Spring has sprung, and so have outdoor activities. Bike riding, picnics, gardening and other fun activities such as festivals are going on. Spring festivals are in full bloom, from music festivals to food festivals and the Renaissance fest. April is the time to go out and explore events happening in Virginia.

For history lovers, The Britch in’ Brown Renaissance (Ren) Festival is presented by Stable Craft Brewing on April 13 and 26 from 12:00 am to 6:00 pm on 375 Madrid Road,
Waynesboro, Va. 22980. The Ren Faire is family and leash-dog-friendly, but there will be large crowds. No other animals are permitted without permission. Festival goers are welcome to dress up with peace-tied weapons. If the weapons are not peace-tied, they must be left behind. There is no cost for admission. The Ren fair is the place to watch live performances, combat demos and fire performances with dancing and art. The festival has multiple vendors to buy 1500s-inspired items, from swords to leather notebooks. No outside food or drink is permitted, but food and beverages are provided for purchase by everyone. The Renaissance Festival has many events to watch and is the perfect weekend trip.

For over 20 years, the Virginia Arts Festival has brought different artists together to showcase the best of Va.’s talents and culture. This festival occurs in five cities across Va: Norfolk, Virginia Beach, Williamsburg, Newport News and Portsmouth. Throughout spring the most significant event is the Virginia International Tattoo. This all-American show includes acts from Va. marching bands, drill teams, dancers, choirs and other large-scale performances. In 2016, The Virginia International Tattoo was awarded the Number One Event in all of the United States by the American Bus Association. This year, Tattoo is a celebration for America’s 250th birthday and will be running from April 24 to 27 at 7:30 pm. The Virginia Arts Festival also offers much more. On April 2 and 4, MOMIX: Alice, an Alice in Wonderland-inspired performance, is being shown in multiple locations. Sending the audience down the rabbit hole with the actor’s seamless performance. The cost is more on the pricey end, racing from $25 to $100 depending on where the seat is.

One of the largest and oldest festivals is the annual Apple Blossom Festival in Winchester, Va. “The Bloom” is a 10-day-long carnival event from April 25 to May 4. Entering its 96th year, the festival has grown to include a wine festival, a carnival with midway rides, a golf tournament, apple pie baking contests, a fun run and 10k, the world’s largest firefighter parade and the coronation of the Queen of Shenandoah, among many other events. “The Bloom” is an annual event organized by the Shenandoah Apple Blossom Festival private organization and held in the City of Winchester and Frederick County. Attracting crowds of over 250,000 people. “The Bloom” is the perfect festival for the whole family to enjoy.

For adventurous ones, the Dominion Energy Riverrock is perfect for outdoor activity. It’s a three-day festival located in Richmond, Va., from May 16 to 18. With live sports and music from Va. vendors will be held at Brown’s Island. The event brings together athletes, spectators, performers and even dogs to experience many outdoor activities. Kayaking, rock climbing, bouldering, trail running, cycling, slacklining and stand-up paddleboarding are all on the agenda for these three fun days. Participants can sign up their dogs for the dog jumping contest! RiverRock has many options for outdoor adventure, such as the James River, the surrounding trail network and numerous parks. To discover Richmond’s outdoor scene, visit Dominion Energy Riverrock!