April Festivals

The flowers are itching to bloom and so are the festivals.

April 25, 2014; 7:04 AM • by Nathan Cushing

The Bizarre Bazaar 22nd Spring Market

The Bizarre Bazaar (or BizBaz for those in the know) is the BIGGEST marketplace in RVA for quality goods. Over 250 vendors from across the country come to town to us a smorgasbord of crafts. Don’t miss it.

• April 4th – 6th
• Richmond Raceway Complex
• Adults • $7 / Children 2-12 • $1.50

Aprils Fools Wine Festival

The two-day wine festival gives you the chance to taste wine from four area wineries, listen to live music, and peruse craft vendors. Pro tip: it’s a great event for picnics.

• April 5th & 6th
• James River Cellars • 11008 Washington Highway
• $20/person in advance • $25 at the gate

Civil War & Emancipation Day

More than 25 participating museums and sites offer free admission, loads of walking tours, presentations. There are also cool events like the Civil War Sampler Bus. It’s a great way to cram years of history into a single day.

• Saturday, April 12th • 9:30 AM – 10:00 PM
• Various locations
• FREE admission

RVA ROCK$

The first beer festival of the year features local craft breweries, live music, and food vendors on Mayo Island. Pours will be available from $6 – $7 each.

• Saturday, April 12th • 12:00 – 5:00 PM
• 501 S. 14th Street
• $25 – $50

XL102 Chili Cook Off

Bands like The Hold Steady and Panic! At the Disco will be on hand for this annual springtime staple. VIP tickets are sold out, so make sure you grab your general admission tickets before you head over.

• Saturday, April 19th
• Richmond Raceway Complex
• $18 (+$4.75 service fee)

Easter On parade

Monument Avenue welcomes over 25,000 people to celebrate spring’s arrival with music, crafts, food, a petting zoo, and more. In addition to the fun, it’s one of the best days for people and pet watching!

• Sunday, April 20th • 1:00 – 5:00 PM
• Monument Avenue between Allen and Davis avenues
• FREE

Spring Restaurant Week

Chow down at some of the city’s best restaurants. For $25.14 you get a great meal AND you help the Central Virginia Food Band and Meals on Wheels. Dig in, RVA!

• April 21st – 27th
• Restaurants all over town
• Meals are $25.14

Richmond Earth Day Festival

Now in its 21st year, the city’s Earth Day festival is a great way to learn about ideas and products that make the planet a bit better for everyone. Plus, there’s going to be the unveiling of a LOVE sculpture that’ll break a Guinness record!

• Saturday, April 26th • 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM
• 17th Street Farmers Market
• FREE

HERBS Galore & More

Dozens of vendors from the mid-Atlantic come to Maymont to offer herbs, annuals, perennials, trees, vegetables, and herbal products and crafts. It’s a great way to get inspired for your springtime gardening.

• Saturday, April 26th
• Maymont • 2201 Shields Lake Drive
• $5 for Marketplace / FREE for Maymont members

Fool for Art

Started in 2006, Fool for Art gives faculty and staff of John Tyler Community College a chance to share their artistic talent through free educational sessions, hands-on activities, and more. With 6,000 people attending in recent years, it’s a great way to spend a Saturday.

• Saturday, April 26th • 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
• John Tyler Community College • 800 Charter Colony Parkway in Midlothian
• FREE

photo by Fionnuala Bradley

April 25, 2014 7:04 AM 1