Spring Has Arrived in RVA — Your April 2026 Events Guide
April is arguably Richmond's finest month. The dogwoods are in full bloom along Monument Avenue, the James River Trail hums with joggers and cyclists, and the city's calendar fills up with the kind of events that remind you why you love living here. Or give you every reason to visit.
From grassroots arts festivals to century-old garden traditions, from Renaissance faires to artisan markets, there is genuinely something for everyone this month. Here's your guide to making the most of April 2026 in the River City.
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Arts & Culture
Richmond Fringe Festival
April 10 - 13, 2026 · Arts and Performance
A boutique, multi-venue arts festival shepherded by the local creative collective SPECTACLE & MIRTH, the Richmond Fringe is a profit-sharing celebration designed to cross-pollinate Richmond's often siloed creative communities. Expect dance parties, jazz workshops, immersive film and music experiments, and live performance from local and visiting artists. This Queer & BIPOC-led event is rooted in the belief that creativity thrives in community.
4th Friday Reception at Art Works
April 24, 2026 · 6 PM · Gallery Opening · Free
Head to 320 Hull Street for Art Works' monthly opening reception, featuring a diverse lineup of April exhibits. Highlights include a senior showcase from Henrico Center for the Arts, the sculptural installation Second Nature by Marissa Boyce (reclaimed materials transformed into works of resilience), an Art in Bloom series timed to Historic Garden Week, and the juried All Media Show. Free parking, refreshments, and live music make this a perfect Friday evening out.
Italian & French Film Festival
Ongoing in April · Byrd Theatre
The beloved Byrd Theatre on Cary Street hosts screenings as part of the Italian & French Film Festival 2026, including the film Sirât. A gorgeous historic movie palace with an $2 ticket price most Saturdays, the Byrd is one of Richmond's most treasured institutions — and this film festival makes it an even better reason to stop in.
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Markets & Shopping
The Bizarre Bazaar Spring Market
April 10 - 12, 2026 · Market · Family Friendly
Now in its 34th year, this beloved juried show at the Richmond Raceway Complex brings together hundreds of talented makers and artists from across the country. Shop springtime gifts, garden art, outdoor furniture, jewelry, home accessories, and unique handmade finds. The complex offers acres of free parking, a café with cocktails on the show floor, and a welcoming atmosphere for the whole family. Tickets: $9 adults, $5 for children 2–12.
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Featured Event
Virginia's Historic Garden Week — "America's Largest Open House"
April 18 - 25 · Eight days statewide
The 93rd annual Historic Garden Week opens more than 120 of Virginia's most stunning private homes and gardens to the public, with 29 regional tours across eight days. Organized since 1929 by the Garden Club of Virginia, the event draws visitors from across the country and world — last year, guests arrived from 42 states and 16 countries. Richmond's South Gaskins neighborhood makes its Historic Garden Week debut this year, alongside Church Hill's Mews at St. John's Church. Over 1,000 extraordinary floral arrangements crafted by GCV members add another layer of beauty throughout. Tickets range from $25–$75; a statewide pass is available for $210.45.
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Outdoor & Community
Richmond Renaissance Faire
April 19 - 20, 2026 10 AM - 6 PM · Outdoor Festival
A one-of-a-kind, grassroots community celebration at Dorey Park in Henrico, the inaugural Richmond Ren Faire spans 13 activated acres with 100+ artisan vendors and food merchants, historic demonstrations, equestrian and ground combat sports, and multiple performance stages. Inspired by the multicultural exchanges of the Silk Road, the Faire centers underrepresented voices, artisans, and everyday people — all woven together with Richmond's vibrant creative spirit. Accessible by bike via the Capital Trail.
RSL Designer Show House: Foundry Manor
Opens April 14, 2026 · Fundraiser
A fundraiser for the Richmond Symphony, the 2026 Designer Show House is Foundry Manor — an 8,000-square-foot home on 25 acres along the James River, transformed by 23 interior and exterior design firms. Special events include a First Look Tour on April 13, exclusive "Symphonic Design" panel discussions on April 19, and a Plein Air Retreats tour on April 26. Limited to 30 participants per event at $75 per person.
Y2K All Night & Day Party
April 24, 2026 · Nightlife
Two Triple Oh! Returns brings a full Y2K-themed all-night and all-day dance event to RVA. Break out your butterfly clips and low-rise jeans for a night of early 2000s nostalgia done right. A great option for those looking for late-night fun in the city on a weekend that's already packed with daytime festivities.
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Richmond Is Blooming, Don't Miss It!
April is when Richmond shakes off the last chill of winter and steps fully into its identity as one of the South's most vibrant, creative, and historically rich cities. Whether you're exploring a private garden during Historic Garden Week, dancing at the Fringe Festival, or browsing handmade wares at the Bizarre Bazaar, there's a version of this month that will stay with you. The river is waiting. The dogwoods are out. RVA is ready.