As winter slowly fades from memory, one of our favorite seasons arrives. Warmer weather beckons us to get outside and put a little “spring” in our step (yes, pun intended!) Lucky for us there’s quite a few outdoor events planned for the rest of April. Here are a few: 

The Mariners’ MilKids Fest
The Mariners’ Museum and Park
April 16; Noon to 4 p.m.

This free community event celebrates children of U.S. military service members and their important role in the armed forces community. Military families and the public are invited to a spectacular afternoon of fun, engaging activities while also accessing community resources. Enjoy:
*Carnival-themed games
*A fun Mariners’ Park scavenger hunt
*Hands-on learning experiences with the Museum’s education team
*Environmental activities with NOAA Monitor National Marine Sanctuary
*Meet local community partners
*Food and dessert vendors
*Music by DJ West
Additionally, The Mariners’ Museum will offer military families free admission. The public is encouraged to wear purple, the signature color symbolizing all branches of the military (Army green, Coast Guard blue, Air Force blue, Marine red, and Navy blue) to the event. Click here for details. 

Fitness at the Fountain: Yoga
City Center at Oyster Point
April 18 and April 25; Noon to 1 p.m. 

Unleash your inner Zen and join us for free yoga classes, led by talented local instructors, every Tuesday through June 27. Whether you're a seasoned yogi or just starting out, this class is perfect for all levels of experience. Grab your yoga mat and a bottle of water and join us as we stretch, breathe, and unwind in the heart of City Center. With the beautiful fountain as our backdrop and the expert guidance of our instructors, you'll feel refreshed, rejuvenated, and ready to take on your day. Classes will take place on the grass between the Langley Federal Credit Union and Ferguson buildings. Must be 18+ years to participate. For details, click here. 

Virginia’s Historic Garden Week: Hampton-Newport News Tour
Along the James River in Newport News
April 19; 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The James River provides the backdrop for this year’s Hampton-Newport News Garden Week tour.  The tour’s five properties are located along four miles of Newport News waterfront, with beautiful views and tree-lined roads on the self-driving route.  All five properties are first-timers on the tour, with one house having its own 3-½ acre park! Tour guests hoping to see flower arrangements will not be disappointed.  Members from the Hampton Roads and Huntington Garden Clubs, affiliates of the Garden Club of Virginia, will once again create spectacular flower displays for the houses open on tour. Proceeds from ticket sales fund Garden Club of Virginia’s restoration and preservation of historic gardens and landscapes throughout the Commonwealth, as well as a fellowship program in landscape architecture. Tickets are $45 per person and are sold online only. For ticket and additional information, click here. 

Fitness at the Fountain: HIIT
City Center at Oyster Point
April 20 and April 27; 5:15 to 6 p.m.

Are you ready for an outdoor high-intensity workout that will leave you feeling strong and energized? Join us for "Fitness at the Fountain: HIIT" at City Center at Oyster Point! Through September 28, come out every Thursday evening for a free heart-pumping HIIT class that will challenge and inspire you. We're thrilled to announce that we've partnered with the incredible Tradition Brewing Company to offer a special bonus to all class participants 21+ years old: one free beer ticket per person to redeem at Tradition Brewing Co. following the class (beer tickets must be redeemed that day). Don't miss this opportunity to sweat, connect, and achieve your fitness goals in the heart of City Center. Classes will take place on the grass between the Langley Federal Credit Union and Ferguson buildings. Must be 18+ years to participate and 21+ years to receive a beer ticket (valid ID required). For details, click here. 

Hilton Village Farmers Market
Historic Hilton Village
April 22 and April 29; 8 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Local farmers, anglers and bakers share their goods every Saturday year-round in Historic Hilton Village (with the exception of Saturday, Dec. 30, 2023, when it will be closed). For details, click here. 

Outdoor Enthusiast Event
Newport News Park
April 22; 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

This popular event will feature a rock-climbing wall, a live gator show, axe throwing, boating activities, horseshoes, hiking, disc golf, camping exhibits, a ninja warrior course and a traveling lumberjack show. Meet best-selling author and internationally recognized survivalist professional, Cody Lundin, who will provide insight into wilderness survival skills and primitive living. A parkour and world chase tag game are also planned. Vendors will sell a variety of food, treats and beverages. Stop at the Parks & Recreation Information tent for a free give-away item, while supplies last. Admission to the event is free with a $5 parking fee. Satellite parking available at Greenwood Elementary and Woodside High with free shuttle service. For details, click here. 

Spring Native Plant Sale
Virginia Living Museum
April 22-23 and April 29-30; 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Choose from an incredible array of beautiful and unusual native plants for a variety of garden sites and styles, from wet ponds to dry rock gardens. Many of these are excellent plants for attracting butterflies, hummingbirds and other wildlife to your yard. The Virginia Living Museum’s horticulture staff holds this annual sale as a fund-raiser, but the real goal is to introduce the gardening public to the incredible variety of native plants that will do well in the landscape, and to educate gardeners about those that are better left in the wild. Native plants are good choices for area gardeners because such plants tolerate the area’s weather and serve as food and shelter for area wildlife, while also providing a good show in the garden. Click here for details. 

Revolutionary War Reenactment
Historic Endview
April 22; 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
April 23; 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

American and British reenactors will portray the events of early 1781 in Virginia by reenacting the skirmish at Deep Creek on Dec. 31, 1780, and the Battle of Petersburg on April 25, 1781. Complementing the 2 p.m. battles each day will be living history demonstrations and talks throughout the weekend. For details, click here or call 757-887-1862. 

Hilton Village Spring Festival
Historic Hilton Village
April 29; 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The return of spring ushers in a flood of seasonal events to include a local favorite, the Historic Hilton Village Spring Festival. This family friendly festival is from 11 a.m. until 5 p.m. on Saturday, April 29 in the business district of Hilton Village, along Warwick Boulevard. Enjoy artisans, fresh market goods, food trucks, live music, adult beverages, kids activities, and more. While enjoying the festival, make a point to visit the quaint, locally owned shops, restaurants and services in Hilton Village. The shopping choices are many and varied, including vintage & consignment clothing, home furnishings & décor, antique & vintage accents, artwork, one-of-a-kind artisan jewelry and more. For more information about the Hilton Village Spring Festival, email hiltonvillageevents@gmail.com.

OffRamps 5K
The Mariners’ Museum and Park
April 29; Kids’ Fun Run (1K) at 8 a.m. and a 5K at 8:30 a.m.
The Offramps 5K is an annual event hosted by Freekind to raise awareness of human trafficking and to raise funds to support its prevention and restoration programs. The name of the event refers to their work in creating “offramps to freedom” for victims of commercial sexual exploitation. By joining this annual 5K, participants are creating “offramps to freedom” for survivors of human trafficking. A virtual 5K is also available for supporters to join from anywhere. Click here to register.