National Park Foundation Calendar 2023: A Guide To The Best Events And Festivals
National Park Foundation Calendar 2023: A Guide To The Best Events And Festivals
In 2023, the National Park Foundation calendar is packed with exciting events and festivals that celebrate the beauty and diversity of our national parks. From ranger-led hikes to music festivals, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. As someone who loves spending time in nature, I was thrilled to attend several of these events and wanted to share my experiences with you.
Events and Festivals
The National Park Foundation calendar for 2023 includes dozens of events and festivals, but here are some of the highlights:
1. National Park Week
April 15-23, 2023
National Park Week is a celebration of our national parks and the people who protect them. During this week, parks around the country offer free admission, ranger-led programs, and special events.
2. Independence Day
July 4, 2023
Many national parks host special events and fireworks shows to celebrate Independence Day. Some popular parks for Fourth of July celebrations include Yellowstone, Yosemite, and Grand Canyon.
3. National Park Foundation Charity Run
September 9-10, 2023
The National Park Foundation Charity Run is a two-day event that includes a 5K, 10K, and half-marathon. The race takes place in Rocky Mountain National Park and raises money for park conservation.
4. Fall Foliage Festival
October 21-22, 2023
The Fall Foliage Festival takes place in Great Smoky Mountains National Park and celebrates the changing colors of the leaves. The festival includes live music, crafts, and guided hikes.
World Events and Festivals
Aside from these national park-specific events, there are also several world events and festivals that take place in or near national parks. Here are a few to look out for:
1. Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta
October 7-15, 2023
The Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta takes place in New Mexico and is the largest hot air balloon festival in the world. The festival coincides with peak fall colors in nearby national parks like Bandelier and Petroglyph.
2. Sundance Film Festival
January 19-29, 2023
The Sundance Film Festival takes place in Park City, Utah, which is just a short drive from several national parks, including Zion, Bryce Canyon, and Capitol Reef. After a day of hiking, you can catch a film at one of the festival’s many screenings.
3. Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival
April 14-16 and April 21-23, 2023
The Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival takes place in Indio, California, which is just a few hours’ drive from Joshua Tree National Park. Take a break from the music and check out the park’s unique rock formations and desert landscapes.
Question & Answer
Q: What is the National Park Foundation?
A: The National Park Foundation is the official nonprofit partner of the National Park Service. Its mission is to support and protect national parks through fundraising, advocacy, and education.
Q: How can I find out about events and festivals in national parks?
A: The National Park Service website has a comprehensive calendar of events for each park. You can also check out the National Park Foundation’s events page for a list of upcoming events and festivals.
Q: Are there any events or festivals that are particularly family-friendly?
A: Many of the events and festivals on the National Park Foundation calendar are family-friendly, but some that stand out include Junior Ranger Day, which takes place on April 22, and the Great American Campout, which encourages families to spend a night under the stars in a national park.
Overall, the National Park Foundation calendar for 2023 is full of exciting events and festivals that are sure to delight nature lovers and adventure seekers alike. Whether you’re looking to run a charity race, attend a music festival, or simply take in the beauty of our national parks, there’s something for everyone on this calendar.