Top 5 Weekend Events For Families: Easter Weekend 2011 Edition

Spring Break is almost over, but Spring fun definitely isn’t! There’s plenty of fun things to do outside this weekend, including three Richmond Easter traditions on Monument Avenue, at Maymont and Lewis Ginter, and of course the circus is in town. So grab the family and get outside and enjoy all that Easter Weekend has […]

April 22, 2011; 11:29 AM • by Carissa Garabedian

Our family events contributor Carissa Garabedian has hand-picked the best bets for family fun and entertainment around Richmond.

For an amazing list of dozens more, be sure to check out Carissa’s award-winning website, Macaroni Kid of Richmond.

1. Richmond Earth Day Festival

Saturday, April 23

Richmond Earth Day Festival is a free, day long celebration. 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th Streets at Hull Street in the New Manchester District will be blocked off and filled with vendors, artists, farmers, and fun activities for all ages. Join the fun, riverside, at the James River Fish Fest or kick back and enjoy live music performances from local bands: Rattlemouth, Exebelle & the Rusted Cavalcade, Amazing Ghost, Black Girls, Horsehead, and more. Plus, enjoy food from Alamo BBQ, Nate’s Taco Truck, the Nile Ethiopian, Goatocado, Grapevine Restaurant, Thai Top Ten and more.

• Who: All

• When: 12:00 PM – 7:00 PM

• Where: Plant Zero, 320 Hull Street (Manchester District)

• How: Just go!

• Cost: FREE

• More info: www.earthdayrichmond.org

2. Maymont Family Easter

Saturday, April 23

Visit Maymont for one of Richmond’s favorite Easter traditions! Enjoy an egg hunt and other fun-filled Easter activities on Maymont’s Carriage House Lawn. Enjoy one of Richmond’s favorite Easter traditions with egg hunts, magic shows, Storytelling under the Bunny Tree with Pam Bomboy, a tree elevator and zipline with Riverside Outfitters and other fun-filled activities.

• Who: All

• When: 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM

• Where: Maymont Park

• How: Just go!

• Cost: Most events are free, others will have a cost of $2 – $5

• More info: www.maymont.org

3. Easter on Parade

Sunday, April 24

This street festival on historic Monument Avenue is one of Richmond’s favorite spring celebrations. Enjoy live music, clowns, jugglers, crafts, delicious food & first-rate people watching! 35,000 attendees are expected. Jugglers, clowns, rides, petting zoos and contests keep families bringing their children every year.

• Who: All

• When: 12:30 PM (parade starts at 1:00)

• Where: Starts on Davis Avenue and ends on Allen Avenue

• How: Just go!

• Cost: FREE

4. Easter Weekend with Peter Rabbit

Saturday, April 23 through Sunday, April 24

Lewis Ginter will have a special guest to meet and greet your children. Peter Rabbit will be at the Garden again and will pose for photographs on both days. There will be a concert by the Richmond Concert Band on the lawn at Bloemendaal House Saturday and Easter Brunch will be served in the Tea House by reservation Sunday.

• Who: All

• When: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM

• Where: Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden

• How: Call (804) 262-9887 for reservations

• Cost: General Admission for Peter Rabbit Reservations and Brunch are separate; brunch is $17 and up

5. Ringling Brothers & Barnum & Bailey Circus

Friday, April 22 – through Sunday April 24, 2011

Don’t miss Fully Charged, the all-new surge of circus entertainment from Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey, where megawatts of thrills explode off of the arena floor with breathtaking dare-devilry, superhuman stunts and never-before-seen performances that energize children of all ages!

• Who: All

• When: 1:00 & 7:00 PM on Friday (times change daily)

• Where: Richmond Coliseum

• How: Tickets available at the Box Office and through Ticketmaster

• Cost: $23 and up

• More info: www.ringling.com