What's happening this month in Virginia State Parks


Events happening in April

April

As April arrives, the weather starts to warm up and many events are taking place. You can visit a park to witness the blooming wildflowers in the daytime or to observe the stars at night, as April is Dark Sky Month. Four parks have been designated for stargazing. On April 8th, a solar eclipse is happening. You can view it from a park and learn how to view the eclipse safely. You can also enjoy fishing by casting your line from the shore or a watercraft. Additionally, you can take a hike, have a picnic, and mark Earth Day on April 22. A new program called Let's Go Adventures is being offered, and National Volunteer Week is observed during April 21-27. You can participate in park events to do your part.

Events sampler:

Quilt show at Southwest Virginia Museum
Annual Quilt Show
April 2-May 31, 2024
Southwest Virginia Museum
In its 27th season, this annual quilt show exhibit honors both past and present quilters and features quilts from the Museum's collection and from members of the community who display quilts from their own collections.

Holliday Lake State Park
Bike Meet-Up - "Redbud Ride: Austinville to Byllesby Dam"
April 4, 2024. 5:30-7:30 p.m.
New River Trail State Park - Austinville Access
This time of year is a great chance to catch the Eastern Redbud trees in bloom. This is an intermediate ride for cyclists of all skill levels. Gravel or road tires work on New River Trail. The ranger-led bike meet-up will meet at the Austinville Parking Area.

Timberneck House at Machicomoco State Park
Daffodil Festival Day Open House
April 6, 2024. 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Machicomoco State Park
Exploring Gloucester during the Daffodil Festival? Then visit the Timberneck House, a late 18th-century home owned by the Catlett family for generations until the early 20th century.

Masternaturalist with different egg types
Egg-stravaganza
April 6, 2024. 11 a.m.-3 p.m.
Sky Meadows State Park
Eggs are popping up all over Sky Meadows State Park! Celebrate spring with a day of egg-citing family activities. Discover some of the park’s oviparous (egg-laying) creatures at five fun stations.

The concrete fleet at Kiptopeke State Park
Concrete Fleet 75th Anniversary
April 6, 2024. 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
Kiptopeke State Park
Have you ever seen a WWII Concrete Ship? Why were they built? What are they doing in the waters of the Chesapeake Bay? Join Kiptopeke State Park as we travel through history and celebrate 75 years of the Concrete Fleet. Learn about the history of the Concrete Fleet and why Kiptopeke State Park is home to 9 of them.

Kids fishing at Natural Bridge State Park
Kids Fishing Day
April 6, 2024. 9 a.m.-12 p.m.
Natural Bridge State Park
Calling all young anglers; kids 12 and younger get free admission and can fish for free during this annual event. Cedar Creek, which runs under the Natural Bridge, will be stocked with rainbow trout.

High Bridge
High Bridge Heritage Trek: "Tracing the Footsteps of History"
April 6 & 7, 2024. 12-1 p.m. and 2-3 p.m.
High Bridge Trail State Park
During the final stages of the Civil War, General Robert E. Lee and his army faced relentless pressure from Federal troops as they attempted to reach supplies at Farmville, Virginia. The key obstacle in their path was the High Bridge, spanning the Appomattox River and crucial for their access to much-needed provisions. As part of the commemoration of the 159th anniversary of the battles at High Bridge, park staff will offer programs specifically tailored to the events that took place on those crucial days.

Hillsman House at sunset.
Lee's Retreat Through Amelia County - 159th Anniversary Bus Tour
April 6-7, 2024. 9-11 a.m. and 1-3 p.m.
Sailor's Creek Battlefield State Park
As part of the commemoration of the 159th anniversary of the battles at Sailor's Creek, four ranger-led bus tours covering the route of Confederate General Robert E. Lee's retreat through Ameila County will be offered during the weekend of April 6th and 7th.

Light up the lake
Light up the Lake
April 6 & 19, 2024. 8-9 p.m.
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.

Bluebells at Shenandoah River State Park
Bluebell Festival
April 13, 2024. 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Shenandoah River State Park
Celebrate the beauty of spring at Shenandoah River State Park! Each April, Virginia Bluebells blossom along our winding riverbank, creating a beautiful carpet of blue and purple hues.

Corn snake
Snakes Alive!
April 13, 2024. 2:30-3:30 p.m.
Widewater State Park
Get ready to encounter a captivating array of non-venomous snakes from around the world, as well as our native species. Led by a knowledgeable park ranger and herpetologist specializing in snakes and their behavior, this program offers a unique opportunity to learn about these incredible creatures up close.

Dandelions
Spring Foraging
April 14, 2024. 3-5 p.m.
Seven Bends State Park
Have you ever wondered how to eat an acorn? Whether those berries along the trail are tasty or toxic? Why anyone would be glad to see a dandelion? Find out in this foraging class at Seven Bends State Park.

Night sky at Sky Meadows
Stars & Guitars
April 20, 2024. 5-10 p.m.
Sky Meadows State Park
Experience the magic of an unforgettable evening this Earth Day under the moonlight at Stars and Guitars. Gather your loved ones, pack your blankets, and immerse yourself in a night of music, food and wonder at Sky Meadows State Park. Enjoy the enchanting melodies of live performances by talented local artists. From soothing ballads to foot-tapping tunes, our line up promises to captivate audiences of all ages. Then delve into the wonders of outer space with rangers and spark curiosity in our International Dark Sky Park.

Bluebird Credit: Matt Poole/USFWS
Randy Smith Birdbox Dedication
April 20, 2024 2-3 p.m.
Natural Tunnel State Park 
Randy Smith was a beloved volunteer of the park, lifelong educator, mentor, birder, and lover of “life’s extras.” Join us in remembering Randy as we add a memorial plaque dedicated to his hard work and time spent as a Natural Tunnel volunteer and as one of “life’s extras” for so many people.

Chippokes State Park
Garden Tea
April 27, 2024. 1-3 p.m.
Chippokes State Park
A Garden Tea is being sponsored by the Friends of Chippokes at the Jones - Stewart Mansion. Guests can enjoy sweet and savory treats, as well as several types of tea, on the Jones-Stewart Mansion's side porch.

Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge
Blue Goose Wildlife & History Tram Tour
Various days throughout April. 9 a.m.-1 p.m.
False Cape State Park 
Experience Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge and False Cape State Park on a 4-hour guided tour! Spot wildlife on the Blue Goose Tram and uncover the history of this spectacular area. In addition, hike through pristine maritime forest to the historic Wash Woods church and cemetery.

Earth Day - Invest in our Planet banner image
See events happening at all the parks.

  • Birding events - from morning bird walks to presentations by Master Naturalists - something for every birder
  • Fishing events - April is an excellent month for fishing and there are many events for beginners to the most experienced anglers
  • Astronomy and Stargazing events - events popular at parks where the skies are the darkest in Virginia

 

More April Events


April Dark Sky Month - Sky Meadows State Park Volunteer events Wildflower hikes

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