September events

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 28, 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:

Papa Jo Smiddy Music Festival
Sept. 1, 2024
Natural Tunnel State Park
21st 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.
Pocahontas Premieres
Sept. 6, 2024
Pocahontas State Park
The English Channel performs the extraordinary British hits of the mid 1960's and 1970's. Each song The English Channel performs is faithfully recreated to sound just like the original recording and just like you remember it.
Shenandoah Adventure Race logo
Sept. 7, 2024
Shenandoah River State Park
Rev3Endurance is hosting the Shenandoah River Adventure Race, which is an official Virginia State Park Adventure Series race. This race includes a 12-hour or 6-hour challenge, depending on your preference. 
Train tressel
Sept. 11, 2024
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. The tour will follow the trail that was once the rail line of Norfolk and Western. Pre-registration will be required since seating is limited.
Girl Scouts Love Virginia State Parks logo
Sept. 13-15, 2024
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.
Lights at Claytor Lake State Park
Sept. 14, 2024
Claytor Lake State Park
Take a stroll along our lake shore as you visit several mesmerizing lights that have been placed in or along the lake. Animals of all sizes and varieties may be drawn to the lights. Identification brochures may be picked up at the beginning of the program and a ranger will be on duty to assist with identifying anything seen.
Biking at night
Sept. 14, 2024
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 night time along the Appomattox River. Choose your own adventure by hiking, biking, or walking through a section of the trail, making your way to High Bridge to witness the breathtaking natural splendor from this unique vantage point.
Valley View Hard Cider Challenge
Sept. 15, 2024
Sky Meadows State Park
Come enjoy the challenging routes of Sky Meadows State Park and Valley View Farm, home of the Gnarled Orchard. These courses are knotty, knot nice at the farm as they are a mix of cross country, trail, and hills!
Pawpaws on a table
Sept. 21, 2024
Powhatan State Park
We are hosting Central Virginia’s most exciting new event, the 2nd 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.
Westmoreland State Park
Sept. 21, 2024
Westmoreland State Park
Bring a blanket or chairs and sit back and relax to the music of Tyler Nichols. Nichols is an American classic rock singer, guitarist, and songwriter, with a fondness for the Northern Neck. Expect a mix of classics and his own originals, as we bid farewell to Summer.
Frog at Caledon State Park at night
Sept. 21, 2024
Caledon State Park
Enjoy a peaceful wagon ride through the woods while listening to the relaxing sounds of Caledon's night life. We'll identify some of the many frogs, insects, and nocturnal creatures that call the park home, as we take in the music of the forest.
Pocahontas Premieres - Richmond Symphony
Sept. 21, 2024
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.
Beats on the Bend at Seven Bends State Park
Sept. 22, 2024
Seven Bends State Park
Join us for our third annual Beats on the Bend concert and family fun day event! Enjoy a beautiful late summer’s day at Seven Bends State Park as The Seven Bends Band plays a mix of Classic Rock, Southern Rock, Blues, Funk, Jam, and Outlaw Country from the heart of the Shenandoah Valley.
Zoso
Sept. 28, 2024
Pocahontas State Park
Returning to close out our season, we have ZOSO The Ultimate Led Zeppelin Experience! It’s been over 28 years and over 4500 shows since ZOSO came together as a group in the mid-‘90s. Returning to open for ZOSO is local favorite, Hold The Line RVA, a Richmond-based high-energy Southern Rock, Country, Alternative, and Dance music cover band. 
Grill with meat
Sept. 28, 2024
Douthat State Park
Be a part of our 9th Annual Campsite Cook-off Oktoberfest. This is no ordinary cook-off, and it will put your creativity to the test. What makes this such a unique event? The meat for the cook-off will be provided by the park, but participants will not know the type of meat until it is time to cook.  

More September Events


History and Culture Events Nature and Education Events Paddling events

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