It's finally spring in the Richmond Region! With warmer weather ahead, RVA is bustling with new openings, events and activities for visitors to enjoy. Whether you’re exploring solo, adventuring with friends, or looking for activities for the whole family, you’re sure to find some flowers and fun in the Richmond Region this spring.
Activities & Events
First Fridays
Every First Friday | 5 PM - 9 PM | Arts District
RVA First Fridays is a longstanding, year-round artwalk in the downtown RVA Arts District! Galleries, shops, restaurants, non-profits, and more open their doors in celebration of creativity and community. Explore all of the events along and around Broad Street on the first Friday of each month.
Manchester Manifest
March 4th - October 7th, 2022 | 5 PM - 12 AM
This Southside community experience every first Friday of the month features live music, live art, food trucks, local vendors and more! This outdoor street festival is family-friendly and open to the public. Click here to learn more. (Photo Credit: @manchestermanifest via Instagram)
French Film Festival
March 24th - 27th, 2022 | Select Locations
Calling all Francophiles and movie buffs! See a diverse sampling of France’s newest feature films by award-winning directors at the 2022 French Film Festival. See acclaimed French films showing at the historic Byrd Theater, plus attend free master classes. For passes and updates on the French Film Festival schedule, click here.
Irish Festival
March 26th - 27th, 2022 | 10 AM - 6 PM
Celebrate 35 years of the Irish Festival in RVA! Head out to the historic Church Hill neighborhood for great entertainment, family fun, children’s games, face painting and Irish-themed crafts. Over fifty Irish food and artisan vendors will be in attendance! Click here for more information.
James River Film Festival
March 31st - April 3rd, 2022 | Select Locations
Presented by the James River Film Society, this collaborative film festival will feature screenings of award winning films, live Q&A's, special guests and more. For more details, click here.
UnlockingRVA: The Silent Party & Brunch on the Plaza
March - October, 2022 | Select Dates
UnlockingRVA highlights events and activities for visitors to enjoy year-round and returns this spring to host outdoor events including The Silent Party at 17th Street Market and Brunch on the Plaza at Kanawha Plaza. Click here to see their full schedule of events. (Photo Credit: @UnlockingRVA via Instagram)
The Poe Museum: Centennial Celebrations
April 2022 | Select Dates & Locations
The Poe Museum is celebrating its 100-year anniversary! This museum, dedicated to the life and death of American writer, Edgar Allan Poe houses the largest collection of personal Poe artifacts. Don't miss their host of celebratory events ahead this spring including a Mending Walls RVA Silent Auction, a museum garden dedication ceremony and a special 100-year anniversary UnHappy Hour. The museum will also unveil an exclusive collection of newly acquired, rare Poe artifacts. To see the museum's full calendar of events, click here.
A Million Blooms: Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden
April 1st - June 1st, 2022
A Million Blooms is the Garden’s celebration of spring! A parade of blooms unfurls as the weather warms: daffodils, tulips, peonies, roses and many more. Events throughout the season include M&T Bank Pollinator Power featuring Butterflies LIVE! and Dave Rogers’ Big Bugs, Spring PlantFest and more! Get your tickets here.
12th Annual Civil War & Emancipation Day
April 1st - 9th, 2022 | Select Locations
During the first week of April, families and history enthusiasts alike can participate in programs and activities that ask what we can learn from the resilience of the people of the Civil War era. This year's participating organizations include The American Civil War Museum, Friends of East End Cemetery, The Valentine, Virginia Museum of History and Culture, Maggie L. Walker National Historic Site & Enrichmond Foundation. Click here for details on programming throughout the week.
Richmond Night Market
April 9th, 2022 - December | 2nd Saturdays | 5 PM - 9 PM
Support Richmond’s small business and artist community at the Richmond Night Market. Browse handmade goods from local RVA vendors in the Artisan Village, plus enjoy food vendors, kids activities, live music, art and more.
Richmond Flying Squirrels: Opening Night Celebration
April 12th, 2022 | 6:35 PM
Mark your calendars! This April marks the return of the RVA's Minor League Baseball team, Richmond Flying Squirrels. The Squirrels will play their first home game of the season at The Diamond on Tuesday, April 12th.
Dominion Energy Family Easter: Maymont
April 16th, 2022 | 9 AM - 3 PM
Hop into spring at Maymont during the annual Family Easter event! Bring your friends and family and enjoy entertainment and free Easter-themed activities for all to enjoy. Admission is free with optional $2 activity tickets available.
Richmond Restaurant Week
April 18th - 24th, 2022 | Various Locations
Dine local for a cause during this year's Richmond Restaurant Week. Experience a three-course meal at the city’s best, locally-owned restaurants for less than $35. Explore RVA's award-winning culinary scene while giving back to the community. A portion of every meal purchased will be donated to Feed More. To see this year's participating restaurants, click here.
Historic Garden Week
April 23rd - 30th, 2022 | Select Locations
Tour through the most beautiful private homes and gardens in Virginia this spring with select tours throughout the Richmond Region! Richmond tour dates are April 26th- 28th and will showcase both homes and gardens on Rothesay Circle, the historic Carrilon area, Old Lock Lane and Westmorelad Place. For more details and ticket information, click here.
Ukrop's Monument Avenue 10k
April 23rd, 2022
Year after year, people from around the Richmond Region and beyond gather to share in the journey of crossing the 10k finish line. Run solo or gather your group for this exciting race through the beautiful, historic Monument Avenue area. For more information on this year's 10k race, click here.
Herbs Galore & More: Maymont
April 30th, 2022 | 8 AM - 3 PM
Find everything you need for your garden at one of Richmond’s favorite plant sales, Herbs Galore & More! Browse through a variety of herbs, annuals, perennials, trees, vegetables and garden goods offered by dozens of nurseries and specialty vendors. (Photo Credit: @maymont_rva on Instagram)
Arts in the Park
April 30th - May 1st, 2022 | Byrd Park
Save the date for this award-winning arts and craft show that features hundreds of creative exhibitors from around the country. Browse through paintings, pottery and ceramics, jewelry, furniture and more for sale. To learn more about this free event, click here.
Ashland Train Day
April 30th, 2022 | 10 AM - 4 PM
The beloved street festival and railfan extravaganza celebrates the Ashland community’s love for trains. Now in its 18th year, Ashland Train Day includes freight and passenger trains, kiddie train rides, model trains, arts and crafts, local food, live music, and much more!
Friday Cheers
May 6th - June 24th, 2022 | Every Friday
Friday Cheers, presented by Hardywood Park Craft Brewery, returns to Brown's Island for its 37th season. This weekly summer concert series brings some of the biggest up-and-coming artists to Brown's Island and downtown Richmond's riverfront. Click here for more event details and this year's performance lineup.
Que Pasa Festival
May 7th, 2022 | Richmond Canal Walk
Immerse yourself in the rich cultures of Latin America! Join the Virginia Hispanic Chamber of Commerce for a day of arts, cuisine and entertainment celebrating the diversity and beauty of Latin culture. For more information, click here.
Fort Clifton Festival
May 7th - 8th, 2022 | Colonial Heights, VA
This family-oriented and educational festival portrays the historic significance of the fort and its importance in the Civil War to the Petersburg defense line. This free, two-day event will feature Civil War relic exhibits on display, along with re-enactors and demonstrations. Plus enjoy concessions, children's activities and door prizes. For more information, click here.
Dominion Energy Riverrock
May 20th - 22nd, 2022
Celebrate RVA's nationally-acclaimed outdoor scene during this year's Dominion Energy Riverrock! This outdoor sports and music festival returns in-person this year with high-energy, heart-pumping outdoor activities and sports competitions, plus musical performances, food vendors and more! Catch the action this year at Brown's Island and throughout the parks and trails surrounding the James River. Click here to check out the full festival event schedule.
24th Annual Asian American Celebration
May 21st, 2022 | 11 AM - 7 PM | Greater Richmond Convention Center
The Asian American Society of Central Virginia will host the 24th Annual Asian American Celebration this year featuring cultural performances, heritage exhibits, food vendors and more! This annual event will uplift and celebrate heritage and traditions from various cultures including Malaysia, Cambodia, Korea, Japan, India and more. For more information, click here. (Photo Credit: aasocv.org)
Attractions, Galleries & Exhibits
Virginia Museum of Fine Arts
Check out the VMFA's latest exhibit, Whistler to Cassatt: American Painters in France debuting April 16th. The exhibition explores the impact that French painting styles and art philosophies had on the development of American art in the mid-19th and early 20th century. For ticket information and details on other VMFA programming, click here.
Institute for Contemporary Art
Don't miss exciting new events and exhibits this season at the ICA! This spring, the ICA will launch Test Pattern, a hybrid performance series that invites visiting artists to use the ICA auditorium as an experimental production studio, inspired by the legacy of public access TV and alternative video movements in the US. Plus check out current exhibits like Gideon Appah: Forgotten, Nudes, Landscapes and Jeremy Toussaint-Baptiste: Set It Off on display through June 19th, 2022.
Virginia Museum of History & Culture
Save the date for the Grand Re-Opening of the VMHC! The museum will debut new additions and renovations including a new interactive learning space for families, a new research library, a new café, museum store, an outdoor event lawn and more. To learn more about the VMHC's updates and official grand re-opening, click here.
Kings Dominion
Kings Dominion is open for the spring season! New in 2022 is Jungle X-pedition, an immersive x-perience x-ploring an ancient jungle civilization. Take a ride on Tumbili, Virginia’s first 4D spin coaster. Visit the Kings Dominion website for ticket information and details on enhanced safety measures for visitors.
Valentine Museum Walking Tours
The Valentine Museum offers free, self-guided tours through Richmond neighborhoods such as historic Jackson Ward, the Fan, Oregon Hill and more. Explore the area’s architecture and public art at your own pace. Head to The Valentine’s website to download a PDF mural guide and view Google map information.
Richmond Metro Zoo
The Metro Richmond Zoo is open this spring for walk-in access, rides and up-close views while feeding the animals. Want to see the animals from above via zipline? Try out the Junior Explorer or Treetop Zoofari Course! Visit the website for ticket information.
The Science Museum of Virginia
The Science Museum of Virginia offers fun and interactive experiences for all ages to enjoy. The museum's popular Friday evening Science After Dark events return this April, with their first event on the first. During Science After Dark events, science lovers of all ages are invited to explore the exhibitions, enjoy the planetarium and participate in various hands-on activities. For a full schedule of upcoming SMVA events, click here.
Explore the Richmond Beer Trail
Tour the region’s widespread lineup of breweries on the Richmond Beer Trail. The trail serves as your guide to nearly 40 craft beer destinations that span the region. Score exclusive Richmond Beer Trail gear by grabbing a cold one at participating breweries and asking to have your map stamped. Collect 5 stamps to redeem your prize!
Winery Tours & Tastings
Just 25 miles east of the heart of Richmond, enjoy a number of wineries nestled throughout beautiful New Kent County. Plan a day for wine tastings and snacks and take in the serene views at locations like Jolene Family Winery, Saudé Creek, and Gauthier Vineyard. For wine and beer lovers alike, New Kent Winery recently expanded to open Talleysville Brewing Company, New Kent County’s first Farm Brewery.
The Virginia Capital Trail
The Virginia Capital Trail is a popular recreational trail that stretches over 50 miles from Jamestown to Richmond, Virginia. Walkers, cyclists, runners and skaters alike are welcome to enjoy this paved trail with over 45 different attractions along the way. Start your excursion at any point along the trail and stop by a historic site or local restaurant on your route.
Plan an Adventure on the James River
With warmer weather approaching, the James River Park System is blooming with outdoor recreational activities to enjoy. Grab a rental from RVA Paddlesports or Riverside Outfitters and spend a day kayaking or whitewater rafting on the James River. Looking for a relaxing day in nature? Check out Belle Isle for a picnic along the water or a refreshing dip in the river once temperatures heat up.
Looking for more ways to get active in RVA this spring? Explore more outdoor fun, HERE!
