There is no better time to enjoy the great outdoors than at one of these spring events in Virginia. Spring is a magical season in Virginia, as the weather starts to warm and nature comes back to life. It is the perfect time to explore Virginia’s picturesque parks, charming towns, and unique attractions, all while enjoying some of the best events of the year.
From food festivals to music concerts, there’s something for everyone in Virginia during the spring months. These festivals and events are spread across the commonwealth and spring is the perfect time to plan a quick weekend away. Start planning now to ensure you don’t miss any of the best spring events in Virginia!
March Spring Events in Virginia
Fredericksburg First Fridays
There is so much to enjoy at the Fredericksburg First Fridays. They have it all set up for you with a conveniant free trolley with stops every 20 minutes around downtown. The local restaurants with help from local vendors all participate together to host get-togethers every Friday during springtime in Virginia.
Enjoy the sip and stroll section where you take your drink out and walk around with it. There are plenty of art galleries and historic stops along the way before you settle in for the night at one of the restaurants. Get there early to catch the golden hour, and because the last call comes early at 8:30 pm.
St. Patricks Day in Ocean View, Norfolk VA special events Virginia
Every year on Saturday closest to St. Patrick’s day the oceanview neighborhood in Norfolk, VA transforms into one of the most epic parties of the year. You will want to head down the beach road in the morning ready to grab a good spot. The parade starts at 8:30 am so be sure to set up early in the morning. Some locals set up their chairs the night before!
The parade is always family-friendly and most of the floats will be giving away treats. (Like candy and necklaces). The parade will start at the Northside middle school and continues on and turns North on Granby. Then it follows it down until a left at A View Ave. After that a left on First View Street and ends at the intersection of First View and Government Ave. It will not be hard to find where the parade is running, you can see the chairs along the road.
One of the biggest after-parties is at the Columbian Club of Ocean View for live music, food, and fun. There will be a variety of food vendors and live music provided by Wonderland and Savannah Band.
Cherry Blossom Festival
Although spring in Virginia came early this year, there is still time to catch the Cherry Blossom Festival and see plenty of spring flowers in Virginia. This year the opening ceremony is on March 25! After that, you can mark down these important days if you are thinking about checking out one of the best Virginia festivals in the spring season.
- Blossom Kite Festival – April 1
- Petalpalooza fireworks show – April 8
- Cherry Blossom Festival Parade – April 15
Upcoming April Events in Virginia
Staunton Music Festival April 21-23
Mozat will be the main focus of the 3 day’s Music event in Virginia, with Bach, Haydn, Beethoven, and many others on the docket too. What makes Staunton such a special place for classical music are the many epic music venues. The most popular and main one is Blackfriars Playhouse. This venue is an exact replica of Shakespeare’s indoor playhouse in the American Shakespeare Center.
There is something special about the small town of Staunton, Virginia, too. It has the small-town charm that comes with living along the Blue Ridge with rich history around every corner. Staunton VA is a great place to explore if you are in need of a new spring break destination in Virginia and the Music Festival would just be the cherry on top.
Shenandoah Apple Blossom Festival in Winchester April 22- May 1
One of the very best flower festivals in Virginia is held annually. The Shenandoah Apple Blossom Festival in Winchester VA is on its 99th year and draws hundreds of thousands every year. The festival began as a fun way to celebrate spring and the Apple Blossom Trees blooming but today it has turned into something so much more.
There are over 30 different spring events in Virginia to choose from in Winchester alone. Including not one but two huge parades. You can not miss the epic carnival of live music performances. Sign up early to take place in the 10K race or golf tournament. Winchester in May has amazing spring weather with sunny days and cool evenings.
There is also a wine festival to attend surrounded by all the beautiful blooming flowers. Be sure to check out the official Apple Blossom Festival website for more information.
Williamsburg Craft Beer Festival Sunday, April 23
One of the best craft beer festivals in Spring is the annual Williamsburg Festival. In 2023, it will take place on April 23, and tickets are already on sale. All proceeds from the festival go to non-profits that help out the local Williamsburg community. Cheers to that!
Enjoy live music, food trucks, and all the local breweries coming together for an amazing cause. Head to their website to purchase your ticket and give back to the community, at an amazing spring event in Virginia. It starts around 1 pm and lasts until sundown.
Something in the Water April 28-30
Something in the water is returning to Virginia Beach this year on the last weekend of April. Pharrell always shows out for his hometown and brings the music industry’s biggest names to his show. Although this year’s line-up has not been announced you can guarantee that it will be an epic weekend.
Passes are almost sold out, and hotels are getting close to capacity, so if you wanted to check out one of the biggest music events in Virginia Beach, you should grab yourself a week pass to Something in The Water now!
Flower Festival Virginia Town of Leesburg
You can rely on The Flower Festival in Leesburg to always be on the third Sunday in April, except when that day is Easter! In 2023, plan on visiting on April 15th from 10 am to 6 pm to enjoy this year’s fest. It does not take much planning as it is always free and open to the public, all you have to do is show up.
Stroll through downtown Leesburg while you enjoy over 100 vendors showing off this year’s spring collection. There are flower stands from landscapers, gardening suppliers, and love plant lovers. You can also keep a lookout for new outdoor living furniture makers to spruce up your home in Virginia.
Check the Flower Festival Website to learn more about the Spring Events in Virginia.
May Events in Virginia
Brews, Blues & BBQ Festival in Stafford May 6th
The Brews, Blues, & BBQ festival is one of the best spring festivals in Virginia. This year it is located on the 1300-acre estate, Stratford Hall. Your ticket gives you access to all of the brewers, and food trucks, and allows you to tour the historic grounds.
Take your pick from 7 different food trucks from all over Virginia serving you up their special BBQ sauce. There will also be 11 different Virginia breweries offering their most popular selections. The festival takes place from 11 am to 7 pm, and it is still early bird pricing. If you are planning on attending with friends and family secure a private tent with tables and chairs and make a memorial day.
Book your ticket to the Brew, Blues & BBQ festival today!
Spring Town Point Virginia Wine Festival in Norfolk May 6-7th
One of the most anticipated wine events in Virginia is the Spring Towne Point Park yearly festival in Norfolk. This year it will take place on the first weekend of May and be a two-day fun fest. This wonderful weekend takes place in one of the most pictuerequse locations in Norfolk, right by Waterside.
Most people bring blankets, and snacks, and spend the entire day tasting the best wines from all over Virginia and soaking in the sun. Dress to impress in your new fall outfits, or show up casually, it is completely up to you. There are hotels in Downtown Norfolk that are within walking distance, or the beautiful Virginia Beach Oceanfront is only a 30-minute drive away. You want to put the Wine Fest high on your list of upcoming events in Virginia.
Virginia Renaissance Faire in Spotsylvania May 13 – June 11th
The Virginia Renaissance Faire in Spotsylvania is in its 21st year of celebration. This year you can plan to take part any weekend from May 13th to June 11th. You are welcome to dress in your best Faire clothing or stick with your normal clothing, the choice is totally up to you.
Enjoy live music from the past, Renasisance-themed stage performances, jousting contests, living history demonstrations, archery classes, children’s puppet shows, and live in-person blacksmithing to just name a few of the attractions.
When it comes to fairs and festivals in Virginia the Renaissance in Spotsylvania is always entertaining. You can purchase tickets in advance on the official website, or grab them the day of when you get there.
Dominion Energy Riverrock Festival in Richmond 19-21
There are plenty of spring events in Virginia focused on music, but none quite like the Riverrock in Richmond. They have changed the game and combined sports, music, and art into one giant festival. During the day you can sign up for rock climbing, yoga, kayaking, fishing, trail running, or a variety of art classes.
With free music concerts happening around Richmond, VA all day long. There are over 20 popup events to participate in as well during the 3 day weekend. Take a look for yourself at the Riverrock Festival and start planning your spring break!
Virginia Gold Cup Horse Races in The Plains
The Virginia Gold Cup is one of the biggest horse events in Virginia and takes place the first weekend in May. In 2022 they celebrated the 100th year the race has taken place, and this historic event seems to get bigger and better every year.
The event lasts all day long and you can bring your own food and drinks into the arena, which is super rare nowadays. Take your pick from three different types of tickets. The Members Hill boasts the best views, then you have a general subscriber, and a section to purchase an entire tent for the day. Just like the Derby, you will want to wear your biggest and best hat and show up looking fresh.
Find out what ticket for the Virginia Gold Cup Horse Race is best for your group.
Festival of Spring Luray VA
The Festival of Spring in Luray, Virginia is one of the biggest attractions in the area right behind the Luray Caverns. There is a little something for everyone to enjoy on Main Street. All of the shops come together to welcome the warmer weather together outside. Most of the events take place in downtown Luray between 10 am and 4 pm on May 11th.
Be sure to check out the local artists on display, and the local beer and wine gardens are always a hit. And check out the arts and crafts table for the kids and the butterfly garden is a great photo opt. There are also carnival games, pony rides, magic shows, and plenty of live music. This is one of the biggest family events in Virginia.
Find out more information on the day off and how to purchase tickets here.
June Spring Events in Virginia
North American Sand Soccer Championships at the Virginia Beach Oceanfront
The annual Sand Soccer Championships is always one of the biggest sporting events in Virginia. In 2023 plan to head to Virginia Beach between June 9-11 to see over 11,000 sand soccer players compete in the sand. The fields are much smaller and it is a 5v5 fast passed game that averages over 60 shots on goal.
You can explore all 33 streets of the boardwalk with players ranging from peewee to U.S National and International teams competing. You will need to purchase tickets to gain access to the bigger matches, but it is free to walk around checking out the amateurs. Virginia Beach is always a top destination for spring getaways in Virginia, so bring the whole family and experience a different way of playing on the beach.
BEACH IT! Country Music Festival in Virginia Beach
The first-ever Beach IT! The outdoor spring event in Virginia takes place from June 23-25 at the VB oceanfront. This year’s lineup has some of the biggest names in Country music. Including the beautiful Miranda Lambert, Luke Bryan, and Thomas Rhett as the headliners.
Other big names include Brothers Osborne, Cole Swindell, Jo Dee Messina, Riley Green, Hailey Whitters, and so many more. The entire concert takes place in the sand and can also be heard from a few of the seaside restaurants. This will be one of the most fun events in Virginia you do not want to miss out on it.
There are three different types of tickets to purchase, from general admission to luxury VIP. You can find out more information on where to stay, and what to expect from the festival, on the official Beach IT! website.
Norfolk Harborfest June 9-11th
Harborfest is the largest, longest, free maritime festival in all of America. This year Harborfest takes place on the second weekend in June and lasts all day and night celebrating the history of maritime in Norfolk, VA.
Check out the Harborfest Website for more information but you can count on:
- Live music at center stage
- Parade of Sail featuring international tall ships
- A mesmerizing drone show
- Interactive family games and activities
- Local Street Vendors
