Belle Isle State Park   Located at 1632 Belle Isle Road Lancaster VA 22503
10/30/2016    Parade of Pets   2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.   Join Belle Isle State Park for the first ever Parade of Pets. Bring you friends, family, and fur babies. Free parking for costumed pets and a chance to win a prize. Come out and meet other animal loving locals and enjoy the beautiful Fall weather. Snacks and refreshments will be provided. In lieu of parking donations, pet food and supplies will be accepted for a local shelter.  Don't forget to bring a leash and doggy bags! For questions please call the camp store at (804) 462-5030.    Location - Picnic Area    Phone - (804) 462-5030

Caledon State Park   Located at 11617 Caledon Road King George VA 22485
10/29/2016    Halloween Hayride   3:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.   Hop on the haywagon and take a trip through time as we learn the history of the park. We will experience reenactments of the major events which took place at the park. $3.00 per person, or $8.00 per family. Spaces are limited, so please make your reservations by calling the park or stopping by the office.    Location - Meet in the Visitor's Center    Phone - (540) 663-3861

10/30/2016    Drift into the Holiday Season   12:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.   Make your very own unique and awesome rustic driftwood Christmas/Holiday tree. You can use it all year long. We will spend about 2 hours gathering drift wood from the beach, and 1 hour constructing our trees. All hardware will be provided. $25.00 per tree. Spaces are limited, so please call the park or stop by the office to make reservations.         Location - Meet at Visitors Center    Phone - (540) 663-3861

Chippokes Plantation State Park   Located at 695 Chippokes Park Road Surry VA 23883
10/29/2016    Youth Costume Contest, Trick-or-Treating & Campsite Decorating    5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.   On this spook-tacular day, youth up to 12 years of age are invited to dress up in their favorite costume and gather together. A panel of judges will be on hand to select the best costume!    Campers  are invited to decorate their campsites in a fun and ghoulish way and offer candy for the park's trick-or-treaters. You'll get goosebumps as vampires, superheroes, and "ghostbusters" visit the campground. Youth trick-or-treating will take place following the costume contest. Campers interested in passing out candy must attach the "pumpkin pass" (located in the camping packet) to the site post at their campsite so participants know who is participating.     At 7 p.m., find out if your campsite was voted the best-decorated-site as our panel of judges award a special prize to the winning site.    Location - Campground Amphitheater, Loop A, and Loop B    Phone - (757) 294-3439

Claytor Lake State Park   Located at 6620 Ben H. Bolen Drive Dublin VA 24084
09/01/2016 - 10/31/2016    Stewardship Virginia Fall   8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.   Fall is here! After another successful and busy season there is much work at hand. There are projects to complete, things to clean, and services to be done as we get ready for winter. Contact us to volunteer to lend a helpful hand. Participants will receive a certificate from the Governor in recognition of volunteer service. Contact the Park Office at 540-643-2500 or email the park at ClaytorLake@dcr.virginia.gov to schedule a time to volunteer.     Location - Park Office: Howe House    Phone - (540) 643-2500

10/22/2016    Virginia State Parks History and Culture - Claytor Lake History Tour   11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.   Join a park interpreter to learn how our beautiful lake came to be, the story behind the Howe House and the Christian Chimney, and the fascinating history of the lake's past inhabitants.    Location - Park Office: Howe House    Phone - (540) 643-2500

10/29/2016    Virginia State Parks History and Culture - Claytor Lake History Tour   11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.   Join a park interpreter to learn how our beautiful lake came to be, the story behind the Howe House and the Christian Chimney, and the fascinating history of the lake's past inhabitants.    Location - Park Office: Howe House    Phone - (540) 643-2500

10/29/2016    7th Annual Halloween Celebration    1:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.  New Time   Come to the park for a day packed full of Halloween fun!   Festive activities include:   1 p.m. - The Spooky Box - this is the mystery box with a frightful twist.     2 p.m. - Pumpkin Carving Contest - pumpkins will be provided and a few tools will be available for use. Bring your creative side! Awards will be awarded at the end.     4 p.m. - Costume Contests begin - first will be children, then adults, and finally pets! Awards will be awarded after each round.      6 p.m. - Campsite Decorating Contest - the judges will begin walking around at 6 p.m., awards will be announced later that evening.    8 p.m. - Scary Story Campfire - join the interpreters for a night of s'mores and scares as we all tell our best scary story!     The Haunted Hayrides will begin at 7 p.m., and the last ride will depart the Interpretive Campfire Circle at 9:30 p.m. Trains will depart every 30 minutes. Pre-register at the Interpretive Campfire Circle to ride during your desired time slot. Earlier rides will be available at 6 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. for younger ages.     Concessions and mini-games will be available at the Interpretive Campfire Circle in Campground D throughout the day.     Location - Campground D and the Interpretive Campfire Circle     Phone - (540) 643-2500

First Landing State Park   Located at 2500 Shore Drive Virginia Beach VA 23451
10/22/2016    First Landing Fall Festival - A Virginia State Parks History and Culture Event   2:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.   Enjoy natural surroundings, hay rides, pumpkin decorating, kids' crafts, roasting s'mores and special exhibits.    Location - Picnic Shelter    Phone - (757) 412-2300

High Bridge Trail State Park   For access points along the trail, please click Park Link on the left
10/28/2016    Pumpkins on the Plaza   4:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.   You are invited to enjoy an evening out on the Main Street Plaza in Farmville. This family friendly event will feature pumpkins of all shapes and sizes, crafts, games, music, and more. Refreshments will be provided by the Friends of High Bridge Trail State Park.    This event is free.    Location - Main Street Plaza-Farmville    Phone - (434) 315-0457

Holliday Lake State Park   Located at 2759 State Park Road Appomattox VA 24522
09/01/2016 - 10/31/2016    Stewardship Virginia - Fall      This statewide volunteer opportunity, held twice a year in the spring and fall, gives you the chance to leave a positive mark on our public lands. All participants will receive a certificate signed by the Governor of Virginia as a token of our appreciation.    National Public Lands Day: Lake Cleanup (Saturday, September 24, 2:00 p.m.) - Clean water is a vital part of Virginia's complex ecosystem. Come help us pick up litter around the lake in canoes while learning about the importance of a healthy habitat. See other listing for more information about this program.    Please contact the Park Office by phone or email if you have a group that would like to perform a Stewardship Virginia project sometime in September or October.      Location - Beach Area    Phone - (434) 248-6308

10/22/2016    Virginia State Parks History and Culture Day   12:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.  New Time   Holliday Lake and the surrounding area have changed a lot over the years. Experience that amazing history through artifacts that have been found here in the park. Bring a lunch and eat with the Park Naturalist to discuss how the park got its interesting name. In the afternoon we'll pan for gold and learn about the rise and fall of the Jones Family who lived here 150 years ago.    Please contact the Park Office by phone of email with any questions regarding park programs or to set up private programs for a group.      Location - Beach Area    Phone - (434) 248-6308

Hungry Mother State Park   Located at 2854 Park Boulevard Marion VA 24354
10/22/2016    Halloween Harvest Celebration   1:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.   1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. Harvest Activities. Bring your family and friends out for an afternoon of fun. There will be fall crafts, games, a Fall photo backdrop, and much more. There is a little something for everyone. Meet at Shelter 3. Free    5:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m. Harvest Hayrides. Join us for a relaxing hayride throughout the park - getting the true essence of fall. Hayrides will be leaving at 5:30, 5:45, 6:00, 6:15, 6:30. Afterwards, a hayride will leave at 7:00 p.m. to take you up to the Ghostly Glows After Dark Hike. Meet at Parking Lot 6. Free    7:00 p.m. - Ghostly Glows After Dark. As the sun sets below the mountainous horizon, the forest comes to life. On this short walk, we'll talk about the different "glows" and noises you may see or hear when you're out and about amongst the stars. This is a short walk, 1 mile total. Dress for the weather and wear sturdy shoes. Meet at Parking Lot 6 at 7:00 p.m. to enjoy the hayride up to the trailhead. Free        Location - Various Locations Throughout the Park    Phone - (276) 781-7400

Lake Anna State Park   Located at 6800 Lawyers Road Spotsylvania VA 22551
10/21/2016    Survival Savvy   2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.   We never plan to get lost or find we have no cell service when you need it most. But these things can happen when we least expect it. Join the ranger and learn skills that will help you face life's surprises with the confidence of a survival expert.   You'll become "bear aware", start a fire using our flint & steel, discover when and how to effect self rescue as well as basic shelter building techniques. Each session features a different survival topic. Free    Space is limited. Call (540) 854-6245 and leave a message of how many in your group and a contact number to preregister for one or all three programs in the series.     Location - Visitor Center    Phone - (540) 854-5503

10/22/2016    Nature Journaling Workshop   10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.   Looking for a special way to preserve your memories of your visits in Nature? Join our ranger and discover this adventure tool that you'll enjoy for generations to come. You'll unleash your inner artist and gain confidence while learning various techniques and page layout ideas.   This workshop will teach you how to make your own journal to keep.  $10 fee per journal made.  Space is limited to the first 12 confirmed registrations. Registration ends the Monday before each workshop.    To register for any of our programming in advance, please leave a message on the Visitor Center answering machine at (540) 854-6245 with your name, number in your group, and a contact phone number.    Location - Visitor Center    Phone - (540) 854-5503

10/29/2016    Goblins and Goodies   2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.   Looking for a family fun filled way to celebrate Halloween? Get your costume ready for our Costume Contest! We'll have an afternoon of crafts and candy while we discover some cool facts about some not-so spooky critters.  Costume prizes for the most unique & best use of recycled materials in two age groups; up to 5 yrs. and 6 yrs. and up.  Judging will be from 2:30 - 3 p.m.  Prizes awarded at 3:30 pm (must be present to win).  Program is FREE and open to the public.      Location - Visitor Center    Phone - (540) 854-5503

Leesylvania State Park   Located at 2001 Daniel K. Ludwig Drive Woodbridge VA 22191
10/22/2016    Fall Festival and Haunted History Hike    5:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.   Where else can you find hayrides, apple tossing, pumpkin painting, and a haunted hike all in one place in Northern Virginia?  Enjoy the fun at Leesylvania State Park's Fall Festival.  Games for all ages will be available starting at 5 p.m. and followed by our annual Haunted History Hike from 7:30 p.m. to 9 p.m., where we will take you back in time as local spirits relive some extraordinary moments from their lives.  Don't forget to wear your costume - and show it off in our costume contest.  Prizes will be awarded for the best costumes.  Please make sure that they are family friendly.  Call (703)583-6904 for more information.    Fee for each Hike and Hayride $2 per person and $6 per family.    For the games $1 per 1 ticket or $10 per 20 tickets.      Location - By shelter #2    Phone - (703) 730-8205

Natural Tunnel State Park   Located at 1420 Natural Tunnel Parkway Duffield VA 24244
10/22/2016    Frontier Harvest Festival    1:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.   Take a step back in time, over 200 years ago, with the Daniel Boone Wilderness Trail. Come see, touch, taste, and smell what fall offers settlers. Members of the Association will be dressed in period attire providing on-going demonstrations that guests can take part in. The demonstrations include leaning how clothing was made from breaking flax to spinning wool. See how candles were made from bees wax. Watch and smell what Three Sister Stew is and how the bread oven is used.  Stand by the fire of the salt pot and maybe you will have an opportunity to stir the pot. Do not forget to hang out with the Blacksmith to see his new creation.  Find out what the settlers used for blankets as the longhunter shows you how to tan a hide. This is a great program for families. The program is free and come by any time. http://tinyurl.com/hrvyrvf       Location - The Wilderness Road Blockhouse    Phone - (276) 940-2674

10/22/2016    Virginia State Parks History and Culture   1:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.   Spend a weekend day at the Wilderness Road Blockhouse. Listen to stories about adventurers who traveled through what was the frontier over 200 years ago. On October 22, step back in time, to 1775, to see how adventurers prepared for winter. Experience how clothing was made, how they cooked, along with other tasks. The Frontier Harvest Festival is a free program starting at 1 p.m.       Location - The Wilderness Road Blockhouse    Phone - (276) 940-2674

10/23/2016    Virginia State Parks History and Culture   2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.   Spend a weekend day at the Wilderness Road Blockhouse. Listen to stories about adventurers who traveled through what was the frontier over 200 years ago. On October 22, step back in time, to 1775, to see how adventurers prepared for winter. Experience how clothing was made, how they cooked, along with other tasks. The Frontier Harvest Festival is a free program starting at 1 p.m.       Location - The Wilderness Road Blockhouse    Phone - (276) 940-2674

10/29/2016    Virginia State Parks History and Culture   2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.   Spend a weekend day at the Wilderness Road Blockhouse. Listen to stories about adventurers who traveled through what was the frontier over 200 years ago. On October 22, step back in time, to 1775, to see how adventurers prepared for winter. Experience how clothing was made, how they cooked, along with other tasks. The Frontier Harvest Festival is a free program starting at 1 p.m.       Location - The Wilderness Road Blockhouse    Phone - (276) 940-2674

10/30/2016    Virginia State Parks History and Culture   2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.   Spend a weekend day at the Wilderness Road Blockhouse. Listen to stories about adventurers who traveled through what was the frontier over 200 years ago. On October 22, step back in time, to 1775, to see how adventurers prepared for winter. Experience how clothing was made, how they cooked, along with other tasks. The Frontier Harvest Festival is a free program starting at 1 p.m.       Location - The Wilderness Road Blockhouse    Phone - (276) 940-2674

New River Trail State Park   Located at 176 Orphanage DR Max Meadows VA 24360
10/20/2016    Train Tour Cliffview to Foster Falls   8:45 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.   All aboard Foster Falls Express!   All aboard was a common phrase that echoed here, prior to 1955, as trains traveled along what is now New River Trail State Park. Once again this opportunity will be made possible for you to experience the beauty, serenity and wonderment that New River Trail has to offer. We will be offering a guided train ride from Foster Falls to Cliffview ranger station, this is an all day event so please be prepared for all weather conditions, please bring sun screen, bug repellent, and plenty of water.  A box lunch and brochures will be provided; space is limited so preregistration is required for this event. Fee: $25.00 per person or $20.00 per person for groups of 4 or more must be paid upon reservation. No pets are allowed, service animals are permitted. For registration or more information on this event please call the park office at (276)699-6778.    Location - Cliffview Depot    Phone - (276) 699-6778

10/20/2016    Virginia State Parks History and Culture - Train Exploration Cliffview to Foster Fall   8:45 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.   All aboard Foster Falls Express!   All aboard was a common phrase that echoed here, prior to 1955, as trains traveled along what is now New River Trail State Park. Once again this opportunity will be made possible for you to experience the beauty, serenity and wonderment that New River Trail has to offer. We will be offering a guided train ride from Foster Falls to Cliffview ranger station, this is an all day event so please be prepared for all weather conditions, please bring sun screen, bug repellent, and plenty of water.  A box lunch and brochures will be provided; space is limited so preregistration is required for this event. Fee: $25.00 per person or $20.00 per person for groups of 4 or more must be paid upon reservation. No pets are allowed, service animals are permitted. For registration or more information on this event please call the park office at (276)699-6778.    Location - Cliffview Ranger Station    Phone - (276) 699-6778

10/22/2016    Virginia State Parks History and Culture   10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.   Overlooking the New River, the Shot Tower was built more than 200 years ago to make ammunition for the early settlers. Lead from the nearby Austinsville Mines was melted in a kettle atop the 75-foot tower and poured through a sieve, falling through the tower and an additional 75-foot shaft beneath the tower into a kettle of water. So step back in time with a tour of the Shot Tower and enjoy its beautiful view over the New River.        Location - Shot Tower    Phone - (276) 699-6778

10/23/2016    Virginia State Parks History and Culture   10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.   Overlooking the New River, the Shot Tower was built more than 200 years ago to make ammunition for the early settlers. Lead from the nearby Austinsville Mines was melted in a kettle atop the 75-foot tower and poured through a sieve, falling through the tower and an additional 75-foot shaft beneath the tower into a kettle of water. So step back in time with a tour of the Shot Tower and enjoy its beautiful view over the New River.        Location - Shot Tower    Phone - (276) 699-6778

10/29/2016    Virginia State Parks History and Culture   10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.   Overlooking the New River, the Shot Tower was built more than 200 years ago to make ammunition for the early settlers. Lead from the nearby Austinsville Mines was melted in a kettle atop the 75-foot tower and poured through a sieve, falling through the tower and an additional 75-foot shaft beneath the tower into a kettle of water. So step back in time with a tour of the Shot Tower and enjoy its beautiful view over the New River.        Location - Shot Tower    Phone - (276) 699-6778

10/30/2016    Virginia State Parks History and Culture   10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.   Overlooking the New River, the Shot Tower was built more than 200 years ago to make ammunition for the early settlers. Lead from the nearby Austinsville Mines was melted in a kettle atop the 75-foot tower and poured through a sieve, falling through the tower and an additional 75-foot shaft beneath the tower into a kettle of water. So step back in time with a tour of the Shot Tower and enjoy its beautiful view over the New River.        Location - Shot Tower    Phone - (276) 699-6778

Pocahontas State Park   Located at 10301 State Park Road Chesterfield VA 23832
10/22/2016    Park After Dark   6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.   Park after Dark is an annual family-oriented fun event held at night. This year's activities will include hay rides, raptor and reptile presentations, campfire with s'mores, a night hike, and much more.     Parking for the event is free and entry into the event is $5 per person, cash, check, and credit/debit cards are accepted. Children under 3 are free.  Registration is not required, but recommended.      Location - Heritage Center Parking Area    Phone - (804) 796-4255

Sailors Creek Battlefield State Park   Located at 6541 Saylers Creek Road Rice VA 23966
10/23/2016    Rocking Chair Reflections: ''The Immortal 600''    2:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.   This is the final "October Rocking Chair Reflections" Lecture Series.  Chief Ranger Lee Wilcox will deliver a talk on the "Immortal 600", Confederate Prisoners of War used as "human shields" aboard US Navy vessels approaching the heavily defended coastal defenses of South Carolina.  Amongst the 600 POW survivors affected by the experience was Captain James Moses Hillsman, the patriarch of the family farmhouse located on the grounds of Sailor's Creek Battlefield and preserved today as a National Historic Landmark for its part as a Federal Field Hospital during the fighting that occurred on April 6, 1865.    This event is free to the public, although donations to our "Friends of Sailor's Creek Battlefield" educational programming fund are always welcome.  For questions, contact the park's main office at (804) 561-7510.       Location - Battlefield Visitor Center    Phone - (804) 561-7510

Sky Meadows State Park   Located at 11012 Edmonds Lane Delaplane VA 20144
10/22/2016    Friends of Sky Meadows 5K Trail Run/Walk   9:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m.   During our Fall Farm Day Rest and Rejuvenation weekend, take part in a 5K trail run/walk sponsored by the Friends of Sky Meadows. Proceeds from the race benefits Sky Meadows' Children's Discovery Area. Enjoy post-race refreshments and Fall Farm Days activities, including the Middleburg Humane Foundation benefit event and pet adoption, live music, a pick-your-own pumpkin patch, children's play area and corn maze, and much more in the Historic Area.     Registration is $30. To register, visit http://www.otrsports.com.       Location - 5K Race Course--Parking in Historic Area    Phone - (540) 592-3556

10/22/2016 - 10/23/2016    Bark in the Park   10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.   During our Fall Farm Days Rest and Rejuvenation weekend, bring your dog to the 6th Annual Bark in the Park charity event made possible by and benefiting the Middleburg Humane Foundation. At noon on Saturday, for a $20 donation, bring your best team and your own boards for a family-friendly cornhole tournament. On Sunday, enjoy family crafts and games. Throughout the weekend, meet the Middleburg Human Foundation's furry friends looking for their future home. Adoption applications will be available during the event.  For more information, including how to register your cornhole team, visit http://www.middleburghumane.com/bark-in-park-2016.html    Be sure to enjoy other Fall Farm Days activities including the Friends of Sky Meadows 5K Trail Run/Walk, live music, delicious food, a pick-your-own pumpkin patch and much more in the park's Historic Area.       Location - Historic Area    Phone - (540) 592-3556

10/22/2016 - 10/23/2016    Fall Farm Days: Rest and Rejuventation Weekend   10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.   We offer a variety of guided and self-guided programs to help you get a taste of all the ways to get outdoors to enjoy the park. One visit to our serene park and you'll feel refreshed and revitalized!  Bring your furry friends for the annual Bark in the Park benefit and pet adoption event made possible by the Middleburg Humane Foundation. On Saturday October 22, rejuvenate with a Friends of Sky Meadows 5K trail run to benefit the new Children's Discovery Area of the park. Check out the thrills of mountain biking in a skills course with Element Sports of Winchester. Bring your own bike to test your abilities.  Enjoy pony rides for the kids, a scavenger hunt, and more!      In addition to the relaxation-themed programs, we also offer Mount Bleak House Tours, a children's play area and corn maze, live music, the pick-your-own pumpkin patch, and delicious Mac and Cheese creations from Mac Shack Express from Winchester, VA.    Also, be sure to come back the last weekend of October for Fall Farm Days' History weekend.     Location - Historic Area    Phone - (540) 592-3556

10/29/2016 - 10/30/2016    Fall Farm Days: History of Sky Meadows   10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.   During Fall Farm Days' History Weekend, you can step back in time and see history come to life! Stroll through the Historic Area buildings and interact with our living historians, get a taste of hearth cooking, watch the blacksmiths at work at the forge and take a tour of Mount Bleak House. Discover the stories of the people who shaped the landscape at this historic family farm.    In addition to the history-themed programs, we also offer live music, delicious food and drinks for sale, and, of course, the pick-your-own pumpkin patch.         Location - Historic Area    Phone - (540) 592-3556

10/29/2016 - 10/30/2016    Virginia State Parks History and Culture   10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.   Celebrate over 300 years of Virginia's history and culture at Sky Meadows State park! Let your senses experience the history of Sky Meadows and the Crooked Run Valley on this history-themed weekend!  See and hear living history vignettes that reveal the story of historic Mount Bleak House. Hear hammers on anvils and smell the smoke at our Farmers' Forge program, thanks to the Blacksmith Guild of the Potomac. Let your nose follow the aroma of food to our Log Cabin where a ranger or volunteer will be cooking historic recipes over a hearth.     Kids can enjoy self-guided adventures with our Junior Historian  and Junior Farmer booklets, available for pickup at the Visitor Center from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Complete the booklets and receive the Junior Historian and Junior Farmer certificates. Also, complete the Junior Naturalist booklet and receive your Junior Ranger badge to be an official Junior Ranger at Sky Meadows!     Location - Historic Area    Phone - (540) 592-3556

Smith Mountain Lake State Park   Located at 1235 State Park Road Huddleston VA 24104
10/29/2016    Goblins and Goodies Halloween Event   1:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.   Bring the family to the park to enjoy the fall colors and a fun-filled Halloween. Activities include a costume contest (suggested for ages 12 and younger), pumpkin decorating, crafts, candy and more. Hayrides are offered from 2:30 to 4 p.m.  Wear your favorite Halloween costume and join us for a "howling" good time! Prizes for the most creative and for the scariest costume will be awarded in two categories: those age 6 and younger, and those age  7 and older. Judging is from 1:45 to 2:15 p.m., and prizes are awarded at 2:20 p.m. This event is free, but regular parking fees apply.     Location - Discovery Center     Phone - (540) 297-6066

Staunton River State Park   Located at 1170 Staunton Trail Scottsburg VA 24589
10/24/2016 - 10/30/2016    Staunton River Star Party      Join members of the Chapel Hill Astronomical and Observational Society for the fall Staunton River Star Party. Astronomers from across the country converge on the park each spring and fall to peruse vendors' offerings, learn from guest speakers and presentations, and take advantage of the area's exceptionally dark night skies. Check-in begins at noon on Oct. 24, and the Star Party continues until noon on Oct. 30. Registration fees required. For more information and to register, visit http://www.stauntonriver-starparty.org.     The event is free and open to the public on Oct. 29 from 8 to 11 p.m. Mingle with amateur astronomers to learn about and view planets, stars, nebulae and galaxies. Dress for the weather and bring a flashlight, preferably one with a red lens. (Red cellophane will be provided for those who don't have a red lens.)    Location - Visitor Center    Phone - (434) 572-4623

Twin Lakes State Park   Located at 788 Twin Lakes Road Green Bay VA 23942
10/21/2016    Haunting on the Lake   6:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.   October is coming, and that can only mean one thing... Twin Lakes State Park's 6th Annual Haunting on the Lake.    The sun has gone down and the creatures and bests of the mysterious Goodwin Lake Trail have awoken for a night of fright. Join a trail guide as their dim lanterns give you passage and help you to face your fears. Stare down several different phobias as you make your way through this heart pounding trail. This is sure to be a scream.       After the trail enjoy a snack at the Concession Stand, special ranger programs, and enjoy ghost stories by the fire.    $5.00 per person to walk our Haunted Trail.     The trail is not recommended for those under the age of 13. Parental guidance is required.    Interested in becoming an actor on the trial, or helping out with the event? Follow this link for more information on how to get involved: http://bit.ly/2bvB0P7        Location - the ''Spot'' Concession Stand    Phone - (434) 392-3435

10/22/2016    Fall for Twin Lakes Festival    12:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.   As leaves begin to change and the weather cools, the park comes alive with this family centered celebration. Activities include hay rides, trick or treating in the campground, ranger-led games and craft making, a raptor show by Thunder Eagle Wildlife, a pumpkin patch and more. Pumpkins are $3 each. Those wanting something spooky may join park staff for Haunting on the Lake, Oct. 21 and 22 from 6 to 10 p.m. Visit http://bit.ly/2blPXmj to volunteer. For more information, call 434-392-3435    Location - The ''Spot'' Concession Stand    Phone - (434) 392-3435

10/22/2016    Haunting on the Lake   6:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.   October is coming, and that can only mean one thing... Twin Lakes State Park's 6th Annual Haunting on the Lake.    The sun has gone down and the creatures and bests of the mysterious Goodwin Lake Trail have awoken for a night of fright. Join a trail guide as their dim lanterns give you passage and help you to face your fears. Stare down several different phobias as you make your way through this heart pounding trail. This is sure to be a scream.       After the trail enjoy a snack at the Concession Stand, special ranger programs, and enjoy ghost stories by the fire.    $5.00 per person to walk our Haunted Trail.     The trail is not recommended for those under the age of 13. Parental guidance is required.    Interested in becoming an actor on the trial, or helping out with the event? Follow this link for more information on how to get involved: http://bit.ly/2bvB0P7        Location - the ''Spot'' Concession Stand    Phone - (434) 392-3435

Westmoreland State Park   Located at 145 Cliff Road Montross VA 22520
10/27/2016 - 10/28/2016    The Passionate Fact: Storytelling Science with Susan Strauss   8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.   This two day immersive workshop taught by Susan Strauss is designed for all levels of experience and will combine demonstrations, talks, and hands-on activities designed to deepen your skills and understanding of the storytelling process.     Strauss is internationally recognized as a storyteller of natural history performances combining mythic/traditional story with personal anecdote and scientific information to provoke an experience of natural archetypes on themes such as birds, bears, water, wolves, trees & plants and marine life.    She has given storytelling performances and training workshops for the Smithsonian Museum of Natural History, Monterey Bay Aquarium, Botanical Gardens throughout the UK and Australia as well as conferences for soil, tree and wildlife scientists.     $240 without lodging, with lunch each day.    $300 with two nights of lodging, with lunch each day. Lodging will be in state park cabins, and you will be sharing a cabin with another participant.    Camping is available as well.    To register and for more information please contact christen.miller@dcr.virginia.gov or call 804-786-4388.     No Children Please!    Location - Murphy Hall    Phone - (804) 493-8821

Wilderness Road State Park   Located at 8051 Wilderness Road Ewing VA 24248
10/27/2016    Pumpkins in the Park - Haunted Trail Hayride   5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.  New Time   Local folklore comes to life on Friday and Saturday with breath-taking live-action scenes combined with hair-raising props that create the ultimate Halloween atmosphere for the wildly popular Haunted Trail Hayride. This spine-tingling journey along a wooded trail highlights Pumpkins in the Park, featuring dramatic and spooky scenes, along with surprises sure to elicit screams of delight. Be prepared - you will be scared. More than 2,000 brave souls attend this spooky event every year. On Thursday at the Karlan Mansion, enjoy pumpkin painting, face painting, costume contests, ghost stories and a community-based Trunk-or-Treat, where children enjoy an old-fashioned Halloween in a safe environment. The event is sponsored by the Friends of Wilderness Road State Park. It's $2 per vehicle on Thursday night and only $10 per vehicle Friday and Saturday.    Location - Karlan Mansion and Wilderness Road Trail    Phone - (276) 445-3065

10/28/2016    Pumpkins in the Park - Haunted Trail Hayride   6:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.   Local folklore comes to life on Friday and Saturday with breath-taking live-action scenes combined with hair-raising props that create the ultimate Halloween atmosphere for the wildly popular Haunted Trail Hayride. This spine-tingling journey along a wooded trail highlights Pumpkins in the Park, featuring dramatic and spooky scenes, along with surprises sure to elicit screams of delight. Be prepared - you will be scared. More than 2,000 brave souls attend this spooky event every year. On Thursday at the Karlan Mansion, enjoy pumpkin painting, face painting, costume contests, ghost stories and a community-based Trunk-or-Treat, where children enjoy an old-fashioned Halloween in a safe environment. The event is sponsored by the Friends of Wilderness Road State Park. It's $2 per vehicle on Thursday night and only $10 per vehicle Friday and Saturday.    Location - Karlan Mansion and Wilderness Road Trail    Phone - (276) 445-3065

10/29/2016    Pumpkins in the Park - Haunted Trail Hayride   6:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.   Local folklore comes to life on Friday and Saturday with breath-taking live-action scenes combined with hair-raising props that create the ultimate Halloween atmosphere for the wildly popular Haunted Trail Hayride. This spine-tingling journey along a wooded trail highlights Pumpkins in the Park, featuring dramatic and spooky scenes, along with surprises sure to elicit screams of delight. Be prepared - you will be scared. More than 2,000 brave souls attend this spooky event every year. On Thursday at the Karlan Mansion, enjoy pumpkin painting, face painting, costume contests, ghost stories and a community-based Trunk-or-Treat, where children enjoy an old-fashioned Halloween in a safe environment. The event is sponsored by the Friends of Wilderness Road State Park. It's $2 per vehicle on Thursday night and only $10 per vehicle Friday and Saturday.    Location - Karlan Mansion and Wilderness Road Trail    Phone - (276) 445-3065

York River State Park   Located at 9801 York River Park Road Williamsburg VA 23188
10/22/2016    Ghost Trails Hayrides   6:30 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.   Join us for this spooky hayride thru the woods of the park to discover some of its haunted past through storytelling.  Don't worry, you can pretend that you are not scared but who are you really fooling? Reservations are required.  Cost: $3/person, $25/group      Location - Contact Station    Phone - (757) 566-3036

10/28/2016    Ghost Trails Hayrides   6:30 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.   Join us for this spooky hayride thru the woods of the park to discover some of its haunted past through storytelling.  Don't worry, you can pretend that you are not scared but who are you really fooling? Reservations are required.  Cost: $3/person, $25/group      Location - Contact Station    Phone - (757) 566-3036

10/29/2016    Ghost Trails Hayrides   6:30 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.   Join us for this spooky hayride thru the woods of the park to discover some of its haunted past through storytelling.  Don't worry, you can pretend that you are not scared but who are you really fooling? Reservations are required.  Cost: $3/person, $25/group      Location - Contact Station    Phone - (757) 566-3036

Due to the large number of events in this edition we are not able to list them all.
You can link to a list of events from 10/20/2016 To 10/30/2016 by clicking on your favorite park.