Events
Adult Easter Egg Hunt at Old Bust Head Brewery
-Hunt for hidden eggs throughout our taproom, beer garden, and overhang, filled with fantastic prizes like OBH swag, discounts on merch, free pints, crowler fills & more!
Bratworks & Jackleg Pizza
Carrot Cake Stout On Draft
Bridal Open House at Morais Vineyards
What You Can Expect:
Meet & mingle with talented vendors
Enjoy delicious food tastings
Wander through our breathtaking vineyard & wineryWords from Wild
Take into your heart the peace of wild things. Absorb the transformative words of writers who love the wild, read aloud by two Virginia Master Naturalists. Wake your senses and share what they tell you. The walk will be slow and often silent. This guided three-tenths of a mile gentle walk will meet at the Sensory Explorers’ Trail in the picnic area and will last approximately one hour. This program and the Sensory Explorers’ Trail are accessible for the blind and visually impaired.
For more information on the Virginia Master Naturalists please visit their website.
The Sensory Explorers’ Trail is open for self-guided walks daily for people of all ages and has adaptations for the blind and visually impaired. To learn more about this feature visit our website.
Other details
Standard parking or admission fee applies: Yes. $10
Extra fee: No.
Registration required: No.
Children welcome: Yes.
Phone: 540-592-3556
Email Address: SkyMeadows@dcr.virginia.gov
Conservation Land Steward at Oak Springs Garden Foundation
Overview: Join Charlotte Lorick, Head of Biodiversity Conservation, for an insightful landscape walk and presentation on the principles and practices of conservation land stewardship. This session will provide a comprehensive overview of strategies for integrating a conservation-focused approach into land management. Charlotte will offer guidance on viewing residential landscapes as dynamic ecosystems and habitats, emphasizing the critical role of biodiversity in maintaining ecological balance. Participants will gain an understanding of the diverse conservation stewardship practices implemented at OSGF, along with a structured framework for applying these principles to their own properties, regardless of size
The Oak Spring estate, protected by Paul and Bunny Mellon as part of a conservation easement, features a rich mixture of fields, meadows, woods, streams, and wetlands. OSGF is actively stewarding the land to protect and foster wildlife communities on the estate. In accordance with the mission of the Foundation, OSGF’s Biodiversity Conservation Team is actively working to inventory the diversity of plants and animals on site, cultivate their habitats, and share these biotic treasures with the public.
What to Expect: This workshop will consist of an indoor presentation for the first 1-1.5 hours followed by a short walk to see the native wildlife garden and a native meadow planting. Please expect to spend some time walking across hilly fields and similar uneven terrain. Participants should arrive with proper footwear, sufficient water, and dress appropriately for the weather. Binoculars and digital cameras encouraged.
Weather Update: In the event of inclement weather or heavy rain, the event will be canceled and participants will be notified by Eventbrite email the day before.
Photo Release Statement: By attending this event, you consent to your likeness and image being used for ongoing promotional and marketing efforts.
Availability: This Stewardship presentation and walk will be capped at 15 participants. Registrations will be accepted on a rolling basis through Eventbrite until full.
First Saturdays at Sky Meadows
Join us on the first Saturday of the month to experience the sights, smells, sounds and tastes of history at Sky Meadows.
10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Stop by the Explorer Outpost table at Boston Mill Road Trail near the Park Office where we’ll have a table of discovery items for you to see and explore, and other self-guided activities for you to continue exploring the plants, animals and history of farming at Sky Meadows State Park.
11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tour historic Mount Bleak House. Discover the many stories and families of this 1840s house and how they shaped the history of Sky Meadows. Feel a part of their journey as you enjoy opportunities to view each room on a guided tour. Tours begin each 30 minutes from the front porch of Mount Bleak.
Noon to 3 p.m. Follow your nose to The Settle’s Kettle in the Log Cabin to see what is cooking on the hearth. Explore history through food and how it connects us to past generations. Explore farming practices of Virginians in the Crooked Run Valley and the influences of cooking traditions. Learn about the cooking methods of early European settlers and the African people who were enslaved here and were a part of life on this historic farm.
Noon to 3 p.m. Stop by The Farmer’s Forge located behind the Dairy Barn in the Historic Area. See where members of the Blacksmiths’ Guild of the Potomac fashion iron into helpful tools and kitchen items used around the farm. To learn more about the guild visit their website.
Explorer Outpost and Mount Bleak House Tours are subject to volunteer or docent availability.
Other details
Standard parking or admission fee applies: Yes. $10
Extra fee: No.
Registration required: No.
Children welcome: Yes.
Phone: 540-592-3556
Email Address: SkyMeadows@dcr.virginia.gov
Daytime Spring White Wine Release & Pairing Experience
A Lovely tasting of five newly released white wines, each showcasing the elegance and diversity of our spring collection. Featuring 2024 Rosé, Grüner Veltliner, Chenin Blanc and 2023 Roussanne.
Thoughtfully curated gourmet pairings inspired by Spanish Tapas cuisine and designed by our expert chef; Nomad Provisions, to enhance the unique characteristics of each wineMorais Vineyards Spring Festival
Thirteen Flavors Peruvian Food Truck
Two Brothers Southwestern Grill Food Truck
Two Bald Guys – Music
Brews and I Do’s Wedding Expo at Old Bust Head Brewery
Your hometown bridal show is here! Join us for an afternoon in The Barrel Room at Old Bust Head Brewing Co., where you can plan your perfect wedding in just one day. Browse a handpicked selection of local wedding vendors offering everything from breathtaking floral arrangements and stunning bridal fashion to catering samples, desserts, and beer tastings.
✨ What to Expect:
✔️ Meet local wedding pros and explore their services
✔️ Enjoy vendor samples and exclusive discounts
✔️ Sip on craft beer while you plan your big day
✔️ Gather inspiration for your dream wedding
Don’t miss this fun and stress-free way to kickstart your wedding planning!
💌 Interested in being a vendor? Contact our Private Events Manager, Dana Thomas, at events@oldbusthead.com.
Spring Garden Luncheon featuring Farm Belly at Barrel Oak Winery and Brewery
Celebrate the beauty of Spring with a Family-Style Spring Garden Lunch at Barrel Oak, where fresh, locally sourced ingredients meet perfectly paired wines in an unforgettable vineyard setting.
This elevated farm-to-table experience is designed to highlight the vibrant flavors of the season, featuring a carefully curated menu that blends rustic charm with refined elegance.
$85 per person: Ticket includes a 3-course Family Style Meal prepared by Farm Belly, perfectly paired with Barrel Oak’s Wine.
PURCHASE TICKETS HERE.
First Course:
Meadow Bread w/ Whipped Fromage Blanc
Whole grain bread milled & baked locally. Topped w/ whipped fromage blanc, candied hazelnuts, preserved apricots & mint
Spring Greens Salad
Vibrant mix of spring salad greens w/ shaved radish, fresh herbs & honey-lemon vinaigrette
Second Course:
Black Pepper & Ginger Braised Beef
Melt in your mouth beef from Longstone Farm braised w/ginger-black pepper broth. Served over wilted spring greens & pearl onions
Tortellini & Pea Tendrils
Cheese tortellini & nutty pea tendrils tossed in a lemony-dill & aged Daize Rest goat cheese sauce. Cheese from George’s Mill
Third Course:
Whipped Strawberry Rhubarb Cheesecake Trifle layers of whipped cheesecake, wafer cookies, whipped cream & bright spring strawberry rhubarb preserves
Daytime Spring White Wine Release & Pairing Experience
A Lovely tasting of five newly released white wines, each showcasing the elegance and diversity of our spring collection. Featuring 2024 Rosé, Grüner Veltliner, Chenin Blanc and 2023 Roussanne. Thoughtfully curated gourmet pairings inspired by Spanish Tapas cuisine and designed by our expert chef; Nomad Provisions, to enhance the unique characteristics of each wineBackwoods Survival for Hunters and Hikers
Successful hunting and outdoor adventure depends on good planning and preparation, especially with the skills needed to survive the unexpected. When it comes to the outdoors, hunting and hiking pose the greatest risk of becoming lost, or worse; being lost, injured and unprepared to survive the elements. When your cell phone loses power and your GPS can’t find a signal, your best hope for making it through, are the skills you’ll learn in this 4-hour block of hands-on, survival training. Led by expert instructors, you’ll practice advanced techniques for making fire in difficult situations. You’ll discover the most efficient methods of using essential survival gear. And, you’ll learn to use those special features of map, compass and the natural surroundings guaranteed to keep you out of trouble, or enable self-rescue when the worst happens. Bring a friend and let us help get you ready for your next outdoor adventure.
Registration is limited to 20 participants and there is a minimum age requirement of 12 years.
Registration is required. Register here: https://www.register-ed.com/events/view/223932.
Other details
Standard parking or admission fee applies: No.
Extra fee: No.
Registration required: Yes.
Children welcome: No.
Phone: 540-592-3556
Email Address: SkyMeadows@dcr.virginia.gov
Spring Ephemerals Workshop: Botany and Bloom Series
As the weather warms to spring, explore what is in bloom on the park’s trails with Shenandoah Chapter Virginia Master Naturalist Paul Guay. Discover the beauty and diversity of spring ephemerals such as toothwort and bloodroot. Begin in the park’s Carriage Barn with an informative introductory presentation on ephemeral flowers, their associated pollinators, tips and tricks to their identification and more. Following the presentation, join an approximate 3-mile guided hike along the park’s forest edge trails. Bring water and lunch to eat along the trail, dress appropriately and wear sturdy shoes.
Other details
Standard parking or admission fee applies: Yes. $10
Extra fee: No.
Registration required: No.
Children welcome: Yes.
Phone: 540-592-3556
Email Address: SkyMeadows@dcr.virginia.gov
Spring Sips and Scents and Barrel Oak Winery and Brewery
Join us for a relaxing and creative afternoon at Barrel Oak, where the vibrant spirit of spring comes to life through candle making! In this hands-on workshop, you’ll have the chance to create your very own handcrafted candles, all while sipping on fine wine and soaking in the serene vineyard atmosphere.
Our expert instructor will guide you through the process, from selecting your favorite scents to pouring the wax and adding beautiful finishing touches. Whether you’re new to candle making or a seasoned pro, this workshop is perfect for all skill levels. You’ll leave with your own unique candle, a perfect gift for yourself or a loved one, and the knowledge to recreate the process at home.
Spring Break Week at Sky Meadows: Flavors of the Past
Step back in time and experience the flavors of the past! Watch an open-hearth cooking demonstration, churn your own ice cream the old-fashioned way, and explore the historic Mount Bleak House on a guided tour. Discover how food was prepared and enjoyed in the 19th century at Sky Meadows!
Other details
Standard parking or admission fee applies: Yes. $10
Extra fee: No.
Registration required: No.
Children welcome: Yes.
Phone: 540-592-3556
Email Address: SkyMeadows@dcr.virginia.gov
Spring Break Week at Sky Meadows: Footsteps Through the Forest
Join Sky Meadows interpretive rangers to discover the trails and explore the park’s natural resources through guided nature hikes throughout the day. Each easy hike will last approximately 1.5 hours.
10 a.m. and 1 p.m. – Little Explorers’ Nature Quest. Begin at Mary’s Shelter in the Picnic Area for an easy children’s hike geared toward elementary-aged explorers and their families. Registration is highly encouraged. Register for either time slot here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/little-explorers-nature-quest-tickets-1245138465669?aff=oddtdtcreator.
10 a.m. and 1 p.m. – Woodland Wonders Tree Hike. Begin at the Log Cabin in the Historic Area for an easy guided hike for middle school-aged explorers and their families. Registration is highly encouraged. Register for either time slot here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/woodland-wonders-tree-hike-tickets-1245144784569?aff=oddtdtcreator.
Other details
Standard parking or admission fee applies: Yes. $10
Extra fee: No.
Registration required: No.
Children welcome: Yes.
Phone: 540-592-3556
Email Address: SkyMeadows@dcr.virginia.gov
Spring Break Week at Sky Meadows: Sky High Kite-Making Adventures
Let your creativity take flight! Join us for a hands-on kite-making experience, where you will design and build your own kite before testing it in the open fields of Sky Meadows. Learn about the science behind flight and discover how kites played a role in the Civil War. Fun for all ages!
Join the Northern Virginia Association of Rocketry (NOVAAR) Club as they discuss the science, engineering, design, and mathematics of flight.
Other details
Standard parking or admission fee applies: Yes. $10
Extra fee: $10 per kite-making kit.
Registration required: Yes.
Children welcome: Yes.
Phone: 540-592-3556
Email Address: SkyMeadows@dcr.virginia.gov
Spring Break Week at Sky Meadows: Self-Guided Adventures
Explore on your own with self-guided programs throughout the day. Create your own adventure or choose from one of the following self-guided activities:
The Snowden Trail Tree Identification Hike (PDF) : https://www.dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/document/SK-Snowden-Tree-ID-Field-Guide.pdf
Discovery Backpacks : https://www.dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/event?id=2024-12-19-14-19-49-216592-co1
Junior Ranger Booklets: https://www.dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/event?id=2024-12-19-14-11-59-463619-hw7Junior Ranger Booklets
Geocaching: https://www.dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/event?id=2024-12-19-14-23-23-450252-a9
Stop by the Picnic Area to explore the following self-guided opportunities:
The Children’s Discovery Area is a Nature Explore Certified Outdoor Classroom. Six fun-filled play stations, which focus on farming, nature and history, invite kids to create art, make music, build, dance, climb, dig and crawl. It also features a Kids in Parks TRACK Trail.
The Sensory Explorers’ Trail is an easy 0.3-mile trail that invites visitors of all ages and abilities to discover nature using their senses. A project of the Shenandoah Chapter of Virginia Master Naturalists, the trail has features for the blind and visually impaired. Download an audio tour of the Sensory Explorers’ Trail here.
Other details
Standard parking or admission fee applies: Yes. $10
Extra fee: No.
Registration required: No.
Children welcome: Yes.
Phone: 540-592-3556
Email Address: SkyMeadows@dcr.virginia.gov
Spring Habitat Detectives
Take a spring walk of exploration with two Virginia Master Naturalists in this first of a series of seasonal walks planned for children. Use your five senses to find clues to how various organisms – plants, animals, and more – work together to survive in this forest community. Recommended ages 7 – 11, with parents, of course. This guided three-tenths of a mile gentle walk will meet at the Sensory Explorers’ Trail in the picnic area and will last approximately 1 to 1.5 hours.
For more information on the Virginia Master Naturalist Shenandoah Chapter please visit their website.
The Sensory Explorers’ Trail is open for self-guided walks daily for people of all ages and has adaptations for the blind and visually impaired. To learn more about this feature visit our website.
Other details
Standard parking or admission fee applies: Yes. $10
Extra fee: No.
Registration required: No.
Children welcome: Yes.
Phone: 540-592-3556
Email Address: SkyMeadows@dcr.virginia.gov
Earth Day Celebration at Old Bust Head Brewery
What to Expect:
AR Workshop – Create your own succulent box under the overhang – (Click here to get tickets!)
4P Foods – Learn how they’re rebuilding a regenerative and equitable food system, plus take a behind-the-scenes warehouse tour
Earth Day Vendor Showcase – A curated selection of eco-friendly and local vendors
FREE: Wildlife Meet & Greet @ 2PM in the Barrel Room– Wildlife Rescue 101: Renesting and Reuniting Baby Animals with AERO Animal Rescue + turtle Meet & Greet!
Stars & Guitars
Experience the magic of an unforgettable evening celebrating Earth Day at our Stars & Guitars special event. Gather your loved ones, pack your blankets, and immerse yourself in a night of music, food and wonder under the moonlit skies with spectacular views of the Virginia Piedmont and Crooked Run Valley.
Enjoy foot-tapping tunes of Pictrola, a DC-area band that “fuses modern bluegrass style with rock, jazz, folk, swing, and jams, performing a mixture of originals and fun takes on crowd favorites.” Indulge your taste buds with an array of delicious offerings from various food vendors dishing up favorites. Enjoy a picnic or savor your favorite treats while soaking in the twilight. During the concert intermission, learn about the significance of Earth Day and why we celebrate it from park rangers and community partners.
OTHER DETAILS
Standard parking or admission fee applies: Yes. $10
Extra fee: No.
Registration required: No.
Children welcome: Yes.
Phone: 540-592-3556
EmailOther details Address: SkyMeadows@dcr.virginia.gov