What's happening this month in Virginia State Parks

Wildflower Symposium

May 4, 2024. 9 a.m. - 12 p.m.

Bear Creek Lake State Park

The Central Piedmont Chapter of the Virginia Master Naturalists is hosting a Wildflower Symposium at Bear Creek Hall. Cynthia Wood is our featured speaker. After introducing the plants of the area, she will lead a wildflower walk over moderately level terrain. There will be brief talks on edible and useful wild plants including foraging safety, wildflower recipes, yarrow as a medicinal plant and primitive technology.

May 11, 2024. 8 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Powhatan State Park

If you love birds, people who love birds, and moms, this is the event for you! In honor of both our native birds and Mother's Day, Powhatan State Park and the James River Master Naturalists are combining forces to celebrate birds and the mothers and fathers that raise them. This event will also serve as a citizen science data-gathering event.

May 11, 2024. 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.

York River State Park

Begin your canoe and kayak adventure with a rite of Spring on the Chesapeake Bay. Burning socks is a tradition among sailors near Annapolis. We will not need them with our water shoes. Please bring a pair of natural fiber socks for the ritual fire. Then, join us for the first paddle of the season.

May 11, 2024. 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Mason Neck State Park

Join us for a full day of live animal shows, hands on educational opportunities, and outdoor recreation clinics. See live reptiles, hawks, and owls up close and learn about our resident bald eagles and see them fly overhead.

May 11 & 25, 2024.

Natural Tunnel State Park

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.

May 10-12, 2024.

Wilderness Road State Park

Come and immerse yourself in America’s First Frontier. By May of 1775, men, women, and children headed west, deep into the harsh wilderness. They followed the trace that led to a life of freedom; however, that freedom was overshadowed by hardships. Journey to Martin’s Station, Virginia’s final point of rest and resupply. Walk amongst merchants and tradesmen. Meet those individuals who traveled the trace and the indigenous peoples they encountered.

May 15, 2024. 10 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.

New River Trail State Park

Come learn what makes cave ecosystems so delicate and special. In this adventure, you will have the opportunity to see unique formations and animals that only exist in caves. This is not a walking cave tour. This tour is moderately strenuous and not recommended if you have a heart condition, breathing issues, poor balance, trouble walking, issues climbing stairs, or have back, knee, hip, ankle, foot problems or have claustrophobia.

May 17, 2024. 7-10 p.m.

Pocahontas State Park

The Embers, featuring Craig Woolard, return to open the 2024 season of Pocahontas Premieres! The Embers are widely considered a musical marvel and have laid the groundwork for what has become known as ‘Beach Music’ in the Carolinas, Virginias, the gulf coast region of North America, and every beach in between. Save the date on your calendars and kick off the summer season with some great beach music at our Heritage Amphitheater.

May 18, 2024. 7-8:30 p.m.

May 25, 2024. 7-8:30 p.m.

New River Trail State Park - Foster Falls Amphitheater

Join us at New River Trail State Park for our Foster Falls Music Series! Enjoy the outdoors, bring your chair, sit back and relax, and enjoy the show.

May 18, 2024. 1-4 p.m.

Twin Lakes State Park

The Friends of Twin Lakes State Park is hosting its second annual 'shellebration' of World Turtle Day® with the following activities: turtle-themed games and face painting, a 'shellfie' station (with wearable turtle shells!), a turtle-themed craft, and visits from turtle experts with live turtles, as well as the beloved local 'shellebrity' Ranger Myrtle the turtle.

May 25, 2024. 12-10 p.m.

Southwest Virginia Museum

Celebrate Southwest Virginia's rich tradition of old-time, bluegrass, blues, and Americana music with performances by regionally and nationally renowned musicians, including a star-studded main stage lineup! Platinum-selling recording artist, legendary singer-songwriter, Country Music Icon and Grammy Award winner, Suzy Boggus is coming to this year’s "Gathering in the Gap." She’ll be joined on the mainstage with the ever-eclectic Dark Moon Hollow, and a fan favorite in the incredibly talented Dave Eggar and Bristol Lightning.

May 25, 2024. 8-10 p.m.

Natural Bridge State Park

A near century long tradition continues as the Natural Bridge is bathed in light the last Saturday night of every month, April through October. Experience the 200-foot-tall arch as it is lit from above and below by dozens of lights, with the only sound being the murmuring of Cedar Creek running below.