Anacostia Park

10/14/2026

Celebrate fall at Oxon Hill Farm’s Fall Festival!

Join us on October 17 from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm to discover “The Story of the Soil.”
Learn about the story of Oxon Hill Farm and the different people who called this farm home. From living history to arts and crafts, immerse yourself in our story.

Bring your family and friends—this event is completely free to attend! No registration is required, so come ready to enjoy a day of fun.

For more information and a schedule of events please visit: https://go.nps.gov/fall-festival

NPS Photo/ C.LaBarge

10/05/2026

Today’s homework: thank a teacher.

National parks are places where students can learn about history by standing where it happened, explore science by observing nature, and discover stories that help us better understand the people and places that shaped our world.

Behind those experiences are teachers helping students ask questions, make connections, and learn about the world around them.

On World Teachers’ Day, we celebrate the educators who inspire curiosity, encourage exploration and remind us that learning can happen just about anywhere. (Including places with a really good view.)

Learn more at: https://www.nps.gov/teachers/index.htm

NPS Image

10/05/2026

Every day from October 12 to November 5, 2026, visit Mission San José's granary during park hours (9am-5pm) to view the mission descendant community's family ofrendas.

Ofrendas are an essential part of Dia de los Muertos/Day of the Dead. The word ofrenda means offering in Spanish. They are also called "altares" or altars, but not for worship. These altars are not only full of family pictures, but of symbols and meaning, honoring the ancestors who have passed, and offering them items of the celebration such a "pan de mu**to" and marigold flowers.

NPS Photo

10/04/2026

“I’m so glad I live in a world where there are Octobers.” — Anne Shirley, Anne of Green Gables

And we’re rather glad there are national parks to experience them in. Fall is a great time to get outside and enjoy the spectacular spectacle (say that five times fast) of changing leaves. There is plenty of room for imagination when you find yourself surrounded by forests painted in brilliant shades of red, orange, and gold. In our experience, you can nearly always enjoy things if you make up your mind firmly that you will. So consider this your invitation to find a little wonder, a little enchantment, and perhaps a kindred spirit among the trees.

Forests, woods, and shrublands in national parks put on their autumn colors from September through December. There’s a whole world of beauty waiting to be explored!

Image 1: Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore
Image 2: Great Smoky Mountains NP
Image 3: Great Sand Dunes NPP
Image 4: Rocky Mountain National Park
Image 5: TheodoreRooseveltNPS

10/03/2026

“On October 3rd, he asked what day it was.” — Cady Heron

It’s October 3rd.

October is kind of a big deal around here. The autumn months splash many national parks with a rich array of fall colors, while cooler temperatures have wildlife getting ready for winter. Some are migrating. Some are gathering food. Some are putting on extra layers.

Same, honestly.

So whether you’re here for the foliage, the wildlife, or simply to judge the leaves on their color palette, national parks are a pretty fetch place to experience fall. Fetch? We’re making it happen.

And if you want to keep up with what’s happening in parks this season, you can find more ways to connect with your national parks at the link below.
https://www.nps.gov/subjects/npscelebrates/fall-season.htm

Image: Red Osier Dogwood leaves stand out against aspen trunks at Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve. NPS/Patrick Myers

10/02/2026

10/02/2026

Wherever military life takes you, there’s likely a park adventure nearby.

Active-duty military members, Veterans, and Gold Star families can get a free America the Beautiful Pass, providing access to national parks and federal recreation sites across the country.

Active-duty military families can also find free events, nearby outdoor opportunities, and resources for exploring national parks, public lands, and waterways through the Military Families Outdoors Program, wherever military life takes them. Visit: go.nps.gov/mfo

Whether you’re PCSing, exploring near your duty station, or looking for a weekend adventure, your next park visit may be closer than you think.

NPS Photo: Rangers at Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park recently teamed up with Blue Star Families and community partners for a day of fishing, outdoor fun, and family time at Fletchers Cove.

Blue Star Families Defense Public Health

10/01/2026

Fat Bear Week has officially lumbered to a close.

What a week. As they say, a journey of roughly 3,000 to 4,500 calories begins with a single salmon. Something like that. There might be some steps involved too.

In the end, 16 bears entered. Bear 89 “Backpack” became champion. Talk about the hunger games. And several ate their way into our hearts. Figuratively. And thousands of us humans spent an unreasonable amount of time judging bears for being excellent at being, well, bears.

It was a week of big bellies, bigger appetites, and absolutely no regrets. We shared some science, learned about the Alaskan ecosystem, stood around for hours watching large mammals eat, and found multiple way to incorporate “chonk” in everyday vocabulary.

Now the bears have more important things to do, such as eating then sleeping, a bit more eating, sleeping, and finally preparing to sleep after eating. As for the rest of us, we all return to our regularly scheduled programming.

Must we?

We must.

We will miss you, Fat Bear Week. Until next year: stay chunky, stay hungry, and remember: there’s always room for one more salmon.

NPS Images

10/01/2026

10/01/2026

Now that Fat Bear Week is over, it's time for Chunky Puppy Day! Tune in to the Puppy Cam tomorrow, Thursday, October 1, at 2pm AK time to find out how big the America's Best Idea litter got this summer.

How much do you think they weigh now? Share your guesses in the comments below.

NPS Photo: Graupel from the Weather litter during a weigh-in last year.

09/30/2026

This is the ideal marmot body. You may not like it. You may not understand it. But this is what peak performance looks like.

Now that Fat Bear Week is over, we’re returning to our regularly scheduled programming: other fat mammals.

The tundra-dwelling yellow-bellied marmots have been preparing for hibernation for the last couple of months. Since marmots spend more than half their lives hibernating, they’ve developed some impressive adaptations for surviving the winter:

✅ First, they’ve been building up healthy fat reserves (sound familiar? Bears. Us too, but that’s another post) to sustain them for up to eight months. Basically, a nice winter savings account.

✅ When they finally enter hibernation, they become true hibernators, slowing their heart rate from around 200 beats per minute to as low as 30. It’s an impressive energy-saving strategy.

✅ Speaking of saving, they also save on utilities by cuddling up with the colony in a communal burrow. Because heating is expensive, and roommates are the answer. Was that on the lease?

NPS Photo: A rotund marmot standing on a rock at Rocky Mountain National Park

09/23/2026

Now Hiring: Military Engagement Ranger — National Capital Parks–East

National Capital Parks–East is excited to announce a temporary Military Engagement Ranger position (not to exceed 1 year). This announcement closes after the first 50 applicants or on 10/07/2026, whichever comes first.

We’re looking for someone who’s ready to spark meaningful connections between military communities and their National Parks. In this role, you’ll lead creative programs, build strong partnerships with military bases across the DC Metro region, develop outreach and marketing materials, coordinate events across our park sites, and track program data to help grow this important initiative. If you’re passionate about public service, partnership-building, and creating welcoming experiences for military families, this is your chance to make a real impact.

Apply Here:

You will serve as a Park Ranger (Interpretation) (Temporary) for the Frederick Douglass National Historic Site. This is a temporary NTE 1 year appointment with the option to extend up to 24 months without further competition. Extension will be subject to funding. Open to the first 50 applicants or u...

09/20/2026

Come give back to the Hiker-Biker Trail on National Public Lands Day!

Join a special trail work session in Fort Dupont Park to get the trail in great shape for fall and ready for more ambitious winter projects! All supplies and equipment will be provided and projects include ri***ng overgrowth, raking debris, removing trash, and documenting trail sections that need more attention.

When: Saturday, September 26
Time: 9 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Meeting Point: Randle Circle Picnic Area in Fort Dupont Park
What to wear and bring: Wear sturdy, closed-toe trekking shoes, long sleeves, pants, and bring sunscreen and water with you.

Sign up today: https://www.volunteer.gov/s/volunteer-opportunity/a09SJ00000QWlJNYA1/national-public-lands-day-trail-maintenance-at-the-hikerbiker-trail


NPS Photo / C. Rubin-Thomas

09/10/2026

You asked. We measured.

Attention walking enthusiasts!

To walk one mile on the sidewalk around the skating rink pillars, go around 6 3/4 times!

To extend your loop to a quarter mile, walk the sidewalk between the rink and the playground, around the basketball courts.

Photo credit: NPS/Renee LaRue

08/20/2026

🚧 Anacostia Drive Closure 🚧

On Thursday, August 20, from 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m., Anacostia Drive SE (from South Capitol Street to Nicholson Street SE) and Marion Barry Avenue SE (from Aviation Drive SE to Anacostia Drive SE) will be closed to vehicle traffic for activities supporting the Freedom 250 Grand Prix.

The closure will be lifted as soon as possible.

Please plan accordingly and thank you for your patience as we support this historic event!

08/11/2026

🫱Volunteering: an excellent weekend activity that's always within reach!

Our partners Friends of Anacostia Park's next Park Care Day is this Saturday, and they're looking for others to help them out! Pitch in to clean up litter, remove invasive plants, care for trees, and more to maintain this cherished urban greenspace. 🚮🌿🌳

👇Sign up to bag a spot 👇
https://www.volunteer.gov/s/volopprecord?listing=a09SJ00000PecplYAB

Photo: NPS/Conall Rubin-Thomas

08/10/2026

Did you visit the Anacostia Park Roller Skating Pavilion in 1976? If you have photos of yourself enjoying the Skating Pavilion around the time of its grand opening, we invite you to share your photos with [email protected] or bring them to the Late Skate if you would like them displayed as a part of the 50th anniversary display.

For more information on the Skating Pavilion and Late Skate events, visit: https://www.nps.gov/anac/planyourvisit/roller-skating.htm

Roller Skating at the Anacostia Park Skating Pavilion.

08/08/2026

Visit the Anacostia Park Roller Skating Pavilion at Anacostia Park on Saturday, August 29th for a special Late Skate in celebration of the Skating Pavilion’s 50th anniversary.

The Skating Pavilion opened in the summer of 1976 as part of the Bicentennial celebrations in D.C. The Pavilion quickly became an important part of the community and has given skaters of all skill and interest levels a place to come together and skate!

This special anniversary Late Skate will be on Saturday, August 29th from 12:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. at the Anacostia Park Roller Skating Pavilion at Anacostia Park. Lake Skate events will continue through October on the last Saturday of each month.

For more information visit: https://www.nps.gov/anac/planyourvisit/roller-skating.htm

Photo credit: NPS/Gabby Napolitano

07/19/2026

Anacostia Park skating rentals are closed for today due to heat.

07/13/2026

Volunteering is always a "shoe-in" for best weekend activity! 👟

Friends of Anacostia Park's monthly Park Care Day series is back on Saturday, and they need your help cleaning up litter, removing invasive plants, maintaining trees, and beautifying the landscape. 🚮🌿🌳

👇Sign up to bag yourself a spot 👇
https://www.volunteer.gov/s/volopprecord?listing=a09SJ00000Ow8QnYAJ

Photo: NPS/Conall Rubin-Thomas