Best April Events Still Happening in Northern Virginia, DC, and the DMV

If April always seems to speed by, you are not alone. One minute it is all Easter weekend plans and cherry blossoms, and the next the month is already in full swing. The good news is that even by April 10, there is still a lot worth putting on your calendar.

The rest of the month is packed with the kind of spring events that make this time of year so fun around the DMV: comedy shows, live music, garden tours, food festivals, family-friendly outings, and a few great free events mixed in too. Whether you are hoping to get outside more, plan a weekend with friends, or just find something different to do, there is still plenty of April left to enjoy.

April Events Still Worth Planning Around

Even after the first week of April, the calendar stays busy with performances, festivals, educational events, and outdoor activities.

37th Annual Evening of Comedy

April 10–11 | Vienna

Wolf Trap’s long-running comedy showcase returns with a lineup that includes Jeff Stilson, Bobby Collin, and Monique Marvez. For anyone looking to add some laughs to their weekend, this is one of the month’s standout comedy events.

National Cherry Blossom Festival Parade

April 11 | Washington, DC

One of DC’s best-known spring traditions returns with giant balloons, elaborate floats, and marching bands along Constitution Avenue. It remains one of the signature seasonal events of April.

Nomini Bay Oyster Festival

April 11–12 | Bluemont

Dirt Farm Brewing hosts a weekend centered on fresh oysters, live music, and mountain views. It is an easy pick for anyone who wants a spring outing with food, drinks, and scenery.

Circa: Humans 2.0

April 12 | Fairfax

Circa’s Humans 2.0 brings acrobatics, movement, sound, and light together in a tightly choreographed live performance at George Mason University’s Center for the Arts.

Paul Anka

April 14 | Washington, DC

The legendary singer-songwriter performs at the Warner Theatre, bringing decades of hits to the stage.

Filmfest DC

April 16–26 | Washington, DC

The Washington DC International Film Festival showcases feature films, documentaries, and short films from around the world, with screenings and special events held across the city.

Historic Garden Week

April 18–25 | Various locations

This annual Garden Club of Virginia event opens private gardens to visitors during self-guided tours in locations including Old Town Alexandria, Leesburg, Fairfax County, and beyond. It is one of the month’s most distinctly springtime outings.

The DC Big Flea

April 18–19 | Manassas

This long-running market brings together hundreds of vendors selling antiques, vintage finds, furniture, clothing, and collectibles.

Pickle & International Food Festival

April 18–19 | Sterling

Crooked Run Fermentation hosts this festival featuring pickle-inspired dishes, international food, craft beer, and live entertainment.

Florence + The Machine

April 18 | Washington, DC

The Grammy-nominated band brings its theatrical stage presence and sweeping indie-rock sound to Capital One Arena.

Prathertown Earth Day Community Clean Up & Gardening

April 22, 9 a.m.–2 p.m. | Gaithersburg, MD

This Earth Day volunteer event invites participants ages 13 and older to help clean up the Prathertown community.

Smithsonian Craft Show

April 22–26 | Washington, DC

This showcase highlights contemporary craft artists working across jewelry, ceramics, glass, textiles, and more. The event also features work by ceramic artist Wayne Higby, recipient of the 2026 Smithsonian Visionary Award.

Maryland Day

April 25, 10 a.m.–4 p.m. | College Park, MD

The University of Maryland College Park hosts a day of free activities showcasing educational offerings across art, science, sports, and agriculture.

Purcellville Music and Arts Festival

April 25, noon–7 p.m. | Purcellville, VA

This annual festival brings together live bands, artisan vendors, food, and family-friendly activities in Purcellville.

35th Annual Rockville Science Day

April 26, noon–5 p.m. | Rockville, MD

Rockville Science Day returns with hundreds of exhibitors representing science, technology, engineering, and math. It remains one of the strongest free STEM-focused events of the month.

April Is Not Over Yet

Even with the first stretch of the month already behind us, April still has a lot going for it. The rest of the calendar offers a little bit of everything: comedy, concerts, gardens, films, food festivals, markets, craft showcases, and family-friendly outings spread across Northern Virginia, DC, and nearby Maryland.

What I like most about this lineup is that it does not feel one-note. You can go from a parade one weekend to a garden tour the next, then squeeze in a film screening, a brewery festival, or a live performance before the month is over. So if April felt like it was getting away from you, this is your reminder that there is still plenty of time to make something of it.