Open fires are prohibited throughout the park from midnight to 4 p.m., Feb. 15 through April 30. Learn more.
What's happening this month in Virginia State Parks
May
May brings a bouquet of fun activities to our parks along with blooms and leafy trails! Clean the Bay Day is May 2. Find an event to help us ensure the Chesapeake Bay has cleaner water and safer habitats for wildlife. Burn some socks to start boating season, bring mom on a Mother’s Day walk and get the youngsters out to Kids to Parks Day on May 16. You’ll surely find something for everyone over Memorial Day weekend. And be sure to mark your calendars with the start of our music series and festivals that enliven many parks all summer!
Events sampler:
May 1-3, 2026.
Hungry Mother State Park
It's that time of the year to not only celebrate birds, but our wonderful volunteers, especially Randy Smith who gave a lot of himself to nature, to birds, and to Hungry Mother State Park. Celebrate the weekend with various events throughout the park.
May 6, 2026. 9 a.m.-12 p.m.
New River Trail State Park
Spring is a fantastic time of year to take-in Southwest Virginia's beautiful scenery by bike. This ranger-led bike meet up will go from Foster Falls to Austinville and back (10.4 miles round trip). Group Ride: Rides will be at a group pace.
May 8-10, 2026. 10 a.m.
Wilderness Road State Park
By spring 1776, revolution is stirring across the colonies and the wilderness. Visit Martin’s Station to experience the rising spirit of independence. Explore merchants’ wares, meet travelers and Indigenous peoples along the trace, and immerse yourself in America’s story, our story, a story 250 years in the making.
May 9, 2026. 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 9, 2026. 7-10 p.m.
Pocahontas State Park
Your local American Idol is back to open our 2026 season in her own backyard again!
Carrie Brockwell is a Richmond, Virginia–born country singer, songwriter, and musician who brings clear vocals and storyteller chops to modern country. Carrie is an American Idol alum, and was awarded the 2025 Josie Music Award for Country Female Vocalist of the year, she’s played everything from intimate showcases to 18,000-strong audiences. Get tickets
here.
May 9, 2026. 8 - 11 p.m.
Powhatan State Park
Join astronomers from the Richmond Astronomical Society for a night of awe and wonder. Roam around to take a look through their many kinds of telescopes and chat with the astronomers about the stars, constellations, and planets visible in the night sky. You may also bring your own telescope or binoculars to get assistance from experienced astronomers.
May 15, 2026. 7 - 8:30 p.m.
Twin Lakes State Park
Join us for a night of 'bat-tastic' fun at Twin Lakes State Park! Kick off the evening with bat-themed crafts and games, then get ready for an exciting adventure as we head outside with specialized bat-detecting equipment to hear real-time echolocation in action. Experts from Bat Conservation & Rescue of Virginia and the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources will be on hand to share fascinating bat facts and answer your questions.
May 16, 2026. 2 - 5 p.m.
Hayfields State Park
So many adventures happen on the Bullpasture River, but what’s happening below the water surface? With a snorkel and/or mask, swimmers can see wildlife, driftwood, odd-shaped rocks and stones, and more. A ranger will be available to guide participants on how to use a snorkel and where to swim.
May 16, 2026. 10 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Lake Anna State Park
Join us on the public beach for the launch of our Lake Anna Landsharks Safety Challenge! Stop by the pop-up tent to learn how you can be a safe swimmer, boater, and beachgoer at Lake Anna. Complete all the challenges to claim your prize, then take the safety pledge to become a Lake Anna Landshark!
May 16, 2026. 9 a.m. - 12 p.m.
May 17, 2026. 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Belle Isle State Park
May 16 through May 22 is Safe Boating Week and USCG Auxiliary Flotilla 33 will be available to give information, answer safe boating / kayaking questions and provide vessel safety exams. Bring your vessel or just your curiosity to the Motorboat Launch or Canoe/Kayak launch.
The boater safety course will enable you to become a safe boater, respect other boaters, obey the law, and understand boating laws. Topics covered include boating operations, safe boating practices, navigation signs, and boating responsibilities.
Activities include early morning bird hikes, a scenic trek up Molly’s Knob, and an evening of live local music. Visitors can try stand‑up paddleboarding, explore bird journaling, create origami seed pots and learn local lore during “Do the Dew.” And much more!
May 23, 2026. 12-9 p.m.
Southwest Virginia Museum
Celebrate the vibrant musical heritage of Southwest Virginia! Join us for an unforgettable experience featuring old-time, bluegrass, blues and Americana music performed by both regional favorites and nationally acclaimed artists. This year’s Main Stage lineup includes Sister Sadie, Dave Eggar and Lonesome River Band.
May 30, 2026. 6:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Shenandoah River State Park
Join us for a day of competitive fly fishing on one of Virginia's most scenic waterways! This tournament combines the thrill of angling with the beauty of Shenandoah River State Park, all while supporting vital conservation efforts.
More May Events
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