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.
2025 Calendar of Events
January
FEE FREE DAY: Martin Luther King, Jr. Day - Monday, January 20
All national wildlife refuges and other U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service lands that normally charge an entrance fee will offer free admission in recognition of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day.
March
CoastFest - Saturday, March 22 from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm
Stop and say hello to refuge staff at Georgia DNR’s Coastal Resource Division’s 29th Annual CoastFest event. Offsite location: Mary Ross Waterfront Park, Brunswick, GA.
April
Nature Photography Workshop - Saturday, April 26 from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm
Join award-winning nature photographer John Reed for a Spring Nature Photography Workshop. The workshop includes a classroom review of photography basics, followed by hands-on shooting in the field with personal guidance from Mr. Reed. The cost is $89, and preregistration is required by April 18, 2025. For details, call the Richard S. Bolt Visitor Center at 912-496-7836.
June
Family Fishing Derby - Saturday, June 7 from 8:00 am to 11:00 am
Join refuge staff and the Friends of Okefenokee NWR at the Folkston Elementary Lake for a free fishing derby! Youth aged 3-15 can show off their fishing skills and win an award! Offsite location: Folkston Elementary Lake, 285 Little Pheobe Rd Folkston, Ga 31537.
2025 FREE Fishing Day in Georgia - Saturday, June 7
In honor of FREE fishing days in the state of Georgia, bring your family fishing for FREE at Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge.
FEE FREE DAY: Juneteenth - Thursday, June 19
All national wildlife refuges and other U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service lands that normally charge an entrance fee will offer free admission in recognition of Juneteenth.
Beach Week - Monday, June 30 from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm
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
Summer Reading Program - Thursday, July 10
Come listen in as refuge staff reads the book "Make Way for Ducklings" then afterward learn how to draw a duck in its natural habitat! Offsite location: Charlton Public Library in Folkston, GA
September
Chesser Island Homestead Clean-Up - Saturday, September 27
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 in recognition of National Public Lands Day.
2025 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 11 at 10:30 am
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 12
All national wildlife refuges and other U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service lands that normally charge an entrance fee will offer free admission in recognition of the first Sunday or National Wildlife Refuge Week.
Find Your Wild - 2025 date coming soon!
In celebration of National Wildlife Refuge Week, join staff for a fun 5K walk to learn about the plants and wildlife that call the refuge home. Participants are encouraged but not required to dress up like their favorite refuge animal. Please bring plenty of water and wear appropriate footwear for the 3.1-mile walk. The walk begins at 6:00 pm and will end at approximately 8:00 pm. Meet at the Chesser Island Boardwalk Parking Lot.
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 in recognition of Veterans Day
Pioneer Day - Saturday, November 22
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 horse 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.