Fall is near, and as the leaves begin to change color, it’s the perfect time to get outdoors and experience nature while you hear live music, sip some cider, go on hayrides and partake in other fun fall activities at a Virginia State Park.
Whether you want to stay local to celebrate or travel across the Commonwealth, I have put together a list of 15 Virginia State Park festivals and events you may want to consider.
Please note that most events are free unless stated otherwise, but parking fees will still apply at all locations. As always, check the park’s web page for all the know-before-you-go details before your visit.
1. Pawpaw Festival at Powhatan
This annual event at Powhatan State Park showcases the nation’s largest native fruit, the Pawpaw. Activities are for all ages and include archery, atlatl spear throwing, Master Naturalist programs, animal demonstrations, solar viewing, crafts and music, along with food and beer trucks. The event takes place on Sept. 19 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and costs $20 per vehicle, but with an annual pass, it is only $10 per vehicle. Visit the Pawpaw Festival web page for more details.
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2. Westmoreland Music on the Cliff
Catch the last concert of the series, Music on the Cliff, at Westmoreland State Park. This event takes place on Sept. 19 from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m. Enjoy music while overlooking the Potomac River. This outdoor concert is ideal for you and the family to unwind and experience great local music in a beautiful natural setting. Bring your lawn chair or a blanket and be sure to enjoy some treats available for purchase from a local food truck.
3. Grayson Highlands Fall Festival
The Grayson Highlands Fall Festival will take place Sept. 26 and 27 from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m. Wander into the nostalgia of a quieter age when horses and mules pressed cane into syrup, apple cider was the drink of choice, and fresh apples simmered all day in a copper kettle over an open fire to become apple butter. This two-day event is a great outing for the whole family, featuring performances by local musicians and plenty of vendors offering snacks, drinks, and souvenirs.
4. Holliday Lake Fall Festival
Come out to the park for a day of family fun at Holliday Lake State Park’s Fall Festival on Saturday, Oct. 3 from 11 a.m. until 3 p.m. Celebrate the season with a variety of activities for all ages including crafts, a scavenger hunt, an archery range, hayrides, live animals, live music and prizes. Some activities may include an additional fee. Food and drinks will be available for purchase from local food trucks.
5. Natural Bridge wagon rides
Enjoy a Fall Peaks Wagon Ride at Natural Bridge State Park beginning on Oct. 3 and recurring each Saturday during the month.
Experience the fall colors in style on a laid-back wagon ride with beautiful views of the Blue Ridge Mountains. You’ll roll through peaceful woods, open fields, and gentle hills while a park ranger points out the sights along the way. The ride takes you under changing leaves in the forest, out into a sunny meadow, and then up to some of the park’s higher overlooks. With mountain views for about half the trip, it’s one of the best spots around for leaf-peeping.
Advance registration is required, and space is limited. To reserve your spot, call (540) 254-0795. Payment is collected at registration by credit card over the phone, and a receipt will be emailed to you.
The program fee is $3 per person.
Bonus events: Haunted History Lantern Tours in October and Illumination of the Bridge in September and October.
6. Fall for Twin Lakes Festival
Experience the beauty of the autumn colors at the Twin Lakes Fall Festival Oct. 10 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Family-friendly activities include pumpkin decorating, hayrides, a scarecrow stuffing competition, as well as a chance to meet animal ambassadors.
Snacks and drinks will be available for purchase. Pumpkins will be available for purchase by our Friends of Twin Lakes State Park, an all-volunteer non-profit organization. The winner of the scarecrow decorating contest will receive a Virginia State Parks gift certificate. Don’t forget to check out the craft marketplace, featuring local artisans and unique handmade goods, perfect for early holiday shopping.
Standard parking fees will apply, or you can donate 4 non-perishable canned goods.
Bonus event: Creatures of the Night Hike on Sept. 26, Oct. 2 and 3. Several times are available each day.
7. Wilderness Road Heritage Festival
The annual Heritage Festival will take place at Wilderness Road State Park Oct. 10 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Immerse yourself in Southwest Virginia’s heritage at this distinctive event. Explore locally crafted Appalachian goods for sale on the Karlan Mansion lawn, see skilled demonstrators practicing traditional crafts, listen to musicians performing throughout the day, and treat kids to fun, educational Appalachian activities.
Admission is $10 per vehicle.
Bonus event: Trunk or Treat on Oct. 22 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.
8. Harvest celebration at New River Trail
New River Trail State Park will host a Harvest Celebration at the Historic Village of Foster Falls on Oct. 10 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., featuring B.A.R.K. Ranger hikes, a dog costume contest, a kids' costume contest, hayrides, face painting, crafts, tours and animal presentations. Visit the park website for the listed times of these activities so you don’t miss out on any of the fun.
9. Sweet Run fall-themed programs
Harvest, Store and Survive takes place in September and is an ideal program to connect with nature this fall at Sweet Run State Park.
Each fall, Sweet Run’s woodlands, orchards, and open fields overflow with fruits and nuts that have nourished both wildlife and people for generations. Explore how acorns, hickory nuts, apples, persimmons, and pawpaws shaped life here and why every seed carries a story of resilience, renewal, and connection. Visit the Interpretive Center to see the displays.
Bonus event: Harvest, Home and History - Interpretive Center Displays recurring in October.
10. Hungry Mother Fall Fun Fest
Enjoy the fun of the fall season at Hungry Mother State Park on Oct. 10 from 1–7:30 p.m. Bring your family and friends to join rangers for fall-themed activities, including learning about leaf colors, face painting, pumpkin carving, and games. Experience a short hayride to the park’s pumpkin patch, select a pumpkin, and then carve it with a ranger. End the evening with campfire stories told by Virginia Master Naturalist Melanie Smith. Dress warmly and bring a blanket or chair.
11. First Landing Fall Festival
Come out to First Landing State Park on Saturday, Oct. 17 from 1–5 p.m. for the annual Fall Festival.
Live music, community partners, games, prizes, autumnal crafts and activities, food and beverages, and a hay wagon ride will be available. Bring your friends and family and experience fall at the beach.
12. Chippokes Harvest Festival
The 13th Annual Harvest Festival at Chippokes State Park will be held Oct. 17 from 10 a.m.–5 p.m., featuring crafts and food vendors, live music, an active sawmill site, tractor-drawn hayrides, antique tractor pulls and hearth cooking demonstrations.
13. Sky Meadows Fall Foliage Festival
Experience the colors of the season in the Blue Ridge Mountains at the Fall Foliage Festival at Sky Meadows State Park on Oct. 17 and 18 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Enjoy breathtaking views of the changing leaves, wagon rides and scenic hikes through vibrant forests. The festival features family-fun activities, community partners, live music, and delicious fall treats, making it a delightful event for all ages.
14. Leesylvania Fall Festival
Savor the crisp autumn air along the Potomac and join friends and family at Leesylvania State Park on Oct. 24 for the Annual Fall Festival from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Celebrate the season with hayrides, a kids’ costume contest, hands-on crafts, trunk-or-treat fun and pumpkin painting.
15. Caledon Art and Wine Festival
The annual Art and Wine Festival at Caledon State Park is the perfect time to tantalize your senses with the tastes from local wineries and restaurants, the vision of beautiful art from local artists, and the sounds of great music. This family-friendly event spans two days: Nov. 7 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Nov. 8 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., rain or shine.
Non-tasters and children enjoy free admission, and tickets are required for each day. Tickets are $30 online and can also be purchased at the gate; parking is $5 per vehicle. Carpooling is recommended. Please bring cash, as Wi-Fi connections are spotty and not all vendors accept credit cards.
Visit a Virginia State Park
Check out at least one or more of these wonderful fall events and share your photos with us using #VirginiaStateParks.
Keep checking the events webpage for this year’s Halloween Events.
A few Halloween events that I recommend are Howl-O-Ween B.A.R.K. Ranger Hike at Sweet Run, Halloween Night Hike at False Cape and Owl-o-ween at Natural Bridge.
Be sure to reserve your overnight stay to enjoy more time at the parks. Visit the Virginia State Parks Reservation System.
Happy fall, everyone.
