April Events in Northern Virginia and Festivals Near DC

Updated on February 27, 2026 by Julie McCool

2026 April events in Northern Virginia include a bevy of spring festivals, Easter egg hunts, art fests, car shows, spring blooms, volunteer opportunities, 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.

Our list of fun things to do this weekend in Northern VA includes Fairfax County, Loudoun County, Prince William County, Alexandria, Arlington, and other area towns. Festivals and events are listed in order of start date, with multi-day events generally listed first.

Follow the event site links for registration details, cancelations, and other updates.

Cherry Blossom Events, DC MD VA, Mar 20 – Apr 13

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.

The 2026 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 for everyone to see.

Signature April events include the Petalpalooza fireworks show on April 4 and the Cherry Blossom Festival Parade on April 11. In addition, Mosaic District hosts Art Blooms April 11-12.

And 2 to 3 weeks past the Tidal Basin peak, check out these 5 Places Near DC for Beautiful Late-Blooming Cherry Trees.

Easter Egg Hunts, Multiple Locations

Find the best Easter egg hunts in Northern Virginia including hunts for the littlest tots, flashlight hunts for teens, and family-friendly scavenger hunts at historic sites. Easter is on April 5 in 2026, but egg hunts and photos with the Easter Bunny start earlier. Plan ahead because many popular events sell out.

Spring Break, Mar 30-Apr 3

Kids out of school? Our guide to Fun Spring Break Outings in Northern Virginia is packed with local, mostly free, activities for all ages that don’t require a lot of pre-planning.

National Walking Day, Apr 2

Get out and explore a local trail on National Walking Day. Check our guide to the 21 Best Hikes in Northern Virginia for everything from an easy stroll to a more challenging climb.

Festival of Spring, Burnside Farms, Nokesville, Apr ?

Holland comes to Virginia when Northern Virginia’s Burnside Farms hosts one of the largest pick-your-own flower events in North America. Stroll through almost 8 acres of spring flowers, including masses of tulips and other blossoms.

The festival begins during the first week of April when nearly one million spring flowers begin to bloom. The blooms should last 15-30 days depending on spring weather. Tickets are limited and must be purchased online.

Art Blooms at Mosaic, Mosaic District, Apr 11-12

Celebrate spring and the cherry blossoms with a two-day festival at Mosaic District. Enjoy family-friendly entertainment, craft and farmer’s markets, 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 near streams in early to mid-April and they don’t last long. See bluebells in bloom with our guides:

• Beautiful Virginia Bluebell Trail Hike in Northern VA
• Potomac Hike: Bluebells and Sycamores at Riverbend Park
• Spring Wildflowers and Where to Find Them in Northern Virginia
• 15 Best Nature Trails in Northern Virginia for Wildflowers and Wildlife

Bluebells at the Bend, Riverbend Park, Great Falls, Apr 11

Celebrate Virginia bluebells at one of the most popular spring festivals in Northern Virginia. Enjoy family-friendly activities, live music, food trucks, and more. The event begins at 10:00 and tickets are $10/$15 advance/at the door.

Spring Garden Market, River Farm, Alexandria, Apr 10-11

Explore the beautiful gardens at River Farm and shop for plants, garden tools, books, and more during the Spring Garden Market. This signature fundraiser also includes family-friendly activities, food vendors, artists, and experts. $20 parking per car; $5 walk-in; 9:00 – 3:00.

Tulip Day at Hope Flower Farm and Winery, Waterford, Apr 11-12

Celebrate a bounty of spring tulips plus live music and kid-friendly activities at Hope Flower Farm in historic Waterford. Free admission; 11:00 – 6:00.

National Park Week, Multiple Locations, Apr ?

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. This is also a great time to volunteer at a park.

Arbor Day Celebration, Falls Church, Apr ?

Join in planting new trees and celebrate Falls Church designation as a “Tree City USA.” Pick up a free tree sapling to plant at home or in Cherry Hill Park. Free, 9:00-noon.

Historic Garden Week, Apr 18-25

The 93rd annual Historic Garden Week features self-guided tours of gorgeous garden installations at private homes and public properties. The 2026 Old Town Alexandria tour (Apr 18, $55) includes entry to several private homes and gardens plus public properties in Old Town.

Leesburg Flower and Garden Festival, Leesburg, Apr 18-19

See historic Leesburg in full bloom as lush landscapes and gorgeous gardens fill the streets. Explore over 150 vendors, plus enjoy food, music, children’s activities, and more. Be sure to visit the beautiful gardens at historic Dodona Manor too. Free; Saturday 10:00 – 6:00; Sunday 10:00 – 5:00.

Celebrate Reston, Lake Anne, Reston, Apr 18

Celebrate the anniversary of Reston’s founding with a fun day of music and activities at beautiful Lake Anne in Reston. This annual festival (formerly called Founder’s Day) honors the town’s founder, Robert E. Simon. Free; 11:00 – 4:00.

Astronomy for Everyone, Sky Meadows, Apr 18

Celebrate Dark Sky Week at Sky Meadows State Park, one of 4 Virginia State Parks to earn the Dark Sky certification. The event includes a Junior Rangers program, a presentation by NASA JPL Ambassadors, and telescopes for star-gazing. Parking fees apply, 8:00 – 11:00 pm.

Loudoun Hunt Point to Point Races, Leesburg, Apr 19

At the 56th annual Loudoun Point to Point Races at Morven Park, horses take on some of the most challenging timber and hurdle courses in Virginia. General admission tickets are $40. Doors open at 10:30 am and races begin at noon.

Earth Day, Multiple Locations, Apr 22

Celebrate Earth Day 2026 at local family-friendly parks. Some parks host special events or you can create your own Earth Day activity. For example, Virginia State Parks like Mason Neck, Leesylvania, and Sky Meadows host special earth and family-friendly activities.

Or plan your own spring hike or visit a Northern Virginia nature trail and bring a bag so you can pick up trash as you explore.

Apple Blossom Festival, Winchester, Apr 24-May 3

Winchester is full of spring fun at the 99th annual Apple Blossom Festival. 2026 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 24-26

A neighborhood event for more than 20 years, head to the Historic Vale School House to view and shop beautiful artworks. Free, 10:00 – 6:00.

LoCo Wine Festival, Hartland Apr 25-26

Enjoy wine tastings from 10 fantastic local wineries plus food, music, and an artisans market. Tasting tickets are $45, noon-5:00 daily.

Stargazing at the Udvar-Hazy Center, Centreville, Apr 25

Gather at the Smithsonian Air and Space Udvar-Hazy Center to view planets and other objects in the night sky. Free, 8:00-10:00 pm.

Earth Day Festival, Centreville, Apr 25

Fairfax County’s Earth Day Festival returns to Sully Historic Site. Celebrate a healthy planet with games, activities, live music, craft beer, food, and more. Admission is $10 per vehicle and advance registration is not required. 10:00 – 4:00.

Arlington Festival of the Arts, Clarendon, Apr 25

Shop for US-made art in a variety of mediums including glass, mixed media, paintings, jewelry, and pottery. Free admission; 10:00 – 5:00.

Historic Plant Sale, Mount Vernon, Apr ?

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; noon – 3:00.

Taste of Vienna, Vienna, Apr 25

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 25

Enjoy multiple outdoor stages with local entertainment, food, wines, beer, local farm products, artisans, and fun activities and demonstrations for all ages. Plan your visit: 8 Great Things to Do in Purcellville Virginia. Free; noon – 7:00.

American Battlefield Trust Park Day, Multiple Locations, Apr 25

Join in preservation efforts to help maintain Civil and Revolutionary War battlefields and historic sites. For example, volunteers at Balls Bluff will help with trail maintenance, cleanup, and more. Follow the link to find Virginia and DC region events.

Gnarly Culpeper Blocky Party, Culpeper Apr 25

Sample some of the best craft beer in the Northern Virginia area at the 11th annual Gnarly Culpeper Block Party and Beer Fest. Downtown Culpeper, one of our favorite small towns, celebrates with live music, kids activities, local shops and food, and of course, lots of great beer.

Community Yard Sale, Reston, Apr 25

Shop for treasures from more than 80 community members at the annual Reston Yard Sale. The 2026 yard sale is held at 12010 Sunrise Valley Drive (near Wegmans). Free admission; 8:30 – 1:00

Britain on the Green, Gunston Hall, Apr 26

The annual Britain on the Green car show at Gunston Hall features a day of British automobiles and a complimentary tour of the historic house and grounds. Admission is $10/5 adults/5-18, 9:30 – 3:00.

Walk on the Hill, Vienna, Apr 26

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.

Upcoming May Events

Plan another month of spring fun with our guide to May Events and Festivals in Northern Virginia. For example, 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 for the family-friendly Revolutionary War Weekend.

More Northern Virginia Spring Activities

We love to celebrate spring in Northern Virginia. April is a beautiful month for wildflower hikes, garden visits, picnics, and other outdoor activities. Plan a whole month of fun with our guides to spring events and activities.

Plan a local getaway! Find beautiful and unique places to stay in and near Northern Virginia with our guides:

• 17 Amazing Northern Virginia Airbnb and Vacation Rentals
• 17 Fantastic Northern Virginia Wine Country Vacation Rentals
• 21 Fantastic Weekend Getaways In and Near Northern Virginia
• 22 Fabulous Romantic Getaways from Washington DC

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