All seasons have their charms, but it’s hard to top the rejuvenating aura that spring brings. Whether it’s the birds chirping their melodious tunes into our hearts, the rising sun casting a warm glow on our faces, extra hours of daylight, or the fresh scent of blooming flowers floating in the air, spring has a way of making us feel rejuvenated.
After laying low and mostly being cooped up during winter (unless you indulged in some fun winter activities), spring is a great time to step out into the great outdoors or enjoy time with loved ones (safely, of course). Everything about the season seems to entice you into getting out there and reigniting dulled sparks in your life.
Spring is the time of plans and projects.
If you’re looking for plans to enjoy springtime around Charlottesville, you’re in for a treat. As you’d expect of one of the happiest cities in the country, Charlottesville is bustling with unique seasonal activities. There’s a boatload of fun spring events in the region to excite residents and visitors, young and old.
1. Virginia Festival of the Book
Love literature? If so, you probably already know that book festivals are a book lover’s paradise. The opportunity to attend events where everyone shares the love and respect for the written word in all its brilliant forms is surreal.
Book lovers should make plans to attend the annual Virginia Festival of Books for an engaging and authentic experience with other passionate individuals in the literary spheres. The event is free to attend and open to the public. You can attend in-person, virtually, or watch on-demand videos.
Website: https://www.vabook.org/festival-info/
When? March 16-20, 2022
2. Foxfield Races
Who’s up for a view of the blossoming countryside while enjoying the thrill of a spectacular steeplechase horse race? Foxfield Races is a long-standing bi-annual event that attracts over 20,000 attendees to Charlottesville.
It’s typically a lively affair with tons of exciting activities. If you’re a regular attendee to the event, you’ll be excited to know that Foxfield is debuting the New Orange Entertainment Park this spring. Ticket sales are open for the spring 2022 races.
Website: https://www.foxfieldraces.com/
When? April 30, 2022
3. Crozet Arts & Crafts Festival
Calling all artists and lovers of art & craft. There’s plenty to be excited about this spring in Charlottesville. Make plans to attend the award-winning Crozet Arts & Crafts Festival.
The 2-day spring event promises a diverse and spectacular showdown of some of the most talented craftspeople, artists, and entertainers the region has to offer. It’s a vibrant, family-friendly event characterized by delicious craft fair eats, music, some of the best local wines, and amusements to keep both kids and adults engaged.
Website: https://www.crozetfestival.com/
When? May 7-8, 2022
4. Charlottesville Dogwood Festival
Mark your calendar; April 2022 is “Charlottesville Dogwood Festival month,”—as has been the case for over 70 years.
The Dogwood Festival is a time-honored annual event designed to celebrate the region’s rich history, cultural wealth, and of course, the immaculate natural beauty of the city sitting in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
The festival is a roller coaster of exhilarating events—including a pageant, the Dogwood tree sale, a home run derby competition, fireworks, amusement rides, a lively carnival, and a parade, among other family-friendly events.
What better way to usher in spring than with a month of back-to-back fun?
Website: https://www.cvilledogwood.com/all-events#
When? April 2022
5. Historic Garden Week
"Can words describe the fragrance of the very breath of spring?"
To answer the celebrated scientific historian and nature writer Neltje Blanchan: We probably can’t capture spring’s fragrance and magical essence in words—but we can experience it! And the Historic Garden Week is a great place to start.
The statewide event—dating as far back as 1927—takes you on a colorful journey across Virginia’s historic gardens, public gardens, and scenic landscapes. Marvel in the breathtaking spectrum of pink dogwoods, redbuds, cherry trees, yellow daffodils, tulips, and other blooming plants.
Website: https://www.vagardenweek.org/
When? April 23-30, 2022
6. Orange Uncorked Wine Festival at Montpelier
Spring season around Charlotteville means balmy Virginia weather and wine tasting events from the region’s bounty of vineyards and wineries. Now add a picturesque backdrop of the Blue Ridge Mountains, and you have yourself a wine aficionado’s fairyland.
Like its predecessors, the 2022 Orange Uncorked Wine Festival at 10325 Jacksontown Road, Somerset, VA 22972 promises to be a thrilling experience. Expect a lineup of Virginia’s premier wineries and cideries, premium food vendors, live music, and fine artisan/craft vendors.
Website: https://www.orangevachamber.com/orange-uncorked
When? May 7-8, 2022
7. Tom Tom Festival
Good news to all Tom-Tom-ers, the Tom Tom Festival is back for its 10th annual event that celebrates the entrepreneurship and creativity of the region. It’s an excellent opportunity to share ideas through talks and workshops as you enjoy music and art exhibitions.
This year’s focus is on “Tomorrow’s Charlottesville.” To quote the Tom Tom Foundation’s website, “Every program in 2022 will be curated and crafted with the Charlottesville community, to bring innovation, culture, and new ideas forward.”
Website: https://www.tomtomfoundation.org/2022festival
When? April 20-24, 2022
8. Organized Foot Races
Spring weather is just right to hit the trail without burning in the heat or freezing your socks off. If you have a soft spot for competitive foot races, there are few organized races around Charlottesville.
The most popular ones include:
- The Charlottesville Marathon: Recognized as “One of the Top Destination Marathons in the country” by The New York Times and “One of the Best New Marathons in the U.S.A.” by Runner’s World Magazine, The Charlottesville Marathon on April 9, 2022, is certainly not one to miss.
- The Charlottesville Ten Miler: Ready to break a sweat for a good cause? The Charlottesville Ten Miler is a not-for-profit race that raises funds donated to local charities. It also steeped in rich history as the oldest footrace in the area. This year’s event is scheduled for March 26, 2022.
Take a deep breath of the fresh air as you jog down paths festooned with blooming trees and blossoming flowers.
Springtime in Charlottesville – It’s Time to Blossom with the Season
There’s no denying that spring is a beautiful and easily lovable season. As the cold of winter melts away and spring blossoms, so do our lives bloom with new beginnings. So get out there and enjoy the season; take the initiative; dare to believe; feel rejuvenated—it’s the season’s theme.
"The beautiful spring came, and when nature resumes her loveliness, the human soul is apt to revive also."
