7 p.m.
Douthat State Park
Appalachian Horror
Oct. 11 & 18, 2024. 6:30 - 7:30 p.m.
Hungry Mother State Park
Nature Photography Workshop
Oct. 19, 2024. 9 - 10:30 a.m.
Shenandoah River State Park
Things that go Bump in the Night Hike
Oct. 5, 7 - 8 p.m., & Oct. 26, 6:30 - 7:30 p.m., 2024.
Natural Bridge State Park
Pumpkins in the Park: Trunk or Treat
Oct. 24, 2024. 5 - 7 p.m.
Wilderness Road State Park
Homecoming BBQ Cookoff
Oct. 25, 2024. 6 - 10 p.m.
Claytor Lake State Park
The Haunted Trail
Oct. 26, 2024. 7 - 10 p.m.
Hungry Mother State Park
Spooktacular Species Night Hike
Oct. 26, 2024. 6:15 - 7:15 p.m.
Machicomoco State Park
Trunk-or-Treat & Halloween Campfire
Oct. 26, 2024. 6 - 9 p.m.
Caledon State Park
Trunk or Treat
Oct. 26, 2024. 4 - 7 p.m.
Holliday Lake State Park
Starry Night Owl Prowl
Oct. 29, 2024. 6:30 - 8 p.m.
Powhatan State Park
Trunk or Treat
Oct. 30, 2024. 5 - 8 p.m.
Westmoreland State Park
More October Events
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