Events
Events and Things To Do
Check out the Visit Us page to learn about things to see and do, how to prepare for a visit, our hours, entrance fees, and more!
Junior Refuge Manager Program
The Junior Refuge Manager program offers young nature enthusiasts an exciting opportunity to explore the responsibilities of managing a national wildlife refuge national wildlife refuge
A national wildlife refuge is typically a contiguous area of land and water managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service for the conservation and, where appropriate, restoration of fish, wildlife and plant resources and their habitats for the benefit of present and future generations of Americans.
Learn more about national wildlife refuge . Grab a pencil and booklet from the Richard S. Bolt Visitor Center and get started!
B.A.R.K. Ranger Program
The B.A.R.K. Ranger program invites families and their furry companions to become official "B.A.R.K. Rangers" by learning about responsible pet stewardship in wildlife habitats. Upon completion, families and their pets will receive a special B.A.R.K. Ranger certificate and tag, celebrating their commitment to protecting wildlife and their environment. Learn more on our Dog Walking page.
2026 Calendar of Events
February
FEE FREE DAY: Presidents Day – Monday, February 16
All national wildlife refuges and other U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service lands that normally charge an entrance fee will offer free admission. The entrance fee waiver does not cover concessionaire or permit fees for some activities such as hunting, fishing or special tours.
March
CoastFest - Saturday, March 21 from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm
Stop and say hello to refuge staff at Georgia DNR’s Coastal Resource Division’s 30th Annual CoastFest event. Offsite location: Mary Ross Waterfront Park, Brunswick, GA.
May
FEE FREE DAY: Memorial Day – Monday, May 25
All national wildlife refuges and other U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service lands that normally charge an entrance fee will offer free admission. The entrance fee waiver does not cover concessionaire or permit fees for some activities such as hunting, fishing or special tours.
June
Family Fishing Derby - 2026 date to be announced
Join us for the Youth Fishing Derby hosted by the Friends of Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge! Grab your rod, reel, bucket, and bait, and come out for a morning of fishing fun. This FREE family event welcomes anglers ages 3-15 of all skill levels and is a great way to enjoy the outdoors together. Onsite registration will be available on the day of the event. After the derby, stick around for raffles and awards as we celebrate our young anglers and hand out prizes! Offsite location: Folkston Elementary School, 285 Little Phoebe Rd, Folkston, GA
FEE FREE DAY: Flag Day/President Trump’s birthday – Sunday, June 14
All national wildlife refuges and other U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service lands that normally charge an entrance fee will offer free admission. The entrance fee waiver does not cover concessionaire or permit fees for some activities such as hunting, fishing or special tours.
2026 FREE Fishing Days in Georgia - Saturdays, June 6 and 13
In honor of FREE fishing days in the state of Georgia, bring your family fishing for FREE at Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge.
2026 Beach Week – 2026 date to be announced
Join refuge staff offsite at the Great Dunes Pavilion on Jekyll Island for a free, family friendly event hosted by the Coastal Resources Division of the Georgia DNR.
July
FEE FREE DAY: Independence Day Weekend – July 3-5
All national wildlife refuges and other U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service lands that normally charge an entrance fee will offer free admission. The entrance fee waiver does not cover concessionaire or permit fees for some activities such as hunting, fishing or special tours.
August
FEE FREE DAY: 110th Birthday of the National Park Service – Tuesday, August 25
All national wildlife refuges and other U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service lands that normally charge an entrance fee will offer free admission. The entrance fee waiver does not cover concessionaire or permit fees for some activities such as hunting, fishing or special tours.
September
FEE FREE DAY: Constitution Day – Thursday, September 17
All national wildlife refuges and other U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service lands that normally charge an entrance fee will offer free admission. The entrance fee waiver does not cover concessionaire or permit fees for some activities such as hunting, fishing or special tours.
Chesser Island Homestead Clean-Up - Saturday, September 26
Come out and volunteer at Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge on National Public Lands Day, the biggest volunteer day of the year! Projects include cleaning the inside and outside of the Chesser Island Homestead, clearing trails, repairing boardwalks, and more. Dress appropriately for outdoors work and bring work gloves if you have them. Contact Joy_Campbell@fws.gov to volunteer or for more information. Learn more about volunteering on the Get Involved page
FEE FREE DAY: National Public Lands Day - Saturday, September 27
All national wildlife refuges and other U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service lands that normally charge an entrance fee will offer free admission. The entrance fee waiver does not cover concessionaire or permit fees for some activities such as hunting, fishing or special tours.
2026 FREE Fishing Day in Georgia - Saturday, September 27
In honor of FREE fishing days in the state of Georgia, bring your family fishing for FREE at Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge.
October
Swamp Hollerin' Contest – 2026 date to be announced
Join refuge staff at the Okefenokee Festival in Folkston, Georgia for the second annual Swamp Hollerin' Contest! This one-of-a-kind contest celebrates the unique sounds and spirit of the communities surrounding Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge. Long before cell phones or radios, hollerin’ was how families communicated across the vast wet prairies and swamps of the Okefenokee. The Swamp Hollerin’ Contest invites participants of all ages to showcase their loudest and most authentic hollers. Contestants will be judged based on projection and loudness, authenticity, clarity, and overall performance. Cash prizes, courtesy of the Friends of Okefenokee NWR, will be awarded to first, second, and third place winners in two age groups: adults (18 and older) and youth (17 and younger). Entry is limited to the first 15 adults and 15 youth who register. We can’t wait to hear your swamp holler! To sign up, visit the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge tent during the Okefenokee Festival or you may also contact Veronica Kelly-Summers by email at Veronica_Kelly@fws.gov. Located offsite in Folkston, GA.
FEE FREE DAY: First Sunday of National Wildlife Refuge Week - Sunday, October 11
All national wildlife refuges and other U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service lands that normally charge an entrance fee will offer free admission. The entrance fee waiver does not cover concessionaire or permit fees for some activities such as hunting, fishing or special tours.
FEE FREE DAY: Theodore Roosevelt’s birthday – Tuesday, October 27
All national wildlife refuges and other U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service lands that normally charge an entrance fee will offer free admission. The entrance fee waiver does not cover concessionaire or permit fees for some activities such as hunting, fishing or special tours.
November
FEE FREE DAY: Veterans Day - Tuesday, November 11
All national wildlife refuges and other U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service lands that normally charge an entrance fee will offer free admission. The entrance fee waiver does not cover concessionaire or permit fees for some activities such as hunting, fishing or special tours.
Pioneer Day - 2026 date to be announced
Discover how people once lived in Southeast Georgia during the early 1900s! Learn how food was cooked on a wood-burning stove and how soap, brooms, butter, quilts, and other everyday items were made. Listen to the sounds of live bluegrass music and four-note singing. Enjoy cart rides and see chickens, hogs, and other livestock. Join in games like hoop and stick, musical chairs, and more! Finally, watch while volunteers grind sugar cane using a cane grinder and a vat of sugar cane juice boil down to produce authentic pure cane syrup. Location: Chesser Island Homestead.