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 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 hi to refuge staff at Georgia DNR’s Coastal Resource Division’s 29^th 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

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.

Free Fishing Day 2025 date coming soon!

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. 

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

National Public Lands Day Saturday, September 27

Join us for a day of volunteer service to our nation’s public lands.

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. 

October

Swamp Hollerin' Contest 2025 date coming soon!

Join us at the Okefenokee Festival in Folkston, GA for the second annual Swamp Hollerin' Contest, a celebration of the unique culture and sounds of the swamp! Hollerin’ was the way folks communicated across the vast swamps and wet prairies of the Okefenokee before we had phones. The swamps of Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge echo with the sounds of tradition, creativity, and community spirit. We can’t wait to hear your holler! Contestants will be judged based on their projection/loudness, authenticity, clarity, and overall performance. Friends of Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge will award first, second, and third place cash prizes in two categories: adults (age 18 and older) and youth (age 17 and younger). 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.  

Walk for the 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 at Chesser Island Homestead Saturday before Thanksgiving Day

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.