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!
(Photo courtesy of Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden's website)
Garden Ink: A Staff Tattoo Showcase
January 31 - March 27, 2025 | Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden
Garden Ink, the latest exhibition at the Lora M. Robins Library, celebrates Richmond's tattoo culture by showcasing the personal stories behind staff members' tattoos. This year's theme, "Homes and Habitats," explores how tattoos reflect the natural and social environments that shape us. Included with Garden admission, the exhibition offers a glimpse into the significance of each piece and may even inspire your own tattoo journey.
First Fridays
Every First Friday, March - August 2025 | Arts District
RVA First Fridays is a longstanding, year-round art walk in the downtown Richmond 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.
Atlantic 10 Conference Women's Basketball Championship
March 5-9, 2025 | 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 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 9-16, 2025 | 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!
(Photo courtesy of Shamrock the Block's website)
Shamrock the Block
March 15, 2025 | 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 19th year, bringing live music, food, and fun to Leigh Street.
Virginia Derby at Colonial Downs
March 15, 2025 | Colonial Downs Racetrack & Rosie's Gaming Emporium
For the first time ever, the Virginia Derby at Colonial Downs is a "win and you're in" qualifier for the legendary Kentucky Derby. Mark your calendar for the historic $500,000 race, part of a thrilling three-day Virginia Derby meet to kick off the racing season.
The Church Hill Irish Festival
March 15-16, 2025 | Church Hill
Celebrate 38 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 with over fifty Irish food and artisan vendors in attendance.
Patrick Henry's Ride for Liberty
March 15, 2025 | Patrick Henry's Scotchtown
Go back in time to March 1775 at historic Scotchtown as Patrick Henry prepares for his legendary “Give me liberty or give me death!” speech. See immersive vignettes with living historians and witness a reenactment of Henry's dramatic ride to St. John’s Church for the 250th anniversary of this historical event.
Shockoe Records Tribute to Sister Rosetta Tharpe
March 20, 2025 | The Hippodrome Theatre
Celebrate the legacy of Sister Rosetta Tharpe, the mother of rock & roll, at Up Above My Head: A Tribute to Sister Rosetta Tharpe. This special concert at the historic Hippodrome Theater will bring together some of Richmond’s top musicians to honor her groundbreaking influence on music. Proceeds will support efforts to further recognize Tharpe’s impact in Richmond— you don’t want to miss this powerful night of history and song.
Keystone Tri-Cities Home, Garden, & Craft Show
March 21-23, 2025 | Keystone Truck & Tractor Museum
Explore the best in home improvement, outdoor living, and handmade crafts at the 5th 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.
Give Me Liberty Exhibit
March 22, 2025 - January 4, 2026 | Virginia Museum of History and Culture
Mark the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence at the Virginia Museum of History and Culture with an exhibit presented by VA250. Dive into the history of the forces and figures, both iconic and everyday, that shaped the birth of a democratic government that transformed the world, and discover how Virginia’s influence played a key role in the path to 1776.
UnlockingRVA Silent Headphone Party
March 22 & May 17, 2025 | 17th Street Market
Highlighting events and activities for visitors to enjoy year-round, UnlockingRVA returns this spring to host this fun outdoor event. Grab your tickets to The Silent Party where you will receive a wireless pair of headphones in order to fully tap into the 'Silent Party' DJ's LIVE mixes.
Georgia Rogers Farmer: Perfect Pair Cabaret
March 27-29, 2025 | Robert B. Moss Theatre
Join Georgia Rogers Farmer and her talented band for an evening of music, prizes, and plenty of delightful nonsense in Perfect Pair, put on by the Richmond Triangle Players! From duets to drumsticks to melody and eyelashes, expect the unexpected and a whole lot of fun in this exciting theater performance.
Kings Dominion Opening Day
March 29, 2025 | Kings Dominion
Celebrate 50 years of thrills at Kings Dominion starting on March 29! With exciting new live shows and entertainment, the return of the Kings Dominion Clown Band, and the debut of the world’s tallest launched wing coaster, Rapterra, the park is ready to deliver a season of unforgettable fun for the whole family.
Richmond Flying Squirrels Season Opener
April 4, 2025 | The Diamond
Mark your calendars! This April marks the return of RVA's Minor League Baseball team, the Richmond Flying Squirrels, for their 15th season. The 2025 season kicks off with a game against the Akron RubberDucks with special guest John Smoltz, former Richmond Braves pitcher and Hall of Fame inductee.
2025 Wheelchair Basketball National Tournaments
April 4-6 & April 11-13, 2025 | Henrico Sports & Events Center
The Junior & Adult Wheelchair Basketball Championships are headed to the Richmond Region! Get into the game at the Henrico Sports & 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.
Chesterfield Restaurant Week
April 4-13, 2025 | Various Locations in Chesterfield County
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.
(Photo courtesy of the VMFA website)
Frida: Beyond the Myth
April 5 - September 28, 2025 | Virginia Museum of Fine Arts
Explore the life and legacy of Frida Kahlo at the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts’ exhibition, Frida: Beyond the Myth. This exhibit features over 60 of Kahlo’s most significant works, including rare self-portraits, still lifes, and compositions that capture her iconic style. With photographs by renowned photographers and rarely seen film footage, this is a unique opportunity to dive into the complexity of an artist whose work continues to captivate audiences worldwide.
Latino Farmers Market
Every Saturday, April 5 - November 1, 2025 | Rockwood Park
Join for a vibrant celebration of Latino culinary excellence and local craftsmanship, where you can indulge in the tastes of authentic Mexican salsa, empanadas, and sweet delights from a stellar lineup of vendors. Whether you’re a foodie seeking your next culinary adventure or a local vendor eager to showcase your craft, this is your invitation to be part of a cherished community gathering.
Richmond Night Market
Every 2nd Saturday, April - December 2025 | 17th Street Market
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.
Ukrop's Monument Avenue 10k
April 12, 2025 | Broad Street and 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.
Dominion Energy Family Easter
April 19, 2025 | Maymont
Hop into spring at Maymont during this annual Family Easter event! Bring your friends and family and enjoy entertainment and Easter-themed activities for all to enjoy.
Nikki Glaser's ALIVE AND UNWELL Tour
April 25, 2025 | Altria Theater
Get ready for an unforgettable night of laughter with Emmy-nominated comedian Nikki Glaser, live at the Altria Theater! Known for her shockingly honest humor and unapologetic style, Nikki will bring her ALIVE AND UNWELL tour to the stage, delivering a night of comedy you won’t want to miss.
Herbs Galore
April 26, 2025 | Maymont
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.
Ashland Train Day
April 26, 2025 | Downtown Ashland
This beloved street festival and rail-fan extravaganza celebrates the Ashland community’s love for trains. Now in its 21st year, Ashland Train Day includes freight and passenger trains, kiddie train rides, arts and crafts, local food, live music, and much more!
Historic Garden Week
April 26 - May 3, 2025 | 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 across Virginia during the peak of spring.
(Photo courtesy of Henrico Citizen's website)
Henrico Restaurant Week
April 28 - May 4, 2025 | Various Locations in Henrico County
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!
Friday Cheers Concert Series
Select Fridays, May 2 - June 17, 2025 | Brown's Island
Friday Cheers, presented by Hardywood Park Craft Brewery, returns to Brown's Island for its 40th season. This weekly summer concert series brings some of the biggest up-and-coming artists to Brown's Island and Richmond's downtown riverfront, serving as the city’s longest running concert series.
FANCY: Costumes, Characters, and the Richmond Masque
May 2, 2025 - January 26, 2026 | The Valentine Museum
Step into the world of imagination as this exhibit explores RVA’s costume culture, from the grandeur of 19th-century fancy dress balls to the playful disguises of Halloween. Discover how the art of dressing up has allowed Richmonders to celebrate, perform, and transform into characters throughout history.
¿Qué Pasa? Festival of Virginia
May 3, 2025 | Brown's Island
Immerse yourself in the rich cultures of Latin America at this fun spring festival! Join the Virginia Hispanic Chamber of Commerce for a day of arts, cuisine and entertainment celebrating the diversity and beauty of Latin culture.
(Photo courtesy of Run Wild Races's website)
Run Wild Races
May 3, 2025 | Metro Richmond Zoo
Join the fun at the Run Wild Races at the Metro Richmond Zoo to celebrate Poppy, the popular endangered Pygmy Hippo! 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 3-4, 2025 | 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.
(Photo courtesy of City of Colonial Height's website)
Fort Clifton Festival
May 10-11, 2025 | 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 16-18, 2025 | Belle Isle, Brown’s Island, James River Park System, and Kanawha Plaza
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.
Asian American Celebration
May 17, 2025 | Greater Richmond Convention Center
Join the Asian American Society of Central Virginia for the annual Asian American Celebration event, where you can see exciting live performances, explore unique products from local vendors, and learn about the rich history and traditions. This celebration honors diversity, unity, and cultural pride, strengthening the bonds between Asian communities and the Central Virginia region!
(Photo courtesy of Run & Ride Races website)
Run & Ride Races
May 31 - June 1, 2025 | 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!
