There are plenty of interesting things to do in Tidewater Virginia during the spring. Surrounded by water, agricultural resources, historical sites, and hundreds of attractions, the Tidewater region becomes more active than ever as the days become warmer.
Annual Spring Events
Shamrockin’ in Ghent takes place around St. Patrick’s Day in Norfolk’s historic Ghent district. Other St. Patrick’s Day events in Hampton Roads include the Norfolk St. Patrick’s Day parade, and Shamrock Marathon weekend in Virginia Beach.
The Annual Cherry Blossom Festival in Virginia Beach usually occurs when the city’s Yoshino cherry trees are in bloom. The cherry trees were donated as part of the Miyazaki Garden expansion plan, and planted by the Japan Educational Cultural Center and the Miyazaki Sister City Committee in 2005.
The Garden Club of Virginia Historic Garden Week is held each spring in April. Visitors are welcomed to over 250 of Virginia’s most beautiful gardens, homes and historic landmarks during “America’s Largest Open House.”
The Spring Stockley Gardens Arts Festival is held annually in May. Located in Norfolk’s historic Ghent district, the festival includes food, music, art exhibits, kids activities, an artists reception, and more.
Held in May, Paddle for the Border is one of the area’s most popular paddlesports events. Participants paddle canoes, kayaks, and other paddlecraft along a 7.5 mile stretch of the historic Dismal Swamp Canal.
The Pungo Strawberry Festival is held annually in Virginia Beach on Memorial Day weekend. The Strawberry Festival features strawberries prepared many ways, a pie eating contest, strawberry bake-off, entertainment, parade, one of the largest carnivals on the east coast, livestock show and sale, military display, pig races, youth art show, arts and crafts, and more.
The Virginia Arts Festival showcases performances including music, theatre, and dance. Festival events are held in eight cities across Hampton Roads in concert halls, performing arts centers, opera houses, theatres, museums, outdoor stages, and historic churches.
Held each spring in Norfolk, the Virginia Beer Festival celebrates the fine art of beer making. The event features live music, food, and beers from Europe and America.
Norfolk Harborfest is held each year in June in Town Point Park. The waterfront festival features tall ships, the Parade of Sail, artisan foods and beverages, boat races, concert performances, family activities, entertainment, one of the largest fireworks shows on the East Coast, and more.
Food and Drink
In addition to local food and drink festivals, there are spring farmers’ markets, street food, and more.
Outdoor Attractions
When the weather cooperates, there are hundreds of places to explore in the Tidewater region. Popular outdoor destinations include beaches, parks and recreation areas, or other areas.
Wildlife watchers will find things to do at Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge, Great Dismal Swamp National Wildlife Refuge, Rappahannock River Valley Wildlife Refuge, and other locations.
The Great Dismal Swamp National Wildlife Refuge Migration Celebration includes guided bird walks and other activities. The annual festival is held during the height of the spring Neotropical songbird migration, when the greatest diversity of birds are likely to be seen.
Fishing is another activity that can be enjoyed in spring. Anglers can enjoy freshwater fishing on a local lake or take a day trip to the Eastern Shore for the spring flounder run.
Rainy Day Things To Do
Even on rainy days, there are plenty of indoor destinations such as museums, malls, specialty shops, and others. A few of the many places to visit include the Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center, Virginia Air and Space Center, Virginia Living Museum, Virginia Sports Hall of Fame, and others
Related Information