Spring is in the air and that means it’s time for some festivities. Better yet, it’s time for the festivals. You might say that spring is the season that ushers in all of the fairs, parades, markets, and shows that celebrate everything we love in Virginia. Prepare yourself for the finest in food, art, film, flowers, dancing, music, drinks, and so much more. The following events, listed by date, will make your spring in Virginia even sweeter. And perhaps a little quirkier.
- St. Patrick’s Day Parade and Shamrock Festival
St. Patrick’s Day Parade and Shamrock Festival/Facebook Need plans for St. Patrick’s Day? Look no further than Roanoke, where Celtic celebration awaits. Admission is free and there will be plenty of entertainment for kids and adults alike. Date: March 12th.
St. Patrick’s Day Parade and Shamrock Festival/Facebook
- Highland County Maple Festival
Highland County/Facebook Highland County has been deemed “Virginia’s Sweet Spot” for good reason. The Maple Festival in Monterey showcases the process of cultivating maple syrup and all of its delicious byproducts. The festival also includes an arts and crafts show as well as the crowning of the Maple Queen. Dates: March 12-13, March 19-20.
Highland County VA/Facebook These maple glazed doughnuts are the real deal.
- French Film Festival
Bill Dickinson/flickr For 24 years, Richmond has hosted the French Film Festival at the Byrd Theatre. All films have English subtitles and there are interactive Q&A sessions afterwards. Dates: March 31st - April 3rd.
- Gloucester’s Daffodil Festival
Tony Alter/flickr Nothing says springtime in Virginia like these beautiful yellow blooms. The festival includes a parade featuring the Daffodil Queen. You can even place your order here for our own genuine Gloucester daffodil bulbs. The festival is held in the Historic Court Circle. Dates: April 2nd - April 3rd.
Gloucester Daffodil FestivalFacebook
- Pirate Fest
Fairfax County Park Authority/Facebook Pirate Fest at Lake Fairfax is a celebration of Virginia’s seafaring past. You’ll experience the pirate life complete with boat rides, a pirate feast, and traditional sea chanteys. Date: April 16.
- Shenandoah Apple Blossom Festival
Shenandoah Apple Blossom Festival/Facebook This is one of the largest and oldest festivals in the state. The Apple Blossom festival has been around for nearly 90 years and includes an apple pie baking contest, wine festival, golf contest, parade, and the coronation of Queen Shenandoah. Dates: April 22 - May 1.
- Rocktown Beer and Music Festival
Justin Bramley/flickr Nearly 3,000 flock to downtown Harrisonburg every year for this event. Essentially, Rocktown Fest is a celebration of good beer, good music, and good times. There are more than 60 beers to sample and the music is top-notch Americana or folk bands. Be sure to get tickets in advance since this festival is known to sell out! Date: April 30.
- Chincoteague Seafood Festival
brownpau/flickr If you’ve got a hankering for fresh seafood, this festival will have your name written all over it. Live beach music sets a relaxing tone as you enjoy the Little Neck Clams that the festival has been serving for 47 years. Date: May 7th.
Chincoteague Chamber
- Spring Wine Festival & Sunset Tour
Spring Wine Festival & Sunset Tour Is there any place more fitting to celebrate the history of Virginia’s fine wine than in George Washington’s home? Complete with live jazz, cheese samplings, and guided tours, this festival is classy and unique. George and Martha themselves are also said to make a special appearance. Dates: May 13 - May 15.
Spring Wine Festival & Sunset Tour
- Famous Fried Chicken Festival
Wikipedia If any place were to host a fried chicken festival, it would have to be “the “chicken leg of the universe,” right?Gordonsville has proudly lived up to its nickname and every spring brings together the best of local wineries, artisans and, of course, friend chicken. Back in the 19th century, women of Gordonsville used to welcome train passengers with platters of fried chicken. You can enjoy this same flavorful hospitality by attending the festival. Date: May 21.
- Rooster Walk
Rooster Walk/Facebook Rooster Walk Music and Arts Festival is a multi-day experience that takes place over Memorial Day weekend. This event is held in Martinsville and includes delicious food, activities for children, and arts & crafts in addition to a lineup of 35 bands. Dates: May 26 - 29.
It’s time to mark your calendars and make sure you get your tickets now! What are your favorite spring times festivals in Virginia?
St. Patrick’s Day Parade and Shamrock Festival/Facebook
Need plans for St. Patrick’s Day? Look no further than Roanoke, where Celtic celebration awaits. Admission is free and there will be plenty of entertainment for kids and adults alike. Date: March 12th.
Highland County/Facebook
Highland County has been deemed “Virginia’s Sweet Spot” for good reason. The Maple Festival in Monterey showcases the process of cultivating maple syrup and all of its delicious byproducts. The festival also includes an arts and crafts show as well as the crowning of the Maple Queen. Dates: March 12-13, March 19-20.
Highland County VA/Facebook
These maple glazed doughnuts are the real deal.
Bill Dickinson/flickr
For 24 years, Richmond has hosted the French Film Festival at the Byrd Theatre. All films have English subtitles and there are interactive Q&A sessions afterwards. Dates: March 31st - April 3rd.
Tony Alter/flickr
Nothing says springtime in Virginia like these beautiful yellow blooms. The festival includes a parade featuring the Daffodil Queen. You can even place your order here for our own genuine Gloucester daffodil bulbs. The festival is held in the Historic Court Circle. Dates: April 2nd - April 3rd.
Gloucester Daffodil FestivalFacebook
Fairfax County Park Authority/Facebook
Pirate Fest at Lake Fairfax is a celebration of Virginia’s seafaring past. You’ll experience the pirate life complete with boat rides, a pirate feast, and traditional sea chanteys. Date: April 16.
Shenandoah Apple Blossom Festival/Facebook
This is one of the largest and oldest festivals in the state. The Apple Blossom festival has been around for nearly 90 years and includes an apple pie baking contest, wine festival, golf contest, parade, and the coronation of Queen Shenandoah. Dates: April 22 - May 1.
Justin Bramley/flickr
Nearly 3,000 flock to downtown Harrisonburg every year for this event. Essentially, Rocktown Fest is a celebration of good beer, good music, and good times. There are more than 60 beers to sample and the music is top-notch Americana or folk bands. Be sure to get tickets in advance since this festival is known to sell out! Date: April 30.
brownpau/flickr
If you’ve got a hankering for fresh seafood, this festival will have your name written all over it. Live beach music sets a relaxing tone as you enjoy the Little Neck Clams that the festival has been serving for 47 years. Date: May 7th.
Chincoteague Chamber
Spring Wine Festival & Sunset Tour
Is there any place more fitting to celebrate the history of Virginia’s fine wine than in George Washington’s home? Complete with live jazz, cheese samplings, and guided tours, this festival is classy and unique. George and Martha themselves are also said to make a special appearance. Dates: May 13 - May 15.
Wikipedia
If any place were to host a fried chicken festival, it would have to be “the “chicken leg of the universe,” right?Gordonsville has proudly lived up to its nickname and every spring brings together the best of local wineries, artisans and, of course, friend chicken. Back in the 19th century, women of Gordonsville used to welcome train passengers with platters of fried chicken. You can enjoy this same flavorful hospitality by attending the festival. Date: May 21.
Rooster Walk/Facebook
Rooster Walk Music and Arts Festival is a multi-day experience that takes place over Memorial Day weekend. This event is held in Martinsville and includes delicious food, activities for children, and arts & crafts in addition to a lineup of 35 bands. Dates: May 26 - 29.
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