National Park Week starts on Saturday, April 19, this year, and entrance fees to all National Parks will be waived. With more than 400 National Parks across all 50 states, there are plenty of opportunities to take advantage of that free pass. And that is just to kick things off. The week-long holiday extends to April 27.
This year, National Park Week’s theme is “National Park Playlist,” celebrating the connection between the parks, music, and American history. Every day coincides with a different genre. The full list can be found on the National Park Service (NPS) website for National Park Week.
Annually, National Park Week is held around Earth Day — this year on Tuesday, April 22. It’s a celebration organized by NPS to celebrate our vast system of parks, their beauty, and the people who maintain them.
The scale of our park system is immense, from Yellowstone to Rocky Mountain, the Everglades, Olympic, Acadia, and Gates of the Arctic National Park. Visit any of them for free on Saturday, April 19, and get involved throughout National Park Week. There will be a lot to see, do, and learn.
Schedule of Events
April 19 (“Greatest Hits”) will be one of six fee-free National Parks days NPS offers throughout the year. Sunday, April 20 (“Alternative”) encourages park visitors to download the NPS App and try an alternative experience, like a new trail or activity.
Monday, April 21 (“Pop”), is the main event: Earth Day. Make a “playlist” of volunteer opportunities to lend your time for Earthly Stewardship. You can also consider trying a popular park activity or visiting a popular spot.
Then, on Tuesday, April 22 (“Nature Songs”), will celebrate the sounds of nature. Not only is NPS encouraging people to soak in and absorb the sounds they hear on the trails, but also to use the NPS Sound Gallery to create your own natural symphony.
Wednesday, April 23, is all about “Classic Rock.” People can learn about (you guessed it) rocks. Study up on geologic formations, caves, karst, and more on the NPS website. The parks are also encouraging people to make photo albums of classic family trips to National Parks and share them on social media.
April 24 (“Heavy Metal”) is for people to visit National Park historic buildings, sculptures, bridges, and other metal structures, and April 25 (“Rhythm& Blues”) is a day to learn all about the parks’ history.
The following weekend wraps up the festivities. “Dance Music” is on Saturday, April 27, to highlight NPS performances and events. The last day of National Park Week, Sunday, April 28, is “Walkup Songs” to get hyped. Share videos of your park experience using #NationalParkWeek and #NationalParkPlaylist.
For more information about National Park Week, visit the NPS website.
More Free National Park Entry Days
Throughout the year NPS waives fees for park entry. It’s a gesture of acknowledgment for service, public figures, holidays, and anniversaries. It’s also a great way to encourage people to get outside and enjoy the spectacular resource that is our National Parks.
Here is the full list of free entry days for 2025:
- January 20: Birthday of Martin Luther King, Jr.
- April 19: First day of National Park Week
- June 19: Juneteenth National Independence Day
- August 4: Anniversary of the Great American Outdoors Act
- September 27: National Public Lands Day
- November 11: Veterans Day
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