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 sunset paddle, 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, camp, fly fish, go orienteering or shoot a bow? Check out our Let's Go Adventures and you can recreate like an Olympian!
Events Sampler:
Aug. 1, 2024.
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, 6, 8, 13, 14, 15, 18, 20, 22, 27 & 29, 2024.
Smith Mountain Lake State Park
Ride with a park guide as we experience the shores of Smith Mountain Lake State Park. How large is the lake? What was here before the lake? Learn the history of how the lake was created and the origin of the park. Watch for wildlife, see sunsets and the full moon on these various pontoon tours.
Aug. 3, 2024. 7 - 10 p.m.
The Nashville Nights Band is authentic 90's country music! The band is a unique blend of classic country sounds, heart-warming lyrics, and upbeat rhythms that will keep you dancing all night long. An entertaining and energetic 90's country show, covering all of your favorite 90's country hits.
Aug. 17, 2024. 6 - 10 p.m.
The 2024 concert brings back some performers from the past as well as some new groups performing for the first time at Pocahontas State Park. Our Heritage Amphitheater will be the stage this year.
Aug. 3, 2024.
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. 10, 2024
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. 10, 2024
Sky Meadows State Park
Immerse yourself in the sights, sounds and smells of the Virginia frontier. Join Royal Governor Dunmore and Lord Fairfax as they gather troops from nearby counties as they prepare for an expedition to the west. Activities include recruitment and enlistment ceremonies, unit drills, weapons demonstrations, and camp cooking.
Aug. 1, 8, 15, 22 & 29, 2024
Natural Bridge State Park
Shine a light on days gone by with a lantern-lit history tour of the Natural Bridge. Follow a guide along the trail to the Bridge and uncover stories from its past, all by lantern light. Pre-registration is required and space is limited.
Aug. 15, 2024. 5 - 6 p.m.
New River Trail State Park - Fries Access
Come explore the historic town of Fries. This walk does have several inclines and declines and is around a mile long. A park guide will share stories of local history and the remains of the once thriving textile industry.
Aug. 2, 16 & 30, 2024.
Natural Tunnel State Park
Autumn is not the only season that is perfect to take a wagon ride. Take a relaxing ride through the park and campground, experiencing the sounds of summertime.
Aug. 17, 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. 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.
Aug. 18, 2024. 1 - 3 p.m.
Seven Bends State Park - Lupton Road access
Join us for a healing forest therapy walk and experience the health and wellness benefits of Shinrin-Yoku, the Japanese practice of “forest bathing.” Your guide, Kristine Villatoro, a certified trained Forest Therapy Guide with the Association of Nature and Forest Therapy (ANFT) will guide you through sensory invitations to help you slow down, awaken your senses, and reconnect with nature.
Aug. 5, 17 20, & 22, 2024.
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. 22, 2024. 9:30 a.m.
Shenandoah River State Park
Using observational and photography skills to document nature, in this session we will focus on taking photographs of the smaller items in our natural world. We will begin with a review of techniques for taking close-up photographs. Following the review, we will head to the field to practice these techniques by capturing images to complete a nature scavenger hunt.
Aug. 23-24, 2024.
Southwest Virginia Museum State Park
What can your stuffed/plushy animal get into at the museum? Maybe they will sleep beside a lump of coal, or underneath a model train, but wherever they decide to sleep, or not sleep it will be quite an adventure. So, bring your favorite stuffed/plushy animal for an adventurous sleepover at the museum. Please bring your plushy and register between the hours of 4-6 p.m. on Friday, August 23.
Aug. 31, 2024. 6 - 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.
Pollinator Events
Aug. 3, 2024
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. 3 & 30, 2024
Machicomoco State Park
Pollinator populations everywhere are in a steady decline, but why all the buzz about it? Come and learn why pollinators play an essential role in our ecosystem or get some tips on how to start and maintain your very own pollinator garden to help support the pollinators of our community.
Aug. 17-18, 2024
Sky Meadows State Park
As summer winds to a close, discover the winged wonders of Sky Meadows State Park. Spend the weekend with rangers discovering these fascinating insects, their impact on the environment, and how you can assist them. Learn about beekeeping, honeybees and the art of apiculture.
Aug. 23, 2024
Twin Lakes State Park
Imagine a world without fruits and veggies...this could exist without pollinators! Join us for "Buzzy Gardens" as we explore the needs of our pollinators and create our own Buzzy Gardens that keep bees and our native pollinators happy and healthy.
Aug. 2 & 31, 2024
Staunton River State Park
Let's learn all about our friends, THE BEES! We will talk all about the life cycle of bees, how they are one of the most sociable beings on earth, and then we will provide you with an opportunity to craft your own item using beeswax.
Aug. 20 & 24, 2024
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. 24, 2024. 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Sailor's Creek Battlefield State Park
Join us for our 5th 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.
