April 2026
April has arrived, bringing salty ocean breezes and a calendar that’s chock full of fun events. From food festivals and craft markets to beach rodeos and garden tours, this month has something for everyone. Plus, don’t miss out on family-friendly Easter and Earth Week celebrations. Here’s a peek at what’s coming up this April.
Cherry Blossom Festival
March 27–April 3
Celebrate the arrival of spring at the Cherry Blossom Festival at Red Wing Park where vibrant Japanese culture and beautiful pink blossoms will take center stage. Enjoy cultural performances, martial arts demonstrations and fun hands-on kids’ activities, like coloring stations and paint nights. On weekdays, a Japanese garden tour takes place at 11 a.m. for an extra dose of natural beauty.
Virginia Beach Spring Craft Market
April 17–19
If you love handmade treasures, the Virginia Beach Spring Craft Market, held at the Virginia Beach Convention Center, is the place to be. Now in its 40th year, this annual event will showcase more than 150 talented artisans offering everything from ceramic plant pots and glass sculptures to hand-crafted jewelry and wood décor. You’ll also find delicious treats like local honey and gourmet popcorn. Meet the makers, hear their stories and enter for a chance to win some fantastic door prizes.
Crush N’ Run 5K
April 18
Get ready to hit the pavement at the Crush N’ Run 5K, a fun-filled race along the Virginia Beach Boardwalk. Starting in front of Chix on the Beach at 7th Street, runners will make their way up to 30th Street before looping back to finish at 9th Street. Participants earn a cool finisher’s medal and, of course, a refreshing Orange Crush. Now in its ninth year, this event isn’t just about the run — it also supports local charities like Paint Pink and Girls on the Run.
East Coast She-Crab Soup Classic
April 18
Grab a spoon and get ready for countless helpings of she-crab soup, an Atlantic Coast-style bisque that’s heavy on delicious blue crab meat. With a pairing of crunchy oyster crackers, of course. At the East Coast She-Crab Soup Classic at 31st Street Park, restaurants from across the region will be serving up their rich, creamy creations, all vying to take home the title of Best She-Crab Soup. Come hungry — there’s plenty to taste before the sun sets on this competition.
Historic Garden Week Tour
April 22
Celebrate Historic Garden Week by strolling through some of Virginia Beach’s most fragrant and colorful gardens. The Garden Club of Virginia, in partnership with local garden clubs, has curated a series of exclusive garden tours across the state. For one day only, the Virginia Beach Garden Club and the Princess Anne Garden Club will offer self-driving tours of private local gardens, along with a lovely garden market with free samplings up for grabs. There is also a buffet lunch available for an additional $26/person.
Oceanfront Concert Series (Spring Edition)
April 24–25
Though usually a summer event, Virginia Beach is bringing out its beloved Oceanfront Concert Series for Stars, Stripes and Spurs: Virginia Beach Military Appreciation Weekend. Catch country artists Chayce Bekcham (April 24) and Alana Springsteen (April 25) performing live at 24th Street Park. Bring your beach chairs and blankets, grab some snacks from the nearby vendors and settle in for a relaxing night of music under the stars.
Bulls and Barrels Beach Rodeo
April 24–26
Feel the adrenaline at the Bulls and Barrels Beach Rodeo on the beach at 3rd Street, where bull riding and barrel racing meet spectacular ocean views. Cowboys and cowgirls will compete for a $12,000 purse and the coveted “Best of the Beach” buckle, while mini bull riding, rodeo clowns and a boardwalk petting farm add to the family-friendly fun. Tickets sell out quickly, so don’t wait to get yours.
Easter Events
Easter Eggstravaganza at Town Center
April 4
Looking for a fun, free Easter event that’s great for kids? Look no further than the Easter Eggstravaganza at Town Center. Snap photos with the Easter bunny, show off your best moves in the Bunny Hop dance contest and participate in some exhilarating egg hunts (7 years and under only; bring your own basket).
Psych Rabbit Easter Fest with New Realm Brewing Co.
April 4
Psych Rabbit Easter Fest is going all out with Easter-themed fun. From petting zoos to balloon twister to classic egg hunts, you can’t go wrong with a visit to this New Realm Brewing Co. event. Plus, you’ll find delicious fair food and a charming vendor market, too. Most activities are completely free to enjoy, with the exception of the egg hunts.
Easter Egg Hunt & Spring Fling at Hunt Farm
April 4–April 5
Just like for Halloween and Christmas, Hunt Farm goes all out for Easter. You’ll have the classic Easter activities, including egg hunts and Easter bunny meet and greets. But you’ll also get to take a hayride tour of the farm, say hello to some animal friends in the petting zoo and shop at the artisan village — all while a DJ pumps out incredible tunes.
Grand Easter Celebration at the Cavalier Resort
April 5
The Cavalier Resort’s Grand Easter Celebration is an absolute joy. It’s golden Easter egg hunts and picture-perfect photos with the Easter bunny. It’s colorful face painting and captivating balloon animals. And it’s great memories for the whole family.
Earth Week Events
Virginia State Parks Beach Clean Ups
April 17–26
Give back to the planet this Earth Day with Virginia Beach Parks’ scheduled beach clean-ups. False Cape State Park has clean-ups the entire week (April 17–April 26), while First Landing State Park has just one on April 18.
Earth Week Clean Up at Williams Farm Park
April 1
Williams Farm Park is also having an Earth Week clean-up on April 18 from 9:00 a.m. to noon. Before you know it, this family-friendly greenspace will look sparkling new! If you’d like to join, please register with the City of Virginia Beach Parks & Recreation via their website.
Mount Trash Trash Tours
April 19–23, 25
Mount Trashmore is, as its name implies, quite literally made of trash. But believe it or not, this greenified mound of garbage helps to keep the Virginia Beach area cleaner and more sustainable. Still curious? For Earth Week, Virginia Beach Parks & Recreation staff will be hosting tours of Mount Trashmore and telling you all the fun facts behind it. Registration is required.
Earth Daze at The Cardinal
April 21–23
For the first time ever, The Cardinal Restaurant & Bar is hosting the incredible three-day event known as Earth Daze. Each night, a whole host of sustainability-focused vendors will set up shop at the venue. As the cherry on top, the indie-psych-rock band Sqwerv will put on a concert, with tickets selling for just $8 at the door.
Recycle Zone at Mount Trashmore Park
April 25
Looking to get rid of hard-to-dispose items but not sure how? Recycle Zone at Mount Trashmore Park is your opportunity. Accepting everything from electronics and car batteries to paints and prescription drugs, this Earth Week event helps the community dispose of unwanted items in a safe, sustainable way.
Live Performances
Sandler Center for the Performing Arts
Throughout April
The Sandler Center for the Performing Arts has an epic April lineup. Listen to the lovely tunes of John Legend (4/9), get in loads of laughs with Nick Offerman (April 10) or feel absolutely spellbound by the magic of Anastasia: The Musical by Virginia Musical Theatre (April 24–April 26). For a full list of performances, check out the Sandler Center for the Performing Arts’ event page.
The Dome
Through April 13
While there are only a few artists coming to The Dome this April, they’re all more than worth seeing. Check out the likes of Lake Street Drive (April 17), Lamb of God (April 19) and Alice Cooper (April 27). For a full list of performances, see The Dome’s website.
Funny Bone Comedy Club
Throughout April
You can’t go wrong with a night out at Funny Bone Comedy Club, where world-class comedians bring out their best jokes all throughout the year. This April, catch greats like Christopher Titus (April 2), Desi Banks (April 3–4) and T.J. Miller (April 10–11). For a full list of performances, refer to Funny Bone Comedy Club’s event calendar.
Little Theatre of Virginia Beach
March 13–April 15
Enter the rigid world of a 1964 Bronx Catholic school in the Little Theatre of Virginia Beach’s take on the Pulitzer Prize-winning drama Doubt: A Parable. When strict Sister Aloysius suspects progressive Father Flynn of misconduct, tensions rise — bringing issues of religion and morality to the surface. Tickets start at $25.
Zeiders American Dream Theater
Throughout April
The Z Fringe Festival (April 10–April 12) is the highlight of Zeiders American Dream Theater’s April lineup, with locally-produced performance-based works gracing the stage. For a full list of performances, refer to Zeiders American Dream Theater’s event calendar.
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Written by Sarah Etinas
As a full-time freelance travel writer and editor, Sarah Etinas is always on the lookout for her next adventure. With a passion for exploring new destinations, she's covered everything from the vibrant food scene in Hawaii to the stunning outdoor landscapes of Florida. Her work has been featured in renowned publications like TimeOut, TripAdvisor, Thrillist, and Lonely Planet. When she's not writing, Sarah practices what she preaches by hiking to beautiful waterfalls, visiting local markets, and dining on the most unique dishes she can find.
