What's happening this month in Virginia State Parks
June
Happy Great Outdoors Month! June is the perfect time to explore Virginia State Parks. Kick off the month with purpose by joining us for National Trails Day on June 6. Don't miss the chance to celebrate Virginia State Parks' 90th anniversary on June 13-14 during History and Culture Weekend. Additionally, we will have programs to commemorate Juneteenth at various parks. There are so many activities planned for this month. Check out the details below. We look forward to seeing you in the great outdoors!
Events sampler:
June 1-30, 2026
Multiple parks
Celebrate a hundred years of conservation, stewardship, and outdoor adventure. Throughout the month of June, visitors are invited to explore different parks to celebrate the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) and its enduring mission to safeguard the Commonwealth’s natural and cultural heritage.
June 6, 2026
Multiple parks
Celebrate with us by doing your part to help keep our park trails clear of litter and invasive species.
Don’t just start summer, launch into it! School’s out, the sun’s shining and it’s time to float into summer fun! Bring the whole family and a picnic lunch for a relaxing day beside the river.
Get down and dirty with this two-hour wild cave tour. Explore the underground world of caves in their true form and discover the history this cave holds within it. View the archive room, stalactites and columns. There are no special effects/lights or sidewalks in the caves.
June 13, 2026. 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Kiptopeke State Park
Discover the rich history of Virginia's Eastern Shore and Kiptopeke State Park. This engaging event will bring the past to life through guest speakers, fun activities and historical exhibits. Enjoy hands-on history with crafts and activities for all ages, including guided history hikes through the park and demonstrations.
June 13, 2026. 10 a.m.-12 p.m.
Claytor Lake State Park
Enjoy entertainment, fireworks on the lake at dusk, arts and crafts, food vendors, wine tasting, a law enforcement display, car show and more. Park Naturalists, Master Naturalists and our Discovery Room will be open to stop by and talk about the natural world.
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 19, 2026. 7 a.m. - 2 p.m.
First Landing State Park
The year 2026 marks the 250th anniversary of our nation’s founding in 1776. For this milestone occasion, a fleet of the world’s most magnificent international tall ships and military ships will sail into the port of Virginia as part of Sail250® America. Come watch the parade of ships as they sail out of the Lynnhaven, past the shores of First Landing State Park. Bring your own chair! Rangers and local community partners will have programs after the parade so stick around for some fun nautical activities!
June 20, 2025. 10:30 a.m.-4 p.m.
Staunton River Battlefield State Park
In observance of the 162nd anniversary of the battle here at Staunton River Battlefield State Park, several programs will be set up just outside of the Clover Visitor Center. These include a showcase of weapons and equipment used, a demonstration on Civil War coffee making and a walk of the battlefield.
June 20, 2026. 8:30 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.
Shenandoah River State Park
June is when fireflies are most active! Did you know fireflies twinkle to find their true love? We'll discuss firefly mating habits and their unique life cycle on this guided, 2-mile hike. We'll be hiking the Bluebell Trail.
June 20-22, 2026.
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.”
This summer is America's 250th Anniversary and the 90th Anniversary of the opening of Westmoreland State Park! There will be food and drink vendors, along with activities, games, demonstrations and more provided by Westmoreland State Park and other local organizations!
- Nature and Outdoor focused events - nature hikes, bird identification, owl prowls and more
- Arts and Crafts events
