As the days grow longer and temperatures start to rise, the Richmond Region comes alive with can’t-miss events and experiences. This spring, you’ll find everything from vibrant outdoor festivals to exciting indoor attractions happening across the region. Planning a solo outing, a weekend with friends, or a family adventure? RVA has plenty of ways to celebrate the season. Dive into our regional roundup of spring events, festivals, and activities you won’t want to miss!
Ongoing
Dissent! Liberty & Loyalty in Early Richmond
Now through January 31, 2027 | The Valentine
In this though-provoking exhibit, step into a turning point in American history, 1770s-1830s, when the Richmond Region took center stage as Virginians wrestled with how, and if, they would truly fulfill the ideals of the Declaration of Independence.
The Power of Poison
Now through April 19 | Science Museum of Virginia
Dive into a world where danger and discovery intertwine at The Power of Poison exhibition! Investigate the many roles of poison in nature, myth, history, and medicine through immersive dioramas, interactive experiences, and intriguing mysteries, organized by the American Museum of Natural History.
We the People
March 21 – September 7 | Virginia Museum of History & Culture
Explore the story of immigration in Virginia with We the People: The World in Our Commonwealth, an exhibition that highlights centuries of journeys from around the globe, sharing personal stories of opportunity, resilience, and community that have shaped Virginia’s identity and its place in America and beyond. With immersive environments, historical objects, and multimedia narratives, We the People brings to life the voices of those who helped define the Commonwealth.
Latino Farmers Market
Saturdays, April 4 – October 31 | Rockwood Park
Join for a vibrant celebration of Latino culinary excellence and local craftsmanship, where you can indulge in the tastes of authentic salsas, empanadas, and sweet delights from a stellar lineup of vendors. Perfect for foodies seeking their next culinary adventure, this is your invitation to be part of a cherished community gathering.
Richmond Night Market
2nd Saturdays, April 12 – December | 17th Street Market
Support Richmond’s small business and artist community at the Richmond Night Market, recently named one of the Top 10 Night Markets in the U.S. by USA Today! Browse handmade goods from local RVA vendors in the Artisan Village, plus enjoy food vendors, kids activities, live music, art, and more.
Survival of the Slowest
May 23 – September 7 | Science Museum of Virginia
Get ready for a wild adventure that proves slow can be spectacular! Survival of the Slowest invites you and your family to explore how animals often labeled “slow,” “small,” or “weak” use unexpected adaptations to survive—and even thrive—in the natural world.
March
A10 Women’s Basketball Championship
March 4-8 | Henrico Sports & Events Center
Mark your calendars for the Atlantic 10 Conference Women’s Basketball Championship headed to the Richmond Region! Catch all the action at the Henrico Sports & Events Center this March where 15 teams will compete for the A10 championship title, including two from our very own region – the University of Richmond Spiders and the Virginia Commonwealth University Rams.
Richmond Black Restaurant Experience
March 8-15 | Various Locations
Celebrate Black culinary excellence in the Richmond Region during the annual Richmond Black Restaurant Experience. This week-long celebration highlights Black-owned eateries in RVA and kicks off with Mobile Soul Sunday, a showcase of the region’s Black-owned food trucks. Get ready to enjoy the delicious and diverse tastes of the local Black-owned food scene.
Virginia Derby
March 14 | Colonial Downs Racetrack
Feel the thunder of hooves during the Virginia Derby at Colonial Downs, a "win and you're in" qualifier for the legendary Kentucky Derby. Mark your calendar for this high-stakes race as it makes its return to the dirt track for another thrilling showdown
Shamrock the Block
March 14 | Leigh Street in Scott’s Addition
Kick off RVA’s outdoor festival season at Shamrock the Block, the city’s premier St. Patrick’s Day celebration! This free street festival returns to the Scott’s Addition neighborhood for its 20th year, bringing live music, food, and fun to Leigh Street.
Annual Tri-Cities Home, Garden, & Craft Show
March 20-22 | Keystone Truck & Tractor Museum
Explore the best in home improvement, outdoor living, and handmade crafts at the Annual Home, Garden, and Craft Show. Hosted by the Sova Chamber of Commerce at The Keystone Tractor Museum, this free event features expert-led workshops, unique artisan goods, and inspiration for every space.
Maymont Mansion & Wildlife Trail Re-opening
March 21 | Mansion Reopening
April 18 | Wildlife Trail Reopening
Maymont will welcome new and returning visitors in the Maymont Mansion and the Virginia Wildlife Trail following the most ambitious preservation project in the estate’s history this spring! The Mansion will debut a historically accurate red slate roof and key infrastructure upgrades designed to protect its treasured collections. Along the Wildlife Trail, guests can enjoy improved pathways and viewing areas, along with new habitats for porcupines and coyotes. The reopening coincides with Maymont’s 100th anniversary as a public attraction, making 2026 a milestone year to visit this Richmond icon.
Anniversary Reenactment
March 23 | Historic St. John's Church
Step back into one of America’s most iconic moments at the St. John’s Church Anniversary Reenactment, where history comes alive with a powerful performance of Patrick Henry’s legendary “Give Me Liberty or Give Me Death” speech in the very place it was delivered. Featuring professional actors in period attire recreating the Second Virginia Convention, this moving event honors the spirit and significance of the American Revolution right where it unfolded
Secretariat Day & Celebration
March 27-28 | Secretariat Monument & Plaza in Downtown Ashland
Celebrate the legacy of Triple Crown legend Secretariat during the annual Secretariat Birthday Celebration! Kick things off with the Big Red Bash on Friday night at Oakdale, a ticketed “party with a purpose” featuring food, drinks, live music, a silent auction, and a special guest descendant of Secretariat. Then enjoy free, family-friendly fun at Secretariat Day with miniature horses, vendors, kids’ activities, live entertainment, and birthday cake at the iconic monument plaza.
April
Henrico Restaurant Week
April | Various Locations
Savor the flavors of Henrico County during Henrico Restaurant Week! This week-long celebration invites you to enjoy delicious dishes from local restaurants throughout the county. Whether you’re a foodie or just looking to try something new, this is the perfect opportunity to explore Henrico’s dining scene!
Chesterfield Restaurant Week
April 3-12 | Various Locations
Get ready for a 10-day culinary experience sure to delight your taste buds. Celebrate Chesterfield County's dynamic dining scene during this event, highlighting over 30 unique and delicious restaurants. Proceeds from Chesterfield Restaurant Week will go toward the Chesterfield Food Bank and Outreach Center.
CarMax Park Opening & Flying Squirrels Season Opener
April 7 | CarMax Park
Slide into home at CarMax Park — the new home of the Richmond Flying Squirrels! Opening this spring for its inaugural game, CarMax Park will offer a massively upgraded fan experience. New amenities include a beer garden, kids’ play area, lawn and picnic terraces, an art walk, and improved accessibility for guests with disabilities. Season tickets are on sale now, with single game tickets coming soon!
Shockoe Institute: Expanding Freedom and The Lab
April 9 | Main Street Station
Learn about the origins and growth of racial slavery in America, Richmond’s pivotal role in the trade of enslaved people within the United States, and how racial slavery touched virtually every aspect of American life before the Civil War in the Shockoe Institute’s first exhibition. Afterwards, partake in reflection, curated experiences, and unique programs and performances led by Institute staff at The Lab.
A Swingin' Centennial Celebration
April 11 | Agecroft Hall and Gardens
Celebrate a century of history at Agecroft Hall & Gardens with this roaring ’20s-themed centennial gala featuring live jazz from Grace Street Seven, themed cocktails, heavy hors d’oeuvres, lawn games, and more! This special fundraising event honors Agecroft’s 100 years in Richmond and supports the nonprofit’s mission of historical preservation, gardens, education, and community programming. Don’t miss this once-in-a-century celebration blending music, history, and springtime charm in one unforgettable evening!
Scotchtown 5th Annual Fiber Festival
April 11 | Historic Scotchtown
Spin into tradition with demonstrations of sheep shearing and wool fiber production, historic house tours, craft vendors, food trucks and more at Patrick Henry’s historical home.
The Black Book Expo: A Conscious Literary Festival
April 11-12 | Pine Camp Arts Center
Find your next great read during this showcase of literature related to Black history, spirituality, politics, science, African diasporic culture, and more. Meet celebrity and independent authors and enjoy live entertainment at this expo, presented by Elegba Folklore Society.
The Skipwith-Roper Homecoming
April 17-19 | Jackson Ward
The Skipwith–Roper Cottage will open during Jackson Ward’s Founding Week as part of The JXN Project’s initiative honoring Abraham Peyton Skipwith, the first known Black homeowner in the neighborhood. The restored site preserves and shares the early history of Jackson Ward, where visitors can experience the permanent House to Highway: Reclaiming a Community History exhibition. Together, the cottage and exhibition celebrate Jackson Ward’s enduring legacy and role in America’s story.
Richmond Ren Faire
April 18-19 | Dorey Park
The Richmond Ren Faire returns to Dorey Park, bringing to life a fresh, community-driven take on the Renaissance period. Inspired by the Silk Road’s spirit of exchange, the event highlights Richmond’s diverse artists, performers, and makers, celebrating creativity, connection, and the everyday people who shaped history.
Ukrop’s Monument Avenue 10k
April 18 | Broad Street & Harrison Street
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 and block party through the beautiful, historic Monument Avenue area.
Historic Garden Week
April 18-25 | Various Locations
Tour through the most beautiful private homes and gardens in Virginia this spring with select tours throughout the Richmond Region. Celebrate 90+ years of Historic Garden Week during a showcase of homes and gardens during the peak of spring. Be sure to take Richmond’s Church Hill tour which includes historic homes, gardens, and civic buildings that hold a unique place in America’s 250th anniversary story.
Richmond Restaurant Week
April 20-26 | Various Locations
During this biannual celebration of the local culinary scene, participating restaurants offer a special prix-fixe menu allowing guests to dine out for a good cause. Each meal purchased generates a monetary donation to Feed More, a local organization dedicated to hunger relief in Central Virginia.
Ashland Train Day
April 25 | Downtown Ashland
This beloved street festival and rail-fan extravaganza celebrates the Ashland community’s love for trains. Now in its 22nd year, Ashland Train Day includes freight and passenger trains, kiddie train rides, arts and crafts, local food, live music, and much more!
Herbs Galore
April 25 | Maymont Carriage House Lawn
Save the date for one of Richmond’s favorite plant sales, Herbs Galore at Maymont! Browse through a variety of herbs, annuals, perennials, trees, vegetables, and garden goods offered by dozens of nurseries and specialty vendors.
May
Run Wild Races
May 2 | Metro Richmond Zoo
Join the fun at the Run Wild Races at the Metro Richmond Zoo! Choose from three exciting events -- the Run Wild Mini 1 Mile, 5k, or Wild Ninja -- and get ready for a wild race through the zoo, spotting rhinos, cheetahs, and more along the way.
Arts in the Park
May 2-3 | The Carillon in 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.
Fort Clifton Festival
May 9-10 | Fort Clifton (behind Tussing Elementary School)
This family-oriented, 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 live demonstrations. Plus, enjoy concessions, children's activities, and door prizes.
Dominion Energy Riverrock
May 15-17 | Riverfront at Historic Tredegar
Celebrate RVA's nationally-acclaimed outdoor scene during this year's Dominion Energy Riverrock! This outdoor sports and music festival returns 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.
Conservatory Expansion
May 23 | Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden
The Conservatory at Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden, the “Jewel of the Garden,” will reopen this May after a major expansion. The reimagined Conservatory will double in size and introduce four distinct climate zones, a permanent home for butterflies in the Subtropical House, and new exhibits highlighting historic and threatened plants.
Tri-City Chili Peppers' Cosmic Baseball
May 28-30 | Shepherd Stadium
Get ready to baseball shine like never before with the Tri-City Chili Peppers as they light up Shepherd Stadium with the return of Cosmic Baseball — a one-of-a-kind glow-in-the-dark baseball experience! Played entirely under UV black lights, the game features neon uniforms, glowing bats and balls, and an electric atmosphere that transforms America’s pastime into a high-energy spectacle
Run & Ride Race
May 30-31 | Kings Dominion
Get ready for the ultimate race experience at Kings Dominion's Run & Ride Race! Choose from the Half Marathon, Quarter Marathon, 5K, or 1 Mile Fun Run and race through the park, enjoying a behind-the-scenes view of your favorite attractions and rides. It’s a one-of-a-kind event that combines the thrill of racing with the excitement of Kings Dominion.
Looking for more ways to get active in RVA this spring? Explore more outdoor fun, HERE!
