Events
Events and Programs
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!
Field Notes – Fridays at 10:30 am
First rule of Field Notes, talk about Field Notes. Join us to learn about and share the art and science of observing the world around us through nature journaling. No experience required. Meet at the Richard S. Bolt Visitor Center.
Wild Walks – Saturdays at 9:00 am
Let’s hit the trails! Join us to learn more about the landscape and wildlife of Okefenokee on a Ranger guided hike. From alligators and their life history to the importance and effects of fire in the ecosystem, come along to discover the natural history of Okefenokee. Meet at the Chesser Island Boardwalk.
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 - June 6 from 8:00 am to 11:30 am
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.
Swamp Scenes - Saturday, July 25 at 4:30 pm
Connect to Okefenokee like never before by joining us to paint the swamp! Painting materials are provided for the program, and participants will have the opportunity to display their work at Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge! Space is limited, register today: https://forms.office.com/g/uniDwC6jE8. Meet at the Richard S. Bolt Visitor Center.
August
Wild Encounters: Being a Bug - Saturday, August 1 at 7:00 pm
It’s a bird! It’s a plane! It’s a moth! Join Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge and the University of Georgia Entomology Lab for an evening program to learn about and discover some of our most underappreciated wildlife: Insects! Space is limited, register today: https://forms.office.com/g/PyqNjqgVPQ. Meet at Richard S. Bolt Visitor Center.
Wild Talk: Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge - Monday, August 17 at 4:30 pm
Join us at the Charlton County Public Library for a special program about Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge!
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 – Saturday, October 10 (time 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. 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.
Biennial Okefenokee Science Symposium - October 16-17, 2026
Explore the Science of the Okefenokee! Join researchers, students, conservation professionals, and community members to learn about the hydrology, ecology, biodiversity, and the human dimensions of the Okefenokee Swamp. The Academic Symposium will be held on Friday, October 16, at the College of Coastal Georgia in Brunswick, featuring keynote presentations by Dr. Reed Noss of the University of Central Florida and Dr. Ania Truszczynski, Deputy Director of the Georgia Environmental Protection Division. On Saturday, October 17, participants can explore the Okefenokee firsthand through guided field excursions. This event is hosted offsite at the College of Coastal Georgia, One College Drive, Brunswick, GA 31520. Learn more about the Biennial Okefenokee Science Symposium on the College of Coastal Georgia's website.
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 - Saturday, November 21
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.