Spring has arrived in Virginia, bringing blossoming flowers, fresh local fare, and lots of exciting events to keep you busy. Welcome spring in Virginia this April with a few of these festivals and seasonal celebrations.
The Daffodil Festival—Gloucester
When: April 1-2, 2023
Since 1987, the Annual Daffodil Festival has drawn thousands of visitors to the charming small town of Gloucester, just one hour east of Richmond The event begins with a parade through the streets, followed by live performances from storytellers, magicians, and local bands. The family-friendly festival has carnival games, pony rides, face painting, and much more for the kids. You can also bring your four-legged friends along for the “Fabulous Mutt Show”, which includes a pet/person lookalike contest, a “Daffo-dog” costume contest, and a pet tricks performance contest. Peruse handmade crafts and daffodil-inspired goods from Virginia artisans, then indulge in some fresh seafood, barbecue, and beverages in the festival food court.
Tom Tom Festival—Charlottesville
When: April 19-23, 2023
A weeklong event in Charlottesville, the Tom Tom Festival turns the city into a collaborative and creative space for the world’s leading innovators, artists, and visionaries. The festival schedule is jam-packed with over 60 bands, 300 speakers, and 400 community organizations coming together in Charlottesville’s Downtown Mall throughout the week. During the days, attend lectures and workshops about a wide scope of topics, including entrepreneurship, science, and technology, then head to mixers at local restaurants and bars during the evening to mingle and unwind.
Toyota Owners 400 NASCAR Cup Series Race—Richmond
When: April 2, 2023
Photo Credit: Brandon Brown, @brandonbrownwv
Attend Central Virginia’s biggest spring racing event, the Toyota Owners 400 NASCAR Cup Series Race, held at the newly renovated Richmond Raceway. Upgrade your tickets for infield access to get a behind-the-scenes peek at the driver’s cars.
Virginia Pride Festival Season Begins—Various Virginia Cities
When: Select Dates Throughout 2023
Pride season in Virginia kicks off with Roanoke Pride Festival on April 30, 2023. Celebrate and support local diversity with LGBT and Allied Virginians. Enjoy the best in local food, drink and live entertainment, and much more, at these exciting pride events happening throughout Virginia in 2023!
The Festival of Spring at Burnside Farms—Nokesville
When: Throughout April
Each year, Burnside Farms brings Holland to Northern Virginia during the Festival of Spring, one of the largest pick-your-own flower events in North America. Lasting throughout the peak tulip season, the festival allows visitors to walk through nearly eight acres of colorful tulip fields, picking their favorites at only $1 per stem. In addition to vivid floral arrangements, the flowers create a stunning background for informal spring photos with your family, and after you finish picking and posing, you can spread a blanket near the flower fields for an idyllic picnic lunch.
Shenandoah Apple Blossom Festival—Winchester
When: April 28-May 7, 2023
Photo Credit: Christopher Hunter Photography
Spread over two weeks in April and May, the Shenandoah Apple Blossom Festival has been a spring celebration in Winchester for the past 90+ years. The long-standing festival features a two-day Wine Fest, multiple concerts and live performances, a grand parade through Downtown Winchester, arts & crafts vendors, an impressive fireworks display, and over 30 additional events for the entire family.
Virginia International Tattoo—Norfolk
When: April 20 - 23, 2023
The largest event of the annual Virginia Arts Festival, the Virginia International Tattoo pays tribute to the United States Military. The celebration features inspirational military music, show-stopping drill team maneuvers, colorful dance performances, and much more.
Virginia’s Historic Garden Week—Locations Throughout Virginia
When: April 15-22, 2023
In its 90th year, Virginia’s Historic Garden Week allows visitors to get a peek at more than 250 of the most gorgeous gardens, homes, and historic landmarks throughout the state. The eight-day event showcases spring blooms during their peak season, as well as over 2,300 flower arrangements created by local chapters of the Garden Club of Virginia.
Something in the Water Festival—Virginia Beach
When: April 28-30, 2023
Photo Credit: Kelley Stamey, @obxvbandbeyond
Something in the Water Festival, a passion project for internationally-renowned musical artist Pharrell Williams, is a three-day music festival and cultural experience held in the coastal city of Virginia Beach. Stay tuned for this year's lineup, but past performances include internationally-acclaimed artists like A$AP Rocky, Usher, Beck, Foo Fighters, Chance the Rapper, Tyler, the Creator, and many, many more. With tickets starting around $300 for the entire weekend, the festival is a great way to see several Grammy-winning artists all in one place.
More Notable Events Happening Around Virginia This April:
- Cherry Blossoms in Bloom—Locations throughout Virginia, tentatively will be near peak at the beginning of April
- Clarksville Lake Country Wine Festival—Clarksville, April 8, 2023
- Martinsville Raceway NOCO 400 NASCAR Cup Series—Martinsville, April 16, 2023
- Annual Spencer Penn Center Pig Cookin’ Contest—Martinsville, April 22, 2023
- Ukrop's Monument Avenue 10k Presented by Kroger—Richmond, April 22,2023
- Rocktown Beer & Music Festival—Harrisonburg, April 22, 2023
- Virginia State Parks Earth Day Events—Locations throughout Virginia, April 22, 2023
- Pirates Invade Yorktown—Yorktown, April 29, 2023
- Foxfield Races—Charlottesville, April 29, 2023
