Pawpaw Festival returns to Powhatan State Park

Enjoy music, food and drinks while discovering the nation’s largest native fruit.

RICHMOND, Va. – Powhatan State Park will host the Pawpaw Festival again this year and the event will become an annual staple at the park. 

The Pawpaw Festival will be held on Saturday, Sept. 21 from 11 a.m. until 3 p.m. at multiple locations throughout the park. The event will highlight the Pawpaw tree and the fruit that it grows as many of these trees can be found at the park.  

Pawpaws are the nation’s largest native fruit and guests will be able to learn more about them and learn how to grow their own. 

“New this year will be more food trucks, brewery vendors, a variety of music and local artisans featuring pawpaw creations,” said Powhatan State Park Manager Amelia Hulth. “Depending on the quantity of fresh fruit, guests will be invited to taste fresh pawpaw and even take a few seeds to plant at home.” 

The event will include demonstrations from community partners like solar viewing with the Richmond Astronomy Society, zebra butterfly crafts, and several ranger-led programs such as atlatl ice age spear throwing and guided pawpaw foraging hikes.  

Powhatan State Park will host a 5 and 10-Miler race on Sept. 21 from 8 a.m. until 11 a.m. This race is part of the Adventure Series and participants must register here to reserve a spot. 

“This 10-mile race takes participants along the exterior trails of the park,” said Virginia State Park Promotions Manager Steve Boyd. “This trail features a mix of terrain, and this time of year is perfect for a scenic run before the Pawpaw Festival.” 

This event is sponsored by the Friends of Powhatan. For more information about these events reach out to Amelia Hulth via email at amelia.hulth@dcr.virginia.gov. 

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