Friends Events

For information about Friends of Occoneechee State Park meetings or membership please contact us using the contact page of this website, or write to info@friendsofocconeecheestatepark.org

Park Events 

Interpretive Programs are offered weekly from Memprial Day through Labor Day.  Programs include hayrides, campfires, guided hikes, night hikes, owl calling, outdoor skill workshops, and a variety of children’s activities and crafts.  Please visit the Virginia State Parks Events Page for a schedule of upcoming programs.

Annual Special Events:

The second Saturday in May is the Annual Native American Heritage Festival.  Spend the day at beautiful Occoneechee State Park and experience the song and dance celebration of Native American Dancers and Drums.  Enjoy freshly prepared native foods, shop with craft vendors, and visitht he park Navive American museum.

The third Saturday in May is the Annual Jazz by the Lake Festival.  Relax and enjoy the beauty of Buggs Island Lake while a variety of professional and student musicians bring you the wonderful sounds of jazz!  More information can be found that the website of the Southside VA Jazz Society.

Check the Virginia State Parks Events Page for other Special Events such as Easter Programs and Fall Program. 

A Few of the Programs at Occoneechee

Whoo’s Awake, Owl Calling – Learn about some of the common owls in the area, and see if we can get a few of them to respond to our calls.

Campfire 101 – Campfires can be tricky.  Join us as we build our campfire and we’ll show you the basics of making a one match campfire . . . or even a no match campfire.

Creatures of the Night: Night Hike – Experience the forest the way nocturnal animals do, and explore the way their senses are different than ours.

Hayride – Join us for a fun hayride tour of the park., hear the history of the park and the lake, and hear the story of the Occoneechi Indians. 

Please visit the Virginia State Parks Events Page for dates, times, and other information.