CALENDAR OF EVENTS:
April 1–Strasburg.
4th Annual “Vintage in the Valley” Festival at various places. There will be over 100+ vendors of vintage goods, antiques, handmade crafts and artisans of all creative walks of life. Visit the Square to pick up your event map, carriage rides will be offered, so you can see how big the event spans. A vintage car show, bouncy house, music and more. Also don’t miss out of the best coffee at Nancy’s Coffee Shop, next door to Box office Brewery. Proceeds benefit the Shenandoah Alliance for Shelter. Contact Olivia Hilton at ohilton@strasburgva.com or call 540-465-9197.
April 1–New Market.
Easter Egg Hunt at the Community Park starting 9:30am. There will be the Easter Bunny, lots of eggs filled with goodies to find, and also you can take home crafts too (while supplies last). Bring your own basket for collecting eggs. This event is for ages 1-12. 540-740-3432.
April 1–Lexington.
The Annual Bull and Oyster Festival from 1-5pm at the Virginia Horse Center. Featuring oysters, BBQ, live music, fun and more. All proceeds will benefit the Rockbridge Area Health Center. Admission includes food, live entertainment and beverage ticket. All ages are welcome, but no pets allowed except service dogs. For tickets call 540-464-8700.
April 1–Staunton.
Annual Egg Hunt and Eggstravaganza Festival at the Montgomery Hall Park Soccer Complex. This event is complete with moon bounce, old-fashioned egg coloring, refreshments, arts/crafts activities, face painting and some surprise entertainers. Bring your own basket for this free event. Egg Hunt Ages/Times: 2-3 years: 10am; 4-5 years: 10:30am; 6-7 years: 11am; 8-10 years: 11:30am. For more information call 540-332-3945.
April 1–Stephens City.
Join us for our Annual "Trails 4 Miles Race for Autism”. This race is a combination four mile race through the paved paths and wooded trails of Sherando Park, 255 Lakeview Circle. All proceeds from the race benefit the "I’m Just Me Movement" and The Arc of the Northern Shenandoah Valley. We also offer a one mile walk/run on the paved paths of Sherando Park for those participants who want to support Autism, but aren’t comfortable running four miles. All participants will be awarded a race medal at the finish line to commemorate their accomplishment at the Trails 4 Miles Race for Autism. fcva.us/departments/parks-recreation/special-events or 540-665-5678.
April 1–Staunton.
Join the Frontier Culture Museum for our first ever “Fiber Festival, from 9am-5pm. We will be welcoming fiber artist, demonstrators and a variety of vendors from across the state to recognize one of many facets of the Museum. 540-332-7850.
April 1-2–Fishersville.
Showmasters Gun Show will be held at the Augusta Expo Center. Items that can be found include, but are not limited to: a variety of guns, antique firearms, knives, ammo, militaria, accessories, holsters and swords. Admission fee $10.00 and children under 12 are free. 540-951-2344.
April 3–Luray.
Fantastic Family Fun: Easter Egg Hunt at Page Public Library, 100 Zerkel Street, starting 10am. Children of all ages and their caregivers will enjoy stories songs, crafts that encourage early literacy skill development and then a Easter Egg Hunt at Inn Lawn Park across the street from the Page Public Library. If there is bad weather, then the Easter Egg Hunt will be inside. 540-434-4475 ext. 137.
April 6, 8, 21–Waynesboro.
The Wayne Theatre presents: Salvation Army Annual Benefit Concert. Pay What You Will, 7pm on the 6th; “One Night of Queen” concert, featuring Gary Mullen and The Works at 8pm on the 8th; John McCutcheon at 7:30pm on the 21st. For tickets visit www.waynetheatre.org or call 540-943-9999.
April 7–Winchester.
The Orchid Show and Sale will be held at the Museum of the Shenandoah Valley, starting 10am. See a display of prize-winning orchids, browse orchids available for purchase and learn about growing orchids from the experts. Free admission to the Show and Sale. Museum admission applies. Mask required. 540-662-1473 ext. 210.
April 7-9–Natural Bridge.
Hop on down to Jellystone Park, as we celebrate this Easter weekend. Be sure to participate in our Annual Easter Egg Hunt. Make sure you keep an eye out for the Easter Bunny riding around with the Bears. For details call 248-208-2500.
April 7-30–Lexington.
The Virginia Horse Center, 487 Maury River Road will host these events: Great American Ranch & Trail Horse Sale on the 7th-8th; Horse Trials and XC Schooling on the 8th-9th; Blue Ridge Arabian Classic on the 13th-15th; Lexington Police 5K Race on the 15th; UPHA Chapter 18 Old Dominion Classic on the 21st-22nd; Intercollegiate Dressage Assoc. Nat’l. Championship on the 20th-23rd and the Lexington Spring Premier AA HJ on the 26th-30th. 540-463-2194 or visit: vahorsecenter.org/events/month/2023-04/.
April 8–Shenandoah.
Community Easter Egg Hunt at the Shen-andoah Community Library, 418 S. Third Street, from noon-1pm. Light refreshments will be provided. Please bring your own basket/bag. Free event. 540-652-8164.
April 8–Clear Brook.
The Renegade Monster Truck Tour will be held at the Stonewall Ruritan Grounds, 155 Fairground Road. The event features over 2 hours of pure adrenaline-fueled excitement for all ages. Tickets $12.00. 540-667-0740 or 717-669-3968.
April 13–Harrisonburg.
“Dogs 2 Read 2” will be held at the Central Library, from 4:30-5:30pm. Dogs are wonderful listeners and love to hear stories being told to them. Dogs 2 Read 2 is a great chance for kids in grades K-5 to practice their reading skills with Gus, a Shepherd mix. All Dogs 2 Read 2 pups are trained and certified through the Alliance of Therapy Dogs. 540-434-4475 ext.108.
April 14–Grottoes.
Explore the unique geological offerings of Grand Caverns at our “Geology Specialty” tour, with the Assistant Professor of Geology and Environmental Science at JMU, Dr. Ángel A. Garcia Jr. In this tour you’ll walk away with a whole new appreciation of what makes Grand Caverns a globally unique cave. 540-249-5705.
April 15–Dayton.
Visit the Historic Town of Dayton during the Annual Redbud Arts & Crafts Festival, 10am-4pm. Festivities include: 100+ handmade arts, crafts & food vendors, free redbud sapling giveaway, horse drawn carriage rides, pony rides, antique car cruise in, ducky races, live music and a beer garden. www.daytonva.us/community/pages/redbud-arts-crafts-festival or 540-879-2241.
April 15–Swoope.
Join North Mountain Outfitter for a fun filled day as we saddle up and take you into some of the best back country North Mountain Outfitter can offer. This will be an all day outing showing you the ultimate experience of the cowboy way. This ride has the scenery, water crossing and wild life to take in. Included is a campfire style lunch done in the great outdoors. We’re limiting the number of riders on this trip giving you the best possible experience, while allowing you an opportunity to enjoy the freedom. To register 540-886-7768 or northmtnoutfitter.com/cowboy-way-pack-in/.
April 15-22–Statewide.
Historic Garden Week, provides visitors a unique opportunity to see unforgettable gardens at the peak of springtime color, as well as beautiful houses and historic landmarks. Check with your local Chamber of Commerce for events in your area or 1-804-644-7776 Ext. 21.
April 15, 29–Harrisonburg.
X2 Comedy Series will be performing at Court Square Theater on the 15th and on the 29th at Restless Moons Brewing. Join us for your wellness break and have some hearty belly laughs. X2 Comedy provides high quality clean comedy, PG-13 shows. Come to a show or book us to bring the show to you. For Details call 540-560-3356 or visit: www.x2comedy .com.
April 16–McGaheysville.
Join us for our Spring Market at Brix & Columns Vineyards, 1501 Dave Berrt Road, 12-5pm, where you can celebrate with excellent shopping choices from local artisans. Call 540-810-0566 or visit www.brixandcolumns.com/events/.
April 19–Harrisonburg.
The 6th Annual “Great Community Give” is from Sunrise (6:30am) to sunset (8pm). This is a fundraiser for Harrisonburg and Rockingham County nonprofit organizations. 540-432-3863.
April 21-23–Waynesboro.
Join America’s most celebrated living artist, P. Buckley Moss at the Barn Show and Gallery Open House, at 329 West Main Street. A new print “Peace Within” will be released. All artwork purchased from the gallery during this weekend can be signed and personalized. In addition, you may also bring up to two previously purchased Moss prints or paintings to the Barn for personalization. For details: 540-949-6473 or www.pbuckleymoss.com/barn.html.
April 22–Harrisonburg.
Rocktown Beer and Music Festival will be held at the Turner Pavillion starting at 3pm. Music by Sean K. Preston with the Loaded Pistols, Free Union, and Chupacabras. We will have 60+ beers to sample and more. Everyone will find something to get excited about. For details 540-435-6891 or www.rocktownfestival.com.
April 22–Staunton.
Celebrate Earth Day at the Gypsy Hill Park’s bandstand, from 11am-3pm. Enjoy kid-oriented activities, live native wildlife shows, live beehive, face painting, native plant sale, and more. Food on site. Bring a refillable water bottle. Admission is free. In the event of rain, Earth Day Staunton will be in the Gypsy Hill Park Gym. 540-332-3945 or earthdaystaunton.org.
April 22-30–National Parks.
All National Park Service sites that charge an entrance fee will offer free admission to everyone on the 22nd. There are also special events during the week to explore amazing places, discover stories of history and culture. 540-999-3500.
April 23–Winchester.
"Tablescapes" presented by Wheels for Wellness, Millwood Station Events Center, 252 Costello Drive, 2-5pm. Tablescapes is an elegant afternoon showcase of fine dining and entertaining ideas; beautifully decorated dining tables, children’s tables, displays, demonstrations, silent auction, raffle, door prizes, music, refreshments and more. Tablescapes is our signature fundraising event, 2023 marks our 7th annual event. Tickets are $25.00 in advance; $30 at the door. Tickets and information can be found on our website at www.Wheels4Wellness.org/Tablescapes-2023.
April 27-Harrisonburg.
Join us for a “Virtual” event, where you will hear from a panel of JMU students and the community members who created the Harrisonburg 360 Podcast, which elevates the stories and needs of immigrants living in the Shenandoah Valley. Questions? Contact libraries@jmu.edu or 540-568-6150.
April 28–Grottoes.
Join us at Grand Caverns Park, 6:30pm, for the 23rd running of our certified 5K and the 1-mile Fun Run/Walk offering courses suitable for all runners. Our 5K course is fast and flat. The 1-Miler stays within the picturesque park and goes along the fitness trail. A free “Celebrate Health” expo is planned for the community at the park in the afternoon. For details call 540-249-5896 or visit www.facebook.com/events/2210919915781642/?ref=newsfeed.
April 28-30–Waynesboro.
The Wayne Theatre presents “Little Shop of Horrors.” Live Performance at 7pm and at 2pm on the 30th. For tickets call the box office at 540-943-9999 or visit www.waynetheatre.org.
April 28-May 7–Winchester.
96th Annual Shenandoah Apple Blossom Festival at various places. Over 40 events including parade, wine fest, carnival, various tournaments and so much more. Visit www.thebloom.com for complete details or call 540-662-3863.
April 29–Waynesboro.
The “Park to Park” race at 7am will have shuttles that begin at 5:30am and the last shuttle leaves at 6:30am, from Ridgeview Park the (finish line location), to Stuarts Draft Park (start line location at 7am). Runners enjoy fully stocked aid stations and a post-race party at the end. A portion of the proceeds will go to Therapeutic Adventures, Inc. based in Charlottesville. 540-942-6735 or www.runthevalley.com/.
April 29–Waynesboro.
“Year of the River Otter” is the theme for “Riverfest” starting at 10am. This free event takes place river-side at Constitution Park South. Activities are reptile world shows, stream safari, presentations by the Wildlife Center of Virginia, fish/fun rodeo, canoe rides, stream electro-fishing with DGIF. The day is capped off by the great South River duck race around 4pm. Riverfest is held rain or shine and no pets allowed. 540-942-6735 or /riverfestwaynesboro.org.
April 29–Front Royal.
“Ride With Rotary” bike event, 8am-3pm. Rockland Park, 250 Rockland Park Way. By Rotary Club of Warren County. Details at www.discoverfrontroyal.com/front-royal-events-calendar.html.