The Ultimate Spring 2024 Event Roundup
What we’ve all been waiting for is just around the corner — warmer weather! And with it comes a plethora of spring events to enjoy the new season and everything in bloom. We’re ready to spring forward with these happenings, now through the beginning of June.
— Updated by Alie McArdle, Contributing Writer (and the brains behind Ink & Influence. Follow her biz @_inkandinfluence!)
Church Hill Irish Festival
What it is: Church Hill’s 37th annual, weekend-long Irish celebration, benefiting MANY amazing local organizations (such as the Church Hill Association of Richmond, VA; the Church Hill Crime Watch; Richmond Hill; and ChildSavers) and featuring food, music, and more than 50 Irish vendors. This year, a Guinness representative will even make an appearance!
Where it is: N 25th & E Broad St (Church Hill)
When it is: Saturday, March 16, and Sunday, March 17; 10 am - 6 pm
Cost: $5 donation to attend
Pro tip(s): The opening-day parade kicks things off on Saturday, and The Hill Topper 5K starts the day on Sunday. There are free shuttles all weekend picking up from marked locations, so you don’t have to fight traffic, and it’s a kid-friendly event, but pets are not allowed.
Shamrock the Block
What it is: Shamrock the Block is a street festival in its 18th year celebrating Irish heritage.
Where it is: Located in historic Scott's Addition on Leigh Street between Movieland and Bon Secours Training Facility.
When it is: Saturday, March 16, 12 pm - 6 pm
Cost: Free to attend
Pro tip(s): Get there early if you can! The lines for the kids' activities can get long throughout the day. They’ll have a dedicated kids’ space with face-painting, bounce structures, games, and more.
Pretend Again: A Grown-Up Night at the Museum Gala
What it is: A party for adults only. “We don’t stop playing because we grow old; we grow old because we stop playing,” says George Bernard Shaw.
Where it is: 2626 W Broad St (Children’s Museum of Richmond)
When it is: Friday, March 22; 7 - 10 p.m
Cost: $125 per ticket
Pro tip(s): Grab your tickets before it’s sold out!
Dominion Energy Family Easter
What it is: Enjoy games, fun activities, and hands-on crafts, as well as live entertainment on three stages. The Easter bunny will also be in attendance!
Where it is: 1700 Hampton St (Maymont)
When it is: Saturday, March 30; 9am - 3pm
Cost: Free for Maymont members and children 2 and under; $5 for all other attendees
Pro tip(s): Advance reservations are recommended — choose a morning (9 am - 12 pm) or afternoon (12 pm - 3 pm) entry time — and everyone can stay and play all day! Admission includes three activity tickets, each of which earns a fun activity or prize. Bring an Easter basket to carry them all home!
Stony Point Artisan Market
What it is: A market where local artists and makers sell handmade home décor, art, jewelry, apparel, and more!
Where it is: 9200 Stony Point Pkwy (Stony Point Fashion Park)
When it is: Saturday, March 30; 9:30am-3:00pm (and Saturday, April 27, and Saturday, May 4)
Cost: Free to attend
Pro tip(s): This is a dog-friendly event! Just bring leash and supplies to clean up after your pup.
A Million Blooms
What it is: Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden’s months-long celebration of spring blooms, featuring the likes of daffodils, tulips, bluebells, and more.
Where it is: 1800 Lakeside Ave (Lakeside)
When it is: Monday, April 1 - Saturday, June 1; 9 am - 5 pm
Cost: Included with Garden admission (free - $14, depending on guest’s age); learn more here
Pro tip(s): There are often mini events planned throughout the celebration, like PlantFest and Butterflies LIVE!
Richmond Fringe Festival
What it is: Says Fringe itself, “This culture and arts event is a boutique sized, multi-vector, curated, profit-sharing festival aiming to cross pollinate people in Richmond, Virginia. It is shepherded by the local creative haus, SPECTACLE & MIRTH.”
Where it is: Varies; learn more here
When it is: Saturday, April 13 - Monday, April 15
Cost: Varies; buy tix here
Pro tip(s): Richmond muralist Emily Herr is guiding the Community Chaos Mural this year, so def make sure you stop by and get a little messy.
Richmond Night Market
What it is: A Downtown party featuring live music, vendors of all kinds, a Creative Kids Hangout (with “guided and non-guided activities”), and a Maker Space (“to create, make, and have fun with friends” and enjoy live painting).
Where it is: 100 N 17th St (Shockoe Bottom)
When it is: The second Saturday of every month, April - December; 5 - 9 pm
Cost: Free to attend
Pro tip(s): The market is surrounded by delicious dinner spots — like one of our favorites Havana 59 — so plan to work up an appetite while you shop, then walk somewhere nearby for a bite to eat.
Spring Market
What it is: The warm-weather sister market to the Bizarre Bazaar Christmas Collection, hosted at Richmond Raceway.
Where it is: 600 E Laburnum Ave (East Highland Park)
When it is: Friday, April 12 - Sunday, April 14; 8 am - 5 pm
Cost: $2.50 - $14 (depending on guest’s age); learn more here
Pro tip(s): The Bizarre Bazaar events have introduced us to local favorites, like Rainbow Trout Kitchen, so come ready to shop and support some stellar businesses.
Spring Artisan Market at Hardywood
What it is: The event is a celebration of spring and an opportunity to support local RVA businesses. The market brings together a variety of talented local artists and makers who will be showcasing and selling their handmade creations, including home decor, art, jewelry, apparel, and more. The event will take place indoors in Hardywood's Barrel Room.
Where it is: 2410 Ownby Ln (Scott’s Addition)
When it is: Sunday, April 7; 1 - 6 pm
Cost: Free to attend
Pro tip(s): Space is limited; be sure to get there early!
Paddle in Your Park with RVA Paddlesports
What it is: Paddle in the Park is a community paddling event that offers an opportunity for the public to experience water recreation without any financial barriers. Whether you are a skilled whitewater boater or have never been in a watercraft before, host RVA Paddlesports provides an experience for everyone. They will have stand-up paddleboards, kayaks, and rafts to try out.
Where it is: 9900 Ridgefield Pkwy (Deep Run Park)
When it is: Saturday, April 20, and Saturday, April 27; 9 am - 12 pm, 10 am - 2 pm, and 11 am - 2 pm
Cost: Free to attend; $5 donation to Boys to Men Mentoring Virginia recommended
Pro tip(s): Pre-register to secure a spot!
Friday Cheers
What it is: An outdoor concert series, bringing “some of the biggest up-and-coming artists to Brown’s Island and Downtown Richmond’s riverfront, every Friday in May and June.” Headliners like Bella White and Daniel Donato’s Cosmic Country are hitting Brown’s Island this spring.
Where it is: S 7th St (Central Office District)
When it is: Every Friday in May and June; 6 - 9:30 pm
Cost: $10 - $15/show or $60+/season pass
Pro tip(s): Parking can be tough, so consider using the Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond parking lot (as allowed) or finding free parking on S 5th St and elsewhere. More FAQs here.
Carytown Farmers Market
What it is: A showcase of local vendors and brewers, farmers, craftsmen, and other creators, set to a backdrop of live music.
Where it is: 3201 Maplewood Ave (Stadium)
When it is: Sunday, May 5 - Sunday, October 27; 9 am - 1 pm
Cost: Free to attend
Pro tip(s): This is a great way to get to know Richmond’s makers and growers and even learn how far your food travels from farm to fridge. Grab a drink, stroll around, and meet your local creatives.
May Faire
What it is: Celebrate the arrival of spring with Richmond Waldorf School. Open to the public, this event brings members of the larger Richmond community to RWS to celebrate. Children decorate wreaths with fresh spring flowers, make jump-ropes, tie dye, and more.
Where it is: 1301 Robin Hood Rd (Richmond Waldorf School)
When it is: Saturday, May 4; 10 am - 2 pm
Cost: Free
Pro tip(s): Bring some cash to purchase tickets for activities and beer, wine, and snacks.
Bluegrass & Brews 2023
What it is: The 9th annual Bluegrass & Brews concert, hosted by AlterNatives Boutique and featuring banjos jamming, good brews pouring, and local food trucks dishing out delicious eats.
Where it is: 3320 W Cary St (Carytown)
When it is: Saturday, May 11; 12 - 8 pm
Cost: Free to attend
Pro tip(s): AlterNatives Boutique is an indigenous- and woman-owned shop with a goal of creating “a space where indigenous peoples can compete in the global marketplace, therefore giving them the opportunity to provide for and improve their communities.” Checking out this event, and others that the boutique hosts, is a great way to support local and worldwide change-makers. Scope out other AlterNatives Boutique events on Instagram.
Dominion Energy Riverrock
What it is: Richmond non-profits Venture Richmond and Sports Backers come together to showcase the outdoor beauty of the River City with a fun mix of athletic events and entertainment on and around Brown’s Island.
Where it is: S 7th St (Central Office District)
When it is: Friday, May 17 - Sunday, May 19
Cost: Free to attend (but individual activities vary in price)
Pro tip(s): This event involves lots of fresh air and opportunities for physical activity — mountain biking, running, fishing, kayaking, and more — so dress comfortably and pack that sunscreen.
June
Image Source: Rassawek Vineyard
Spring Jubilee
What it is: Rassawek Vineyard is serving up more than wine in late spring. Head northwest for its Spring Jubilee — the spot’s 10th anniversary party, “celebrating the local, the handmade, and the homegrown” with wine and vendors, live music, and brews.
Where it is: 6276 River Rd (Columbia)
When it is: Saturday, June 1, and Sunday, June 2; 10 am - 6 pm
Cost: $20 - $40; learn more here
Pro tip(s): This event looks to “keep trade skills alive by onsite build demonstrations and educating the public with demonstrations from local artists and craftsmen,” so come ready to pair your vino (and more) with a few handy lessons.
Looking for more fun things to do?:
