April 2025
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. April is full of ways to celebrate the season. Here’s a peek at what’s coming up this month.
Cherry Blossom Festival
Through April 5
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.
Crush N’ Run 5K
April 5
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 5
Grab a spoon and get ready for a helping of she-crab soup. With crunchy oyster crackers, of course. At the East Coast She-Crab Soup Classic at 24th 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. Last year’s winners were Yiannis Wine & Food (critics’ choice award) and Tempt Restaurant and Lounge (peoples’ choice award.) Come hungry; there’s plenty to taste before the sun sets on this competition.
39th Annual Virginia Beach Spring Craft Market
April 11-13
If you love handmade treasures, the Virginia Beach Spring Craft Market is the place to be. Now in its 39th year, this annual event will showcase more than 150 talented artisans offering everything from woven baskets and glass sculptures to hand-crafted jewelry and wood décor. You’ll also find delicious food finds, like local honey and gourmet popcorn. Meet the makers, hear their stories and don’t forget to enter for a chance to win some fantastic door prizes.
Virginia Beach Bulls and Barrels Beach Rodeo
April 12-13
Feel the adrenaline at the Virginia Beach 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. Saturday is already sold out, so don’t wait to snap up your tickets.
Virginia Aquarium's Mermaids
April 16-19 6 pm-9 pm
There's something magical happening at the Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center. For four mystical nights, guests will step into an enchanting world and come face-to-face with real mermaids and mermen swimming in the Red Sea Aquarium. Enjoy an evening of special mermaid encounters, photo opportunities, and interactive activities throughout the aquarium.
Earth Week Celebrations
April 19-26
Virginia Beach is marking Earth Day and Earth Week with community clean ups, recycling events and nature programs. On April 19, drop off unwanted items at the Recycle Zone at Mount Trashmore Park. Join an Earth Week Clean Up at Bayville Farms Park on April 26 to help spruce up the park and the Lake Joyce shoreline. Guided tours of Mount Trashmore will run throughout the week (registration required) as will workshops and ranger-led programs at First Landing State Park.
Historic Garden Week Tour
April 30
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. On April 30, the Virginia Beach Garden Club and the Princess Anne Garden Club will offer limousine tours of private North End gardens, along with a garden party luncheon and a garden market with more than 100 vendors.
Easter Events
This Easter, Virginia Beach has on tap a variety of family-friendly activities, including Easter egg hunts, bunny breakfasts and plenty of photo opportunities. Here are a few events you won’t want to miss:
Grand Easter Celebration at the Cavalier Resort
April 19
Celebrate Easter in style on the Great Lawn at the Cavalier Resort with egg hunts, delicious brunch options, face painting, a bounce house and a petting zoo.
Easter Eggstravaganza at Town Center of Virginia Beach
April 19
Bring the family to the Town Center for a free, fun-filled Easter Eggstravaganza featuring an Easter egg hunt, a Bunny Hop dance contest and photos with the Easter Bunny.
Easter Egg Hunt & Spring Fling at Hunt Club Farm
April 19-20
Hop over to Hunt Club Farm for an exciting Easter egg hunt, hayrides, costumed characters, live music and a visit from the Easter Bunny.
Art Exhibits and Live Performances
April is packed with events for fans of the arts! Check out what’s happening this month in Virginia Beach.
Virginia Museum of Contemporary Art
Throughout April
Explore the latest exhibitions at the Virginia Museum of Contemporary Art, including O’er the Wide and Plastic Sea, which features sculptures and mosaics made from single-use plastics and ocean debris, collected and repurposed by artist Duke Riley. Open (C)all 2025: Dear Earth highlights works of Hampton Roads artists that reflect on the beauty and fragility of our planet. With Love: 1,000 Flowers presents heart-shaped vessels filled with origami flowers, encouraging conversations about mental wellness.
Little Theatre of Virginia Beach
Through April 13
45 Seconds from Broadway runs through April 13 at the Little Theatre of Virginia Beach. Written by Neil Simon, this comedy takes you to New York City’s Polish Tea Room, where Broadway veterans and aspiring stars share hilarious stories and life lessons.
Sandler Center for the Performing Arts
Throughout April
The Sandler Center for the Performing Arts has a full slate of events in April, from dance performances and classical music to live concerts and family-friendly shows. Notable events include Snow White–A Ballet Adventure (April 5,) comedian Jon Lovitz (April 9) and Footloose (April 25-27.) Jazz fans, be sure to catch The Art of the Trio as part of the TowneBank Jazz Series, a lineup of six jazz shows featuring local performers from April through September.
Funny Bone Comedy Club
Throughout April
If you’re in the mood for a good laugh, head to Funny Bone Comedy Club where more than two dozen shows are on the schedule in April. Enjoy an evening of laughs with hilarious acts like Dave Attell (April 4-5,) Hans Kim (April 11-12,) Christopher Titus (April 24) and William Montgomery (April 25-26.) Grab your seat and get ready for a night of non-stop comedy that will have you laughing all night long.
Zeiders American Dream Theater
Throughout April
Zeiders American Dream Theater is buzzing with a full slate of music, comedy, open mic nights and theater performances in April. Don’t miss the three-day Z Fringe Festival (April 4-6,) which celebrates locally-produced theatre. You’ll also want to mark your calendar for a live performance by Troy Breslow, winner of the 2024 Proteus Music Contest (April 24.) For a good laugh, catch Plan B Comedy, an improv show that’s comedy gold (April 26.)
Regent University’s Studio Theatre
April 11-13, 25-27
Don’t miss The Sound of Music at Regent University’s Studio Theatre, where young Maria faces the challenge of caring for seven mischievous children and discovers love and purpose along the way. Featuring iconic songs like “Do Re Mi” and “Climb Ev’ry Mountain,” this musical continues to inspire and delight audiences of all ages.
About Our Writer
Erin Gifford is a Virginia-based travel and outdoors writer. She especially enjoys writing about road trips, outdoor recreation and national parks. Her credits include Parents, The Washington Post, Thrillist, TIME and AFAR.com. She has written three hiking guidebooks for Falcon Guides and has created a hiking website, GoHikeVirginia.com. She also runs half marathons and is working toward completing one in all 50 states.
