Goodbye winter, hello spring! It’s finally time to defrost and enjoy the fresh new season. From incredible local art, to enjoying a ball game with your pup, celebrate springtime blossoms and warmer weather with these exciting festivals and events:
Taste of the Beach: Outer Banks Restaurant Association, APRIL 12TH-14th
Outer Banks, North Carolina
- Join the Outer Banks Restaurant Association for three glorious days of culinary bliss and endless fun activities amidst the breathtaking backdrop of the Outer Banks. This is your chance to explore, connect, and savor the very best of OBX’s vibrant food scene. Prepare to be captivated by a diverse range of delights, from indulgent wine tastings to immersive cooking classes, from exquisite multi-course menu presentations to enlightening brewery tours. Don’t miss out on the chance to ignite your passion for food and wine at the Outer Banks Taste of The Beach event – an experience that will leave you craving more!
Lost Colony Wine & Culinary Festival: Waterside Theatre, APRIL 13TH @ 2:00 PM
1409 National Park Drive, Manteo, NC 27954
- Ten of the Outer Banks’ favorite restaurants and best chefs will be serving their specialties, complementing the body and aromas of the wines poured and craft beers featured. Admission includes wine tasting, craft beers, local fare by ten restaurants, silent auction, regional art show and live music. In the breezeway of the Waterside Theatre, the Beer Garden showcases local Outer Banks breweries, some beers ONLY found on the Outer Banks. With beer or wine in hand, stroll behind The Lost Colony’s historic Waterside Theatre Stage and take in the amazing views across the sound to Jockey’s Ridge sand dunes and the Wright Brothers Memorial. Great music will further engage your soul while you bid on fabulous items in the Silent Auction, all proceeds benefit The Lost Colony production.
Bulls & Barrels Beach Rodeo: VB Oceanfront, APRIL 13TH & 14th @ 3:00 PM
3rd Street (on the beach), Virginia Beach, VA 23451
- Crowned “Best New Outdoor Event” by the Southern Extreme Bull Riding Association in 2023, the pulse-pounding action of the Bulls and Barrels Beach Rodeo is returning to the Virginia Beach Oceanfront! Be there as some of the country’s best bull riders and barrel racers compete on the sand, vying for a $12,000 prize and the coveted “Best of the Beach” buckle. In addition to thrilling bull riding and barrel racing action, this family-friendly extravaganza features mini bull riding, entertaining rodeo clowns, and much more.
Bark in the Park- Norfolk Tides: Harbor Park Stadium, APRIL 14th @ 1:05 PM
150 Park Ave, Norfolk, VA 23510
- Enjoy an afternoon of Norfolk Tides baseball with your dog! Dog tickets are just $5 with all dog ticket proceeds going to Fetch-A-Cure! The first 500 fans entering the third base gate with their dog will receive a rope flyer dog toy courtesy of Pet Suites of America.
Chesapeake Spring Art Festival: Chesapeake City Park, APRIL 20TH & 21ST @ 11:00 AM
900 City Park Drive, Chesapeake, VA 23320
- Experience the vibrant heart of Chesapeake at the Spring Art Festival, where over 150 artists bring the city to life with their creativity. Voted 6th in the Nation by artists in Sunshine Artist Magazine in 2023, this show is one not to be missed! Discover the magic of glass blowing, woodturning, and more. Join in for an unforgettable celebration of art, craft beer, and fine wines, all set against the backdrop of Chesapeake’s beautiful spring scenery. Don’t miss the premier art, beer, and food festival that’s perfect for families and art lovers alike.
Earth and Wine Festival: Hampton Roads Winery, APRIL 20TH @ 12:00 PM
6047 New Design Road, Elberon, VA 23846
- Join Hampton Roads Winery for their 2nd Annual Earth and Wine event! They will have music, unique vendors, plants, food and more! This event coincides with their local Surry County Community Clean Up event. Clean up in the morning and stay for the fun!
2024 Earth Day Celebration: Mount Trashmore, APRIL 20TH @ 11:00 AM
300 Edwin Drive, Virginia Beach, VA 23462
- Show your love for planet Earth by celebrating with Virginia Beach Parks & Rec! Stop by Mount Trashmore for a fun-filled day full of exhibitors and vendors. Food trucks will be present, and there will be educational talks, hands-on experiences, and informational displays all centered around the environment.
Atlantic Coast Kite Festival: VB Oceanfront, MAY 4TH & 5TH @ 10:00 AM
17th Street (on the beach), Virginia Beach, VA 23451
- Take part in the “Best Kite Contest,” where all are welcome to showcase their creativity and flying prowess. Contestants can enter with either self-made or purchased kites, with judging based on the kite’s appearance, construction quality, and the participant’s ability to keep it airborne for five consecutive minutes at a height of 100 feet. Judging criteria encompass flight, structural design, craftsmanship, and visual appeal, with competitive divisions for Master, Novice, and Youth (ages 7-14), each earning trophies. This event is free and open to the public!
So take a break from your spring cleaning (I won’t judge), and don’t forget to find time to enjoy yourself and these fun events this season! I hope you and your loved ones have a very happy April!
