Need a break from your busy week and want to take a little time for yourself? Check out some of the best ways you can get outside, breathe in some fresh air, or check out a new perspective.

18 Washington, D.C. Events To Entertain You In April

April is the perfect time to dust off those winter cobwebs. Get outside and enjoy the beauty of spring! Washington, D.C. offers a host of activities perfect for the whole family, and you’ll be snapping pictures of those gorgeous cherry blossoms in no time. Here’s our lineup of the best D.C. April events.

NOTE: Please check each April event in Washington, DC, as many have been cancelled in 2021.

D.C. Cherry Blossom Festival

Washington, D.C.’s iconic celebration of spring is the annual Cherry Blossom Festival. Enjoy floats, music and entertainment along Constitution Avenue during the National Cherry Blossom Parade.

If you love kite flying, you can bring or make your own kite to the Blossom Kite Festival and join thousands of other kite enthusiasts (great for kids!).

Or, if you need a break from the little ones, attend the stylish Pink Tie Party for cocktails, a silent auction and live performances.

Credit Union Cherry Blossom Ten Mile Run & 5K Run-Walk 

Take in the cherry blossoms as you run across the monument grounds! This run is a fundraiser for Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals.

Slots fill up early; you can enter a lottery or watch and cheer on the runners. This is a great full day event in the D.C. metro area.

Japanese Street Festival 

  • Location: Pennsylvania Avenue NW between 3rd & 7th St. NW, Washington, D.C. 20004

  • Date: Early April

  • Website: sakuramatsuri.org

The largest one-day celebration of Japanese culture in the United States, this street fair is the perfect closing to the Cherry Blossom Festival.

Live performers offer over 20 hours of musical and dance performances on four different stages in honor of Japanese culture.

Additionally, a whole host of food vendors present the best in Japanese foods. Many come from Japan just for the festival!

Petalpalooza

Hosted along the banks of the Anacostia River in the up-and-coming Capitol Riverfront neighborhood, Petalpalooza is the perfect way to celebrate a day of seeing the city’s cherry blossoms.

The event features live music on multiple outdoor stages. Additionally, there are interactive art installations, a beer garden, and numerous hands-on activities for the whole family.

To cap it all off, the day ends in an extravagant fireworks show set to music. 

Anacostia River Festival

This free festival is revered as the premier event of the National Cherry Blossom Festival. The family-friendly lineup features boating, hands-on art projects, live performances, and an artist market.

The festival focuses on the history and ecology of the Anacostia River while incorporating fun activities for the whole family. This is a must-see event from the National Park Service!

International Pillow Fight Day On The National Mall

  • Location: WW2 side of the Washington Monument Lawn

  • Date: Early April

A city-wide pillow fight? Yes, please! Join hundreds (or thousands) of your closest friends in cities across the country in a massive pillow fight.

Each city organizes their own pillow fight, and they’re all conducted on the same day. More details can be found on Facebook.

Smithsonian Jazz Appreciation Month 

Started by the Smithsonian National Museum of American History in 2001, Jazz Appreciation Month celebrates the history of jazz and the heritage of those involved in its creation.

In order to encourage the public to keep up on their jazz appreciation, the museum hosts concerts at its museums throughout the month.

Check their website for specific dates and ticket pricing. 

D.C. Emancipation Day Cultural Events

During the month of April, universities and museums across the city celebrate D.C. Emancipation Day with various lecture series. A panel of historians, researchers, experts and others examine the politics and forces behind and resistance to slavery, abolition and emancipation.

Check out the website for a full list of lectures, topics and their locations. 

National Park Week 

In order to celebrate the treasures of America’s National Parks, the National Park Service celebrates National Park Week every April around Earth Day. Select park entrance fees are waived throughout the week and some parks have themed days.

Themes in past years include National Junior Ranger Day, Volunteers in Parks Day, Military Monday, Transportation Tuesday, Earth Day, Throwback Thursday, Friendship Friday, Park Rx Day and Bark Ranger Day.

While the themes change every year, the week is always filled with fun activities to get the whole family out into the parks. 

FilmFest D.C.

  • Location: Held at locations throughout the city

  • Date: Late April, early May

  • Website: filmfestdc.org

This 11-day annual festival has risen to prominence in its 33 years of existence. It features more than 70 premieres, restored classics, and special events which are open to the public.

Throughout the festival, there are panels, workshops, Q&A sessions and special opening and closing events. Films and events are held at theaters around the city throughout the week. 

Bay Bridge Boat Show (MD)

Whether you’re in the market for a new boat or just browsing all of the options for nautical fun, the Bay Bridge Boat Show is sure to get you in the mood for summer.

The show features more than 400 boats and a range of products from pontoon boats to jet skis, kayaks, and canoes. In addition to boats, there is a 90-minute Junior Captains Course for kids 11-15 years old with hands-on boating instruction.

Or, you can improve your fishing skills during the Rod Building Lessons—build your own custom rod accompanied by a casting lesson.

Virginia Historic Garden Week 

Explore the stunning gardens and homes of Virginia during Virginia Historic Garden Week, hosted by the Garden Club of Virginia. Club members create elaborate floral arrangements that are featured in every home on the tour.

The week includes over 30 tours at the most impressive houses and gardens in the area. Check out their Facebook page for glimpses of the gardens and flowers featured at the event. 

White House Spring Garden Tours

Visitors can tour the gardens of the South Lawn at the White House, which includes the Jacqueline Kennedy Garden, Rose Garden and the White House Kitchen Garden.

The event is free, but timed tickets are required for entry.

While this is a great opportunity to see the beauty of the White House’s lawn, be sure to check the list of allowed items on their website as you will be checked by the Secret Service.

DC Brew Fest

Enjoy some of your favorite beers and discover some new favorites at the DC Beer Festival. The festival features big West Coast beer names along with a selection of about 70 regional brewers.

DC Brew Fest is held at Nationals Park, a fun outdoor setting filled with lawn games, cookout foods and a DJ. Tickets are required and can be purchased online at their website. 

Arlington Festival Of The Arts 

Check out this free festival in Arlington for family fun and art. With a wide array of local artisans selling everything from jewelry to life-size sculptures, there are rows and rows of vendors to scour for the next cool find.

Along with the hand-made art and crafts, the best part of the show is that the actual artist behind each piece will be there, ready to answer all of your questions. 

Smithsonian Craft Show 

This four-day annual craft show features over 100 carefully selected artists. About a third of the exhibitors are new to the show each year, which ensures new finds to be had.

Artists show work in all mediums of contemporary crafting and design, such as ceramics, furniture, glass, jewelry, leather and so much more. There’s even the option to shop the craft fair with the Craft + Cocktails package, which includes specialty cocktails from celebrity mixologists, music, snacks and entertainment.

Check the website for more information on ticketing. 

Shenandoah Apple Blossom Festival 

  • Location: Winchester, VA

  • Date: Late April, early May

  • Website: thebloom.com

Held in the historic Northern Shenandoah Valley, this festival features a series of more than forty events, including band competitions, parades, carnival, dinners, luncheons, dances, wine festival, a 10K Race and the coronation of Queen Shenandoah.

This festival is a great opportunity to spend time outside near the mountains of Shenandoah National Park. 

Azalea Festival At The National Arboretum

  • Location: National Arboretum

  • Date: Mid-April (depending on when the azaleas bloom)

  • Website: usna.usda.gov

See the reds, pinks, purples and whites of these gorgeous azaleas at the National Arboretum. Every spring the flowers bloom and light up the whole park. Along with the azaleas, the tulips also bloom and coincide with the birth of numerous baby animals.

This quintessential activity is a perfect way for the whole family to celebrate spring in the District of Columbia!

 

Sublime Maryland Springtime Events

Enjoy a Spring Fling at Garden Shows

Say hello to the bright colors of spring at Home & Garden Shows all over the state. With spring plantings, amazing crafts, and lots more to get you out of the house and into your yard.

Steeplechase Races

Steeplechase races over timber is a Maryland tradition that goes back some 100-plus years. Few sports can boast the tradition of family participation which characterizes these races.

Maryland International Kite Expo

Follow the winds east to Maryland’s Atlantic shore for the international Kite Expo in Ocean City. Watch thousands of colorful kites soar over the sand and water, or stop into the Kite Loft and get your own kite to get in on the high-flying action.

May Day in Annapolis

This now-iconic event began in 1956 as a Garden Club of Old Annapolis Towne beautification project. Starting on May 1, dwellings and businesses in the Historic District of Maryland’s capital adorn their entrances with baskets brimming with fresh flowers and colorful ribbons.

Havre de Grace Decoy & Wildlife Art Festival

40th Annual Havre de Grace Decoy & Wildlife Art Festival will feature more than 100 decoy carvers, and wildlife artists, displaying and selling their work. There will also be food, children’s activities, silent auctions, retriever demonstrations, carving competitions, and much more.

Solomons Maritime Festival

The event includes the Antique Boat and Marine Engine Show with exhibits from more than 30 collectors of antique and classic boats. Taste traditional Southern Maryland foods, learn how to pick crabs and shuck oysters like the pros, enjoy local music, see Chesapeake Bay retrievers in action, and meet artisans as they demonstrate their skills.

Mother’s Day

Mother’s Day is the time to make mom feel extra, extra special. Make it special with these awesome Maryland Mother’s Day ideas with brunches, festivals, and events.

Preakness Stakes

Join the roar of the crowd and witness the Middle Jewel of thoroughbred Racing. Old Hilltop comes alive with the running of the Preakness Stakes, where the finest three-year-old thoroughbreds compete; truly test a horses’ raw ability and composure. All eyes will be on the Preakness Stakes as we discover if Triple Crown potentiona; lives on — because if it doesn’t happen here, it doesn’t happen at all.

Interstate Bluesfest

The Interstate Blues Fest, takes place at the Washington County Agricultural Education Center, just south of Hagerstown. There are many ways to enjoy this festival including by bringing your own tent, listening to the Blues, and partaking in a wide variety of wine, beer, spirits, and food offerings. The event takes place in a spacious and lovely rural setting.

Balticon - Maryland's Regional Science Fiction Convention

This year Balticon 56 will be a free convention featuring multiple tracks of fantastic programming including authors, artists, scientists, musicians, podcasters, publishers, editors, costumers, and other creative Science Fiction luminaries.

Chestertown Tea Party Festival

The annual Chestertown Tea Party Festival, during Memorial Day weekend, celebrates colonial resistance to British rule with a Tea Toss, Raft Race, Street Party, Colonial Parade, Performers and Strolling Musicians, Children's Events including "Sneaker Creeper" and Sultana Sails.

Plein Air

Plein Air painting is a phrase borrowed from the French meaning "open (in full) air." It is used to describe the act of painting outdoors, where a painter reproduces the visual conditions experienced at the time of the painting. Stroll around and watch artists at work at these

Film Festivals

Spring kicks off the Film Fest season in Maryland. Check out these fabulous film festivals throughout the state. Don’t miss the Maryland  Film Festival April - May 2022

 

April Events in Northern Virginia – Festivals and Fun Near DC

April events in Northern Virginia normally include a bevy of spring festivals, Easter egg hunts, volunteer opportunities, art fests, car shows, and fun for every age and interest. Whether you're volunteering at your favorite park, communing with nature, or enjoying cakes, flowers, art, antique cars, horses, music, art, and more you'll find an April event below.

Almost all of the annual April events in Northern Virginia are back to in-person gatherings in 2022. And there are several new April events to celebrate this year.

Annual April Events in Northern Virginia 2022

Here are the most popular annual April events and festivals in Alexandria, Arlington, Fairfax, Loudoun, and Prince William Counties and nearby areas. Events are listed in order of start date with multi-day events listed first. Always follow the link for registration details, cancelations, and other updates.

Cherry Blossom Season, DC Maryland & Virginia, Mar 20 – Apr 16

The 2022 Washington DC Cherry Blossom Festival includes a fun mix of in-person events in DC and around Northern Virginia. Residents can once again join the Petal Porch Parade and decorate their porch so everyone for everyone to see. Check the Petal Porch map to find decorations near you.

Signature festival April events include the Cherry Blossom Festival Parade on April 9 and the closing Petalpalooza fireworks show on April 16.

Where to See Cherry Blossoms in DC, Maryland, and Virginia is our complete guide to the best cherry tree blossom locations, tracking sites, and more.

Meadowlark Botanical Garden cherry blossoms Vienna Virginia

Egg Hunt and Marshmallow Harvest, Great Country Farms, Bluemont, Apr 1 – 16

Join in daily egg hunts (over 18,000 eggs filled with treats) and roast marshmallows on the bonfire. Admission includes egg hunts, a chance to see spring chicks and baby animals, and a wagon ride. Farm admission is $10/$12 child/adult; egg hunts are $7.50 per child.

Plan your visit with our guide to 15 Fantastic Fun Things to Do in Bluemont Virginia, including a family-friendly hike to Bears Den or a stop at Dirt Farm Brewing for brews with views.

Easter Egg Hunts, Multiple Locations

There are plenty of Easter egg hunts in 2022 so the little ones can search for eggs and meet the Easter Bunny. Follow the link for egg hunting details and be sure to make reservations early. Many of these popular events have limited capacity and they sell out every year.

Use our complete guide to egg hunts throughout the Northern Virginia region to plan a few fun outings with your little ones.

Easter Egg Hunt in Northern VA

Potomac Watershed Cleanup, Multiple Locations, Apr 2, 9, + more

Join local parks and towns and The Nature Conservancy to clean up our Potomac watershed stop trash from reaching the Chesapeake Bay. Meet fellow volunteers to help remove debris from local waterways at Huntley Meadows, Riverbend, and other areas.

Art Blooms at Mosaic, Mosaic District, Apr 3 – 4

Celebrate spring and the cherry blossoms with a two-day festival at Mosaic District. Enjoy family-friendly entertainment, craft and farmer's markets, beer and wine gardens, kid's activities, games, and more. Free; 11:00 – 6:00.

Virginia Bluebell Season

Just as the Yoshino cherry blossoms fade, Northern Virginia locals are treated to an explosion of Virginia bluebells at area parks and trails. These spring ephemerals usually emerge in early to mid-April near streams and they don't last long. See bluebells in bloom with our guides:

Pink and blue bluebells

Spring Garden Market, River Farm, Alexandria, Apr 8 – 9

Explore the beautiful gardens at River Farm and shop for plants, garden tools, books, and more during the Spring Garden Market. $20 parking donation requested; 10:00 – 4:00.

Bluebells at the Bend, Riverbend Park, Great Falls, Apr 9

The Bluebells at the Bend Festival returns in 2022! Celebrate Virginia bluebells at one of the most popular spring festivals in Northern Virginia. Walk through bluebells that cover the banks of the Potomac River in early April and enjoy family-friendly activities, live music, food trucks, and more.

In 2022, there are two sessions, at 10:00 and noon on April 9, and tickets are $8/$10 advance/at the door.

Founder's Day, Lake Anne, Reston, Apr 9

Lake Anne Plaza and Robert E. Simon statue Reston VA

Celebrate the anniversary of Reston's founding with a fun day of music and activities at beautiful Lake Anne in Reston. This annual festival honors the town's founder, Robert E. Simon, and in 2022 celebrates the 100th birthday of artist Gonzalo Fonseca whose art decorates the plaza. Free; noon – 4:00.

American Battlefield Trust Park Day, Multiple Locations, Apr 9

Park Day is an annual hands-on preservation event to help Civil and Revolutionary War battlefields and historic sites with maintenance projects. At Bristoe Station Battlefield in Bristow volunteers will assist with mulching, fence repair, and more. Volunteers at Manassas National Battlefield and Balls Bluff will help with trail maintenance and more. Follow the link and click Volunteer to find Virginia and DC region events.

Tulip Day at Hope Flower Farm and Winery, Waterford, Apr 9

Celebrate a bounty of spring tulips and the soft opening of a new Loudoun County winery. Hope Flower Farm is opening a farm winery to complement their beautiful flower fields in historic Waterford. Free; 10:00 – 6:00.

Bluebells at Merrimac Farm, Nokesville, Apr 10

Bluebells at Merrimac Farm Nokesville

The Bluebell Festival at Merrimac Farm returns on April 10, 2022. You can also visit the bluebells on your own.

Welcome spring and see the spectacular display of Virginia Bluebells at Merrimac Farm in Nokesville, Virginia. Naturalists will lead walks and talks at the Stone House Visitor Center and families can see the bluebells on an easy one-mile walk through the floodplain. Free.

Festival of Spring, Burnside Farms, Nokesville, April 5 – ?

Holland comes to Virginia when Northern Virginia's Burnside Farms hosts one of the largest pick-your-own flower events in North America. Guests can stroll through nearly eight acres of spring flowers, including masses of tulips, and pick their own blossoms.

In 2022, the festival begins on April 5 when nearly one million spring flowers begin to bloom and should last 25-30 days depending on spring weather. Tickets are limited and must be purchased online.

National Park Week, Multiple Locations, Apr 16 – 24

Great Falls Park waterfalls

The National Park Services partners with the National Park Foundation, the official charity of America's national parks, to present National Park Week. This week-long event celebrates our national heritage and parklands.

Check out Places to Celebrate National Park Week in Northern Virginia for tips on where to find a national park in the Northern Virginia area.

National Park Week kicks off with a fee-free entrance day at all parks plus special programs. There are event themes for every day of the week, including Earth Day celebrations on April 22. This is also a great time to volunteer at a park.

City of Fairfax Fishing Derby, Fairfax, Apr 16

Enjoy a morning of fishing at Ashby Pond Conservatory, which will be stocked with hundreds of trout. Bring a fishing rod, bucket, plastic bag, and ice; bait will be supplied. Volunteers will offer instruction, pond education, and fish cleaning demonstrations. Three sessions at 9:30, 10:15, and 11:00, $5 registration required.

Historic Homes & Garden Week, Apr 23 – 30

The 89th Annual Historic Homes & Garden week features self-guided tours of gorgeous garden installations at private homes and public properties. For example, the 2022 Alexandria tour includes entry to 5 private homes and gardens and 6 public properties. Purchase tickets online and see the complete tour guide here.

  • Alexandria Historic Homes & Garden Tour, Apr 23, $55 includes admission to George Washington’s Mount Vernon.

  • Winchester Historic Homes & Garden Tour, Apr 23, $30

  • Fairfax Historic Homes & Garden Tour, Apr 26, $40, 2 sessions

  • Leesburg Historic Homes & Garden Tour, Apr 24-25, $40

Arlington Festival of the Arts, Clarendon, Apr 23 – 24

The Arlington Festival of the Arts returns to Clarendon for its 8th year. Shop for US-made art in a variety of mediums. Free admission, 10:00 – 5:00 daily.

Apple Blossom Festival, Winchester, Apr 22 – May 1

Winchester is full of spring fun at the 95th annual Apple Blossom Festival. 2022 festival events include golf and tennis tournaments, a family festival, and more. Tickets are required and space is limited so follow the link for details. Extend your fun with an overnight getaway to Winchester VA.

ValeArts Spring Show, Oakton, Apr 22 – 24

A neighborhood event for more than 20 years, the ValeArts Spring Show returns to an in-person event in 2022. Head to the Historic Vale School House to view and shop beautiful artworks. Free, 10:00 – 6:00.

Leesburg Flower and Garden Festival, Leesburg, Apr 23 – 24

Historic Leesburg will be in full bloom as lush landscapes and gorgeous gardens fill the streets. Over 150 vendors will be on display featuring landscape designs, plants, flowers, and more. Food, music, children’s activities, and a beer garden add to the fun during this two-day event. Free; Saturday 10:00 – 6:00; Sunday 10:00 – 5:00.

Historic Plant Sale, Mount Vernon, Apr 23 – 24

Purchase the same historic plants grown at George Washington's Mount Vernon for your own garden. The sale is in the overflow parking lot, so you don't have to pay admission or enter the property. But we highly recommend it! Spring is a wonderful time to see Mount Vernon's garden in bloom. Free; 9:00 – 3:00.

Mount Vernon garden and greenhouse at George Washington's Virginia home

Earth Day, Multiple Locations, Apr 22

Celebrate Earth Day 2022 at local family-friendly parks. Some parks host special events or you can create your own Earth Day activity. Take a spring hike or visit a Northern Virginia nature trail and bring a bag so you can pick up trash as you explore.

Stargaze at the Udvar-Hazy Center, Centreville, Apr 23

Enjoy a fun and family-friendly night star-gazing at the Smithsonian Air and Space Udvar-Hazy Center. Dress warm and bring a flashlight and join members of the Northern Virginia Astrology Club to explore the night sky. Free; 8:00 – 10:00 pm.

Fairfax History Day at Historic Blenheim, Fairfax, Apr 23

Historic Blenheim Estate hosts an action-packed day of living history spanning the 19th century. Period music, living history encampments and demonstrations, hayrides, tours of the Historic Blenheim House, and more. Admission of $6/$3 adult/youth benefit the restoration of Historic Blenheim; 10:00 – 5:00.

Loudoun Hunt Point to Point Races, Leesburg, Apr 24

Loudoun Hunt Point to Point Races by Middleburg Photo

Take a trip to Loudoun’s famed horse country to experience the thrill of racing during the Loudoun Hunt Point to Point Races at Morven Park. The 55th annual Point to Point Races returns to its traditional schedule featuring some of the most challenging timber and hurdle courses in Virginia. General admission tickets are $35/$40 advance/at the gate. Doors open at 10:30 am and races begin at noon. Follow the link for tickets and event schedules.

Britain on the Green, Gunston Hall, Apr 24

Photo courtesy Gunston Hall

The annual Britain on the Green car show returns to Gunston Hall in 2022. Enjoy the driving season with a picnic, a day of British automobiles, and a complimentary tour of the historic house and grounds.

British cars in 25 categories include Triumphs and MGs joined by Austin Healeys, Jaguars, Rolls and Bentleys, Minis, Lotuses, Land Rovers, and cars you’ve probably never seen before, such as Jensen, Riley, and Wolseley. Admission is $10/5 adults/6-18, 10:00 – 4:00.

McLean Chocolate Festival, McLean, Apr 24

The 10th Annual McLean Chocolate Festival is a community and family-friendly event. Vendors sell all things chocolate and there are chocolate-related games for children. If you miss the festival, you can still get your fix at these awesome chocolate shops in Northern VA. $2, 11:00 – 5:00.

Walk on the Hill, Vienna, Apr 24

Since 1974, residents of Vienna’s Windover Heights Historic District have opened their yards and gardens in a welcome to spring for the public to enjoy. The annual Walk on the Hill features an afternoon of flowers, gardens, and live entertainment. Free; 2:00 – 5:00.

Theater in the Park, Reston, Apr 29 – May 1

Enjoy a free presentation of Shakespeare's comedy A Midsummer Night's Dream at the new Theater in the Park at Reston Town Center. This family-friendly production is a collaboration between NextStop Theater and Reston Community Center. Free; 7:00 pm.

Revolutionary War Weekend, Mount Vernon, Apr 30 – May 1

George Washington’s Mount Vernon estate hosts one of the largest Revolutionary War encampments of the year when the 12-acre field is transformed into a battleground.  See Continentals, Redcoats, and cannons in action at this family-friendly event, and meet the soldiers and “General Washington.”

Be sure to check out the indoor exhibits, including the interactive Be Washington exhibit and the 4D theater. Activities are included with regular admission; 9:00 – 5:00 daily.

Taste of Vienna, Vienna, Apr 30

The annual Taste of  Vienna returns in 2022. Sample delicious dishes from Vienna area restaurants and enjoy free entertainment and kid-friendly activities. Admission is free and tastings and drinks are available for purchase, benefiting the Vienna Volunteer Fire Department. 11:00 – 8:00.

Purcellville Music and Arts Festival, Purcellville, Apr 30

The annual Purcellville festival features multiple outdoor stages with local entertainment, food, wines, beers, and local farm products. Several artisans and food vendors will be onsite. In addition, local organizations will provide fun activities and demonstrations for all ages. Free; noon – 7:00.

Comment