Things to Do in April

Charlottesville is surrounded by stunning natural scenery, and spring is a great time to explore! This year, we expect full bloom around the week of April 7th. We recommend a walk or bike ride along the Rivanna Trail, a 20-mile network of trails that encircles the city! Or, head out of the city and explore a trail at one of our many local parks or natural areas. Check out our best hikes blog post for more information. For those seeking scenic overlooks of the area, entrances to the Shenandoah National Park and the Blue Ridge Parkway are just a 30-minute drive from downtown Charlottesville. National Park Week is from April 19th-27th and features free entrance to the Shenandoah National Park on Earth Day – April 20th.

If you're feeling adventurous, hit the water! River season officially starts on April 19th, which means many of the area's river outfitters will be up and running with guided outings and gear for all your kayak, fishing, and tubing needs! Check out our Fishing Guide and Paddling Guide for our best recommendations and tips on making the most of your time!

Celebrate this beautiful Earth we live on by giving it some extra support this April! We've put together a full guide on planning a sustainable trip to Charlottesville, but even the smallest actions make a difference!

Choose a cycling route to explore Charlottesville and Albemarle County on two wheels or try a sustainable winery like Oakencroft Farm & Winery or Loving Cup Vineyard & Winery, who work hard to utilize eco-friendly practices. Do you live along the East Coast? Take advantage of Amtrak deals that reduce your carbon footprint and save you money!

Fridays After Five is a beloved Charlottesville tradition. Every Friday from mid-April to early-September, the Ting Pavilion (on the east end of the Downtown Mall) comes alive for a free concert with food vendors and plenty of fun. Whether you're looking for a family-friendly outing or a night out with friends, Fridays After Five is the perfect way to kick off the weekend. Check their website for more details including parking, concert dates, and FAQs!

April kick-starts orchard and farmers market season in Charlottesville and Albemarle County. Here are some that should be open in April -- we recommend following them on Instagram to stay up to date on hours, vendors, and special events! For a complete list of markets, visit this page.

• Farmers Market at IX (IX Art Park) | Saturdays | Year-Round
• Charlottesville City Market (100 E. Water Street) | Saturdays | April - November
• Scottsville Farmers Market (Scottsville Pavilion) | Saturdays | April - November
• Earlysville Farmers Market (Buck Mountain Episcopal Church) | Thursdays | Year-Round

Spend an afternoon picking your own strawberries at Chiles Peach Orchard or Carter Mountain Orchard. Afterwards, enjoy the farm store and peach soft-serve ice cream at Chiles or take in the stunning mountain-top view from Carter Mountain with a glass of cider or wine in hand. Don’t forget to top everything off with a delicious, fresh apple cider donut.

April brings beautiful weather and with it, many outdoor festivals and events! Catch these favorite annual events that will get you outside this month.

Did you know that there are SIX independent bookstores within walking distance on the Downtown Mall? All six shops carry the crawl card AND the final prize, so start wherever you'd like! We recommend grabbing a drink from Lone Light Coffee and kicking off at Daedalus Bookshop! In order to receive a stamp from each bookstore you need to purchase something (darn, an excuse to get more books). Once you have the completed card, turn it in for a *prize redacted*

The regenerative flower farm is waking up! Head out to Thistlerock Mead for one of their cut-your-own bouquet sessions! They currently have a few scheduled for the beginning of the month with tickets available for purchase online.

Once the flowers start to fully bloom (late-April into the summer), guests can purchase tickets from their Tavern for $25. Ticket price includes a mason jar to take home and a pair of snips to borrow! At peak, there are over 150 unique species of flowers and plants in their garden. Plan your visit and read their farm rules here!