A look at what's on the calendar in August and September at the Laurel Hill State Park complex, from the popular Laurel Hill Bluegrass Festival to owl prowls, star parties and wildflower walks.
The Laurel Hill Bluegrass Festival will be Aug. 17-18 at Laurel Hill State Park. The schedule of events is:
Saturday, August 17
11am to 5pm Bluegrass Music
11am to 5pm Food Vendors
11am to 5pm Vendors
1pm to 4pm Children's Activities
12pm to 5pm Community Tabling
Sunday, August 18
8:30am Mountain Laurel 5K Run/Walk
10am Church Service on the Main Stage
11am to 5pm Bluegrass Music
11am to 5pm Food Vendors
11am to 5pm Vendors
11am to 2pm Children's Activities
12pm to 5pm Community Tabling
More information is available at www.laurelhillbluegrass.com.
Other activities at Laurel Hill State Park in August and September include:
Sunrise Paddle
Saturday, August 3
7am to 9am
Enjoy a morning paddle on our peaceful mountain lake. Please provide your own boat, paddle, and life jacket.
Please meet at the Old Mill Picnic Area and Boat Launch.
Owl Prowl
Saturday, August 3
8pm to 9pm
Discover the amazing adaptations of Pennsylvania's owls. Get an up close look at unique owl features. Enjoy a short walk to learn owl calls and listen for owls in the forest.
Please meet at the Laurel Hill Visitor Center.
Hike for Hounds
Sunday, August 4
2pm to 3pm
A Sunday stroll with furry friends! You may bring your own dog or choose to walk alongside dogs residing at the Humane Society of Somerset County.
Please meet at the Kooser State Park Office.
Exploration Evening
Wednesday, August 7
6pm to 8pm
This program is designed for children and their families. Join us at the Laurel Learning Lab anytime between 6pm and 8pm for crafts, nature play, and hands-on activities. August 7: Explore woodlands
Smokey and Smores
Friday, August 9
7pm to 8pm
Join us for a talk about campfire safety and enjoy a campfire treat to celebrate Smokey’s 80th Birthday.
Please meet at the Laurel Hill Campground Ampitheater.
Perseids Watch Party
Saturday, August 10
9pm to 12am
Witness the Perseids meteor shower! Stop by anytime between 9pm and midnight to experience this annual event.
Please meet at the Scenic View Overlook Tower.
Sunset Paddle
Friday, August 23
7pm to 9pm
Check out the sights and sounds of the lakeshore residents at dusk.
Please provide your own boat, paddle, and life jacket.
Meet at the Old Mill Picnic Area and Boat Launch.
Magnificent Monarchs
Saturday, August 24
11am to 12pm
Join in a leisurely walk to search for monarch caterpillars and get to know more about attracting butterflies to your own backyard.
Please meet at the Trent Picnic Area.
Brew and Birding
Saturday, August 31
9am to 10am
Bring a cup to join us for shade grown coffee and a morning bird watching session.
Please meet at the Laurel Hill Beach near the food concession.
History Hike
Saturday, August 31
11am to 12pm
Explore the fascinating story of Laurel Hill State Park!
Please meet at the Snowmobile Parking Area.
Star Party
Saturday, August 31
9pm to 11pm
Join the Amateur Astronomers Association of Pittsburgh for a guided tour of the night sky.
Please meet at the Scenic View Overlook Tower.
Pond Life
Sunday, September 1
1pm to 2pm
Explore Kooser Lake and search the water for critters!
Please meet at the Kooser Lakeside Lab near Kooser Lake.
Wildflower Walk
Monday, September 2
9am to 10am
Explore the late summer blooms of the Laurel Highlands. Learn to identify wildflowers along the way.
Please meet at the Scenic View Overlook Parking Area.
Honeybees
Saturday, September 7
10am to 11am
Celebrate National Honey Month with a trip to the hive!
Please meet at the Scenic View Overlook Parking Area.