What's happening this month in Virginia State Parks
June
Happy Great Outdoors Month! It’s the perfect time to visit Virginia State Parks. Start June with purpose by attending Trails Day/Clean the Bay Day on June 1. And be sure to celebrate Virginia State Parks’ 88th anniversary with us on June 15 for History and Culture Day. Celebrate Juneteenth with many programs happening at parks. There are so many things to do this month, just look below. See you in the great outdoors!
Events sampler:
June 1, 20234
Multiple parks
Celebrate with us by doing your part to help keep our park trails clear of litter and invasive species.
June 1, 2024
Multiple parks
Sponsored by the Chesapeake Bay Foundation, this day is an ongoing effort to create a clean and healthy Chesapeake Bay.
June 1-2, 2024. 9 a.m.
Chippokes State Park
Chippokes State Park is partnering with the local 7th Virginia Regiment of the Continental Line to host a special two-day event consisting of three total tactical reenactments and demonstrations.
June 9, 2024. 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.
Wild Cave Tours at Pannell Cave and Bolling Cave
June 2, 5, 6, 8, 22 & 29, 2024.
Natural Tunnel State Park
Have you ever wondered what lies under your feet? At Pannell Cave experience unique rock formations such as stalactites and stalagmites and walk the rim of a waterfall. We will visit, but not disturb, the homes of cave critters such as salamanders, crickets, and snails. At Bolling Cave we'll get down and dirty to view the archive room, stalactites and columns.
June 8, 2024. 7 a.m.-10 p.m.
Claytor Lake State Park
Enjoy entertainment all day, fireworks at dusk, a public safety display, arts and crafts, a car show, children's activities, an adult/youth fishing tournament, and more. (Parking is limited. Please plan to arrive early and have a backup plan.)
June 14-15, 2024. 7-11 p.m.
High Bridge Trail State Park
Look down from High Bridge and witness the spectacle of a galaxy of starry fireflies flashing in tree tops in the Appomattox River Valley below. (Tickets must be bought in advance and are limited.)
June 15-17, 2024.
James River State Park
Experience life in the early 19th century with live music, blacksmiths, cooking, period camp, boats, and much more. This event will focus on two important parts of history from this area that had a profound influence on transportation and music in America: “batteaux and banjos.”
June 15, 2024. 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
Grayson Highlands State Park
Join us for the 30th Annual Wayne C. Henderson Music Festival and Guitar Competition featuring some of the region’s best traditional musicians! The event takes its name from National Heritage Award recipient Wayne C. Henderson, a musician and instrument maker who lives in nearby Rugby, Virginia.
June 19, 2024.
Shenandoah River State Park
We're turning 25! On June 19, 1999, Raymond "Andy" Guest Jr. State Park, also known as Shenandoah River, opened its doors to the public. Celebrate throughout the day with many different programs.
June 21-22, 2024.
Staunton River Battlefield State Park
Join us on the banks of the Staunton River as we commemorate the 160th Anniversary of the fighting at the bridge in June 1864. Part of the Wilson-Kautz Raid, this ground was hotly contested as both Union and Confederate forces fought each other for hours in the summer sun.
June 22, 2024. 10 a.m.-9 p.m.
James River State Park
Help us celebrate the 25th Anniversary of James River State Park! Join us for a day long celebration that will include cake, barbecue, music, river activities, a car show, free wagon rides and much more. A free shuttle service will also be running the day of to assist folks on and off the river.
June 29, 2024.
Natural Tunnel State Park
Take a lantern lit chairlift ride down to the naturally made tunnel. Visit one of Scott County's oldest buildings, the Carter Cabin. Once there, listen to stories about the Wilderness Trail given by the Daniel Boone Wilderness Trail Association. Head out to the mouth of the tunnel to view the sheer limestone rock walls at night. Entertainment will get your toes tappin' and your hands clappin'.
June 6, 13, 20 & 27, 2024. 8:30-9:30 p.m. (And various dates throughout the summer.)
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.
- History and Culture Day events - June 15
- Father's Day events - bring dad to a park to enjoy this day.
- Nature and Outdoor focused events - nature hikes, bird identification, owl prowls and more
- Arts and Crafts events
