2026 Summer Events

Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge is a great place to explore nature this summer! The wildlife refuge offers a variety of programs for all ages. All programs, with the exception of Bat Bay, meet at the Back Bay NWR Visitor Center. There is no charge for these summer programs but there is a $5.00/vehicle entrance fee to the wildlife refuge. The fee is waived if you have a Back Bay NWR Annual Pass, an America the Beautiful Pass or a federal Duck Stamp. The entrance fee may be paid by credit card prior to your visit at Recreation.gov, or by cash, check or credit when you arrive. The wildlife refuge is located at 4005 Sandpiper Road, Virginia Beach, VA 23456. We are at the very south end of Sandbridge Beach. 

Please click the links below to register for the programs of your choice. Registration is taking place on the Signup Genius platform this year. You will receive a confirmation of your registration from Signup Genius after registering, as well as a reminder email prior to the program. 

For questions, challenges with registration or to cancel a reservation please contact Erica Ryder at Erica_Ryder@fws.gov or 757-301-7329 ext. 4. Please note: if you need to cancel your reservation please contact Erica so the spot(s) can be offered to someone on the waitlist. Thank you!

Fishing Clinics: Click to access the Registration Page

Please register for no more than three fishing clinics, to allow others to participate. Thank you! All summer fishing clinics take place on Thursdays.

  • June 18: Freshwater Fishing, 10:00am - 12:00pm
  • June 25: Surf Fishing, 9:00am - 12:00pm
  • July 9: Surf Fishing, 9:00am - 12:00pm
  • July 16: Freshwater Fishing, 10:00am - 12:00pm
  • July 23: Surf Fishing, 9:00am - 12:00pm
  • August 6: Surf Fishing, 9:00am - 12:00pm
  • August 20: Surf Fishing, 10:00am - 12:00pm

Art Workshops: Click to access the Registration Page

All Art Workshops take place on Wednesdays, 2:00pm - 3:00pm.

  • July 1
  • July 15
  • July 29
  • August 12

Evening Tram Tours: Click to access Registration Page

All Evening Tram Tours take place on Fridays, 6:00pm - 7:30pm.

  • July 3
  • July 17
  • July 24
  • August 7
  • August 14
  • August 21

Bat Bay: Click to access Registration Page

NOTE: Bat Bay takes place at 1324 Sandbridge Road, Virginia Beach, VA 23456. This address is different than the recreation area of the wildlife refuge at the end of Sandbridge Beach.

  • Saturday, July 25: 8:00pm - 9:00pm
  • Saturday, August 29: 7:00pm - 8:00pm

Struggles in the Sand: Click to access Registration Page

This program takes place inside the Visitor Center of the wildlife refuge.

  • Friday, July 3: 2:00pm - 3:00pm
  • Friday, July 31: 2:00pm - 3:00pm

The Blue Goose Wildlife Tram Program continues to run throughout the summer too! For information about this four-hour tour of Back Bay NWR and False Cape State Park please see the Blue Goose Wildlife Tram Tours page.

We are working on scheduling additional programming and will add any new programs or dates here!