With warmer weather ahead, the Richmond Region is bustling with a variety of indoor and outdoor 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 festive fun in RVA. Check out this regional roundup of activities, festivals and more happening this spring!
Activities & Events
First Fridays
Every First Friday | 5 PM - 9 PM | Arts District
RVA First Fridays is a longstanding, year-round art walk 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.
A10 Conference Women’s Basketball Championship
March 6 - 10, 2024 | Henrico Sports & Events Center
Get ready for the Atlantic 10 Conference Women’s Basketball Championship headed to the Richmond Region! Catch all the action at the new Henrico Sports and Events Center from March 6-10 where 15 teams will compete for the A10 championship title. Get your tickets and find additional details, here.
Richmond Black Restaurant Experience
March 10 - 17, 2024 | Select Locations
Celebrate Black culinary excellence in the Richmond Region during the annual Richmond Black Restaurant Experience. This week-long celebration of events highlights Black-owned eateries in RVA and kicks off with Mobile Soul Sunday, a showcase of RVA’s Black-owned food trucks. Get ready to enjoy the delicious and diverse tastes of the region’s Black-owned food scene! Learn more.
Julia Child: A Recipe for Life
March 16 - September 2, 2024 | Virginia Musuem of History and Culture
Learning to cook empowered Julia, and she in turn, empowered others, profoundly transforming American cuisine and food culture. Head to the VMHC to dig into this new exhibit that explores the key ingredients that led to Juila's personal evolution and America's culinary revolution. Plan your visit.
Irish Festival
March 16 - 17, 2024 | 10 AM - 6 PM
Celebrate 37 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.
Chesterfield Restaurant Week
March 29 - April 7, 2024 | 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 first-ever Chesterfield Restuarant Week highlighting over 30 unique and delicious restaurants. Proceeds from Chesterfield Restaurant Week will go toward the Chesterfield Food Bank and Outreach Center. heck out this year's participating restaurants, here.
Dominion Energy Family Easter
March 30, 2024 | 9 AM - 3 PM
Hop into spring at Maymont during the annual Family Easter event! Bring your friends and family and enjoy entertainment and Easter-themed activities for all to enjoy. General admission is $5 and children under 2 get in free.
Spring NASCAR Weekend
March 30 - 31, 2024 | Richmond Raceway
Gear up for the return of NASCAR Cup Series racing this spring at Richmond Raceway! Kick off the 2024 season with the Virginia Is for Racing Lovers 150 modified tour race on Friday, March 29 and a weekend of fun leading up to Sunday’s Toyota Owners 400 event. Head to the Richmond Raceway website to check out special ticket offers and race day experiences.
UnlockingRVA: The Silent Headphone Party & Brunch on the Plaza
March - October 2024 | Select Dates
UnlockingRVA highlights events and activities for visitors to enjoy year-round and returns this spring to host fun outdoor events. Grab your tickets to The Silent Party at 17th Street Market where you will receive a wireless pair of headphones in order to fully tap into the 'Silent Party' DJ's LIVE mixes and Brunch on the Plaza at Kanawha Plaza. Click here to see their full schedule of events. (Photo Credit: @UnlockingRVA via Instagram)
A Million Blooms: Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden
April 1 - June 1, 2024
A Million Blooms is the Garden’s celebration of spring! Special spring events throughout the season include Groovin' in the Garden, the Spring Plant Sale and more. Plus, in celebration of its 40th anniversary, Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden will be expanding the Conservatory and gardens to offer exciting new guest experiences and programming. See a full calendar of upcoming events, here.
Richmond Night Market
April - December, 2024 | 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.
2024 Wheelchair Basketball National Tournaments
April 5 - 7 & April 12 - 14 | Henrico Sports and Events Center
The Junior & Adult Wheelchair Basketball Championships is headed to the Richmond Region! Catch the action at the new Henrico Sports and Events Center featuring over 115,000-square feet of adaptable space and 12 basketball courts. Teams will compete tournament style in this exciting championship series which is the largest series of adapted sporting events in the United States. Get more details.
Richmond Flying Squirrels: Opening Night Celebration
April 9, 2024 | 6:35 PM
Mark your calendars! This April marks the return of the RVA's Minor League Baseball team, Richmond Flying Squirrels. The 2024 season kicks off with a game against the Akron RubberDucks followed by a Super Blast firework show at The Diamond. Get your tickets.
Historic Garden Week
April 20 - 27, 2024 | Select 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 across Virginia during the peak of spring. For more details and ticket information, click here.
Ukrop's Monument Avenue 10k
April 20, 2024 | Broad St. & Harrison St.
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 25th anniversary race through the beautiful, historic Monument Avenue area. For more information on this year's 10k race, click here.
Herbs Galore
April 27, 2024 | Time TBD
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. (Photo Credit: @maymont_rva on Instagram)
Ashland Train Day
April 27, 2024 | 10 AM - 4 PM
This beloved street festival and railfan extravaganza celebrates the Ashland community’s love for trains. Now in its 20th 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 3 - June 28, 2024 | Every Friday
Friday Cheers, presented by Hardywood Park Craft Brewery, returns to Brown's Island for its 39th season. This weekly summer concert series brings some of the biggest up-and-coming artists to Brown's Island and Richmond's downtown riverfront. Click here for more event details and to view this year's performance lineup.
23rd Annual ¿Que Pasa? Festival
May 4, 2024 | Brown's Island
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.
52nd Annual Arts in the Park
May 4 - 5, 2024 | 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 retuning to RVA this spring, click here.
Fort Clifton Festival
May 11 - 12, 2024 | 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 17 - 19, 2024
Celebrate RVA's nationally-acclaimed outdoor scene during this year's Dominion Energy Riverrock! This outdoor sports and music festival returns this spring 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.
Attractions, Tours & Exhibits
Virginia Museum of Fine Arts
Check out the VMFA's upcoming exhibit, Samurai Armor from the Collection of Ann and Gabriel Barbier-Mueller on display April 20 through August 4. Travel back in time for an awe-inspiring look at Japan’s exquisitely crafted samurai armor and witness one of the largest and finest collections in the world. 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! See current exhibitions on display through June including Tendril by Patrice Renee Washington and Traces of Ecstasy. Plus, mark your calendars for upcoming artist talks, workshops and art showcases ahead this spring. Check out a full calendar of ICA events, here.
Kings Dominion
Kings Dominion is the perfect destination for adrenaline-seekers this spring! Check out the Jungle X-pedition, an immersive x-perience x-ploring an ancient jungle civilization, or take a ride on Tumbili, Virginia’s first 4D spin coaster. Plus, enjoy the warmer spring temperatures and visit Soak City, their 20-acre waterpark. Visit the Kings Dominion website for ticket information.
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 guide and view Google map information. Plus, be sure to explore unique Richmond artifacts and exhibits inside the Valentine including their 125th anniversary exhibit, An Unfinished Musuem: 125 Years of the Valentine and their newest exhibition Sculpting History at the Valentine Studio: Art, Power and the “Lost Cause” American Myth.
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.
Explore the Richmond Region Beer & Mimosa Trails
Quench your thirst on two of the Richmond Region's self-guided beverage trails! Tour the region’s widespread lineup of craft breweries on the Richmond Beer Trail and try a tasty sip along with brunch on the Richmond Region Mimosa Trail. Check out these guides to nearly 40 craft beer hotspots and over 40 delicious brunch locations that span the region. Plan your trip and start sipping!
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. Plan your own self-guided tasting tour through RVA's wineries and wine shops, here.
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. Hit the trail and register for the Sentara Cap2Cap presented by Dominion Energy happening May 10 and 11. This annual bike ride fundraiser event for the Virginia Capital Trail Foundation features four distances for all experience levels all along the scenic and historic Virginia Capital Trail.
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!
