Every State's Best April Events

The clocks have sprung forward, baseball is back, college basketball is coming to a crescendo and Spring Break is in the rearview mirror. April well and truly marks the transition from winter to spring, bringing exciting events across the country, many taking place outdoors. From celebrations of blooming tulips and cherry blossoms to Arbor Day and art gatherings alongside wacky happenings that bid farewell to the ski season, there's a festival or event for everyone in April. And in 2024, that list includes a wide range of ways to appreciate the stunning solar eclipse that will trace its way across a large swath of the country on April 8. Click on the slideshow to find the closest great April event near you or get inspiration for an epic road trip. 

Make for Monroeville—the birthplace of author Harper Lee—for a riveting live production of the American classic To Kill A Mockingbird (various dates April 7-24). During these performances, attendees can step into the historic courtroom and atmospheric outdoor space where Lee drew inspiration. Mark your calendars for the 23rd Annual Old 280 Boogie, a vibrant celebration of Southern culture that promises special tunes and good times in Waverly on April 19-20 and rev your engines for one of NASCAR's most prestigious races, The Geico 500, which will roar into Talladega on April 21. Last but not least, the 42nd Annual Panoply Arts Festival (April 26-28) will showcase creativity and culture in Huntsville. 

Start April with the 49th Annual Alaska Folk Festival (April 8-14), an event that will fill Juneau with the soul-stirring sounds of folk music from an eclectic array of artists, including this year's special guest Laurie Lewis. Elsewhere, the Great Alaska Sportsman Show awaits at the Dena'ina Civic and Convention Center from April 5-7, and you'll want to join the jubilant crowds at Alyeska Resort for the Spring Carnival on April 26-28. This fun shindig marks the end of the ski season with a host of fun events, most famously the exhilarating Slush Cup, where daring skiers don creative costumes and attempt to glide across a pool of icy water in a truly wild and wacky contest.

Start your Arizona April with a bang by savoring the music at the 39th Annual Tucson Folk Festival on April 5-7, hailed as the largest free-to-the-public music festival in the Grand Canyon State. That same weekend sees March Madness come to a crescendo at the Final Four (April  5-8) at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, where there will be a host of events like the March Madness Music Festival to provide fun off the hardwood. Also early in the month, you'll want to hop on your bike to experience the best of The 27th Annual Arizona Bike Week (April 3-7), which will once again take over WestWorld of Scottsdale and feature scores of lively events and live music. Later in the month, the Agave Heritage Festival will celebrate all things Agave in Tucson on April 18-21 and the Scottsdale Jazz Festival will celebrate the unifying spirit of jazz on April 27.

Riverfront Park in Little Rock will come alive again with the highly anticipated return of Jazz in the Park on April 3, an event that will see smooth sounds echo around the park and Hot Springs National Park will be one of the best places in the state to take in the much-ballyhooed solar eclipse on April 8. The enchanting Lanterns Festival returns to Wildwood Park for the Arts on April 18-20, illuminating the night sky with vibrant colors and inspiring designs. Elsewhere, Hot Springs will kick off its Arts & The Park: Celebrate Imagination event on April 26, where the streets come alive with a kaleidoscope of works by talented artists, creating an atmosphere of creativity and inspiration.

In San Francisco's Japantown, the 57th Annual Northern California Cherry Blossom Festival (April 13-14 & April 20-21) will celebrate the season's bloom in style. At the event, you'll be able to delight in striking cultural performances that will transport you to the heart of Japan, while exploring an outdoor marketplace brimming with local retailers and food vendors serving up delectable Japanese cuisine, which is to say nothing of the Grand Parade that will end the festival in style. Elsewhere in the Golden State, Coachella (April 12-14 & 19-21) returns to the Indio Polo Club with a star-studded lineup including Lana Del Rey, Tyler the Creator, Doja Cat, No Doubt and many others. Cycling enthusiasts will gather for the iconic Sea Otter Classic (April 18-21) in Monterey County and Lancaster will host the California Poppy Festival on April 19-21. 

Steamboat Springs will bring back the much-loved Springalicious event (April 1-14), marking the end of ski season with a bang. From the crazy Cardboard Classic race to the exhilarating Pond Skim, alongside free concerts and more, it's the finest way to send off ski season in style. Then, elevate your taste buds at the Taste of Vail food & wine extravaganza (April 3-6), where culinary delights abound. Elsewhere, Aspen will hold its Film Shortsfest (April 1-7), showcasing top-notch cinematic talent, and as the month winds down, Durango takes center stage with the soulful Bluegrass Meltdown (April 19-21) and the refined Durango Wine Experience (April 26-27). 

Rev up your engines and kick off the racing season in style at the Thompson Speedway Motorsports Park for the adrenaline-pumping Icebreaker event (April 6-7). In New Haven, join the festivities at the 51st Annual Cherry Blossom Festival at historic Wooster Square on April 14. Groove to live music, indulge in delectable treats from local food vendors and celebrate the arrival of spring amidst blooming blossoms. Cap off your month with a nautical adventure at New England's first "in-water" boat show of the season: The 8th Annual CT Spring Boat Show in Essex (April 26-28). 

Welcome spring with open arms at the 15th Annual Tulip Festival in Lewes (runs through April 14), where the seaside town bursts into bloom with over 30,000 vibrant bulbs. Join the fun with the Tiptoe-to-the-Tulips activity, admire beautiful art exhibitions and revel in exquisite floral arrangements. Meanwhile, savor the savory goodness at Bacon Fest in Dewey Beach on April 20-21, and don't miss the Mt. Cuba Wildflower Celebration in Hockessin (April 19-21), a vibrant ode to the beauty of native flowers. Last but not least, nature lovers will want to mark their calendars for the Delmarva Peninsula's Spring Birding Weekend (April 25-28), which is heaven on earth for bird enthusiasts.  

Start your month in the lakeside city of Sebring at the annual Sebring Soda Festival (April 6-7), a fizzy event that spotlights America's bubbling craft soda scene. All attendees will be able to pop the top on a treasure trove of small-batch delights from across the nation and beloved vintage brands like Moxie, Cheerwine and RC Cola. Get ready to groove oceanside in Jacksonville at Springing the Blues (April 5-7), back for its 32nd year and once again set against the stunning backdrop of Jacksonville Beach. Then, head up to Pensacola and the world-famous Flora-Bama bar to experience the ultimate coastal beach bash at the Interstate Mullet Toss & Gulf Coast’s Greatest Beach Party (April 26-28), where thrill seekers from all over will come together to vie for bragging rights by hurling a mullet fish across the Florida-Alabama state line. Also taking place on the Panhandle that weekend, the Pensacola Crawfish Festival (April 26-28) will celebrate the flavor of everyone's favorite freshwater crustacean. 

All eyes turn to Augusta each year around this time for the return of The Masters and its accompanying festivities (April 8-14) while the Savannah Music Festival will delight audiences with an eclectic celebration that does good for the community running through April 13. In Atlanta, the beloved Dogwood Festival blooms anew in Piedmont Park from April 12-14 offering a vibrant tapestry of diverse musical performances, stunning art exhibits and mouthwatering culinary delights. Finally, cap your month in the charming mountain town of Dahlonega at the unique Bear on the Square Event (April 21-24), where a local legend about a bear cub that took refuge in a sycamore tree has inspired a truly special festival featuring streets full of live music, storytelling, juried works from local artists, blacksmithing, basketry and much more. 

Lace-up your running shoes and soak in the tropical vibes at Honolulu's Hapalua Half Marathon, returning on April 14, and rest assured, even if you're not hitting the pavement, it's guaranteed to be a fun day in town. Meanwhile, over on the Garden Isle, the Kauai Brewers Festival will be pouring out crafty delights on April 20 and for aficionados of the iconic SPAM (or just plain curious foodies), Waikiki will host the SPAM Jam on April 27, where you can indulge in creative SPAM-centric dishes from Hawaii's top restaurants. 

They will be swinging and swaying again at the Gene Harris Jazz Festival, which will take place in Boise from April 4-5 and feature nightly concerts reaching epic crescendos. Equine enthusiasts won't want to miss the Idaho Horse Expo in Nampa (April 5-7), which will showcase all things horse-related to a happy crowd, and if you're angling for adventure, circle April 27 on your calendar as it will see the 76th Annual Fishing Derby cast off on Lake Pend Oreille.  

The southern section of the state will have a prime view of the solar eclipse on April 8 and the Southern Illinois Crossroads Eclipse Festival will take place in Carbondale to celebrate the occasion. Later on that week, Navy Pier in Chicago will buzz with the International Exposition of Contemporary & Modern Art (April 11-14), while Garfield Park Conservatory's "What's in a Name?" Spring Flower Show will bloom all month, delving into the fascinating world of botanical terminology. Venture back downstate to Champaign for the vibrant Boneyard Arts Festival (April 12-14)—an annual showcase of artistic talent—and to Mount Vernon for the 21st Annual Steel Guitar Festival (April 18-20), where the town will once again come alive to the sounds of the steel guitar. 

On April 8, a celestial spectacle will take place in the skies over the Hoosier State, with a large swath of the state experiencing 100% totality of the solar eclipse. As one of the largest cities in the U.S. that will experience 100% totality (3 minutes and 46 seconds), Indianapolis will be a great base, and the city will even be hosting "Indy Eclipse Weekend (April 5-8), which will see several events take place including an official NASA gathering at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. In Hamilton County, Civic Square in Carmel will hold a fun festival all day on April 8, and Conner Prairie in Fishers will host a great event that will include a visit from Hoosier astronaut Mark Brown. Other places with a day full of fun scheduled include French Lick & Bloomington. Regarding non-celestial events, Wakarusa will hold its annual Maple Syrup Festival on April 26-28.   

Movie lovers will want to head to Cedar Rapids for the Cedar Rapids Independent Film Festival (April 5-7), which excels at celebrating excellent films from all over. In Des Moines, Ink enthusiasts won't want to miss the Middle of the Map tattoo convention (April 12-14), while adrenaline junkies will be able to feel the rush at the Monster Jam monster truck rally (April 13-14), where roaring engines and gravity-defying stunts take center stage. Meanwhile, Burlington sets the stage for Jazz Reach (April 10), featuring the soulful sounds of the Metta Quintet.

In Topeka, Ward-Meade Historic Site and Botanical Garden welcomes back the enchanting Tulips at Twilight event (April 19), which will transform the landscape with shimmering lanterns and scores of colorful flowers and over in Wamego, this spring will see the Wamego Tulip Festival bloom (April 13-14). In Wichita, the Great Plains Renaissance Festival will take place on April 20-21 and the city will see the return of many of its beloved farmer's markets this month, too. Lastly, Spring ArtWalk will bring alluring artwork to the community in Pittsburg on April 16.

Kicking off the season in style, the Spring Meet at Keeneland Racecourse in Lexington opens its gates on April 5, running through April 27 (no racing on Mondays & Tuesdays). Elsewhere, the 57th Annual Bardstown Antiques Show takes place on April 5-6, where treasure hunters will find vintage gems, and in Louisville, the skies will ignite with the Thunder Over Louisville fireworks extravaganza on April 20, followed by the quacky antics of the Ken-Ducky Derby rubber duck race on April 27. These fun happenings are just two fun elements of the legendary Kentucky Derby Festival, a whirlwind of festivities that lead up to the big race that will also include the Taste of Derby Festival (April 16) and Kroger’s Fest-a-Ville on the Waterfront & Great Balloon Glow (April 25 - May 3).  

Affectionately dubbed the "Strawberry Capital of the World," Ponchatoula will host its renowned Strawberry Festival from April 12-14. Prepare for a feast of flavors, thrilling rides, live tunes and a "berry" good time. In New Orleans, the French Quarter Festival (April 11-14) will have the streets pulsing with the rhythm of live music, culinary delights and vibrant NOLA culture. Elsewhere, the Baton Rouge Blues Festival will bring soulful melodies back to town on April 19-21, while Arnaudville celebrates Louisiana cooking at its 35th Annual Étouffée Festival on April 26-28.

Start April in style at Spring Fest (April 5-7) in Sunday River in Newry, where you'll be able to take part in a full-blown celebration of spring featuring live tunes, delicious eats, tropical cocktails and epic skiing. Elsewhere, the 36th Annual Sugarloaf Reggae Fest will take place on April 11-14 and feature sets from John Brown's Body and Long Beach Dub All-Stars while the town of Ogunquit will once again commemorate Patriot’s Day on April 12.

Swing into La Plata for the 19th Annual College of Southern Maryland JazzFest on April 5-6, then head to Ladew Gardens for the Spring Lecture Series (April 4-11) or have a ball on the rides at the White Marsh Mall Carnival in Baltimore (April 4-14). Then, why not end your month with the spectacular sight of kites soaring above the sandy shores of Ocean City at the Maryland International Kite Expo (April 26-28)?

Join Boston's vibrant Patriots Day celebrations while cheering on the legendary Boston Marathon runners on April 15, then enjoy the 11th anniversary of Boston Design Week (April 23 - May 5), where creativity takes center stage in the city's design scene. For a true rite of spring in the Bay State, head to Gore Place for the Sheepshearing Festival on April 27, an event that has been going strong since 1987.

Illuminate your senses at the enchanting Grand Rapids Lantern Festival, which will light up John Ball Zoo (April 10 until June) with mesmerizing displays to captivate all ages. Freeland invites you to its Walleye Festival, April 25-28, boasting carnival thrills, cornhole showdowns, fireworks and a thrilling fishing tournament. Elsewhere, the Butterflies Are Blooming exhibition at Meijer Gardens will run all month long, showcasing the nation's largest temporary tropical butterfly spectacle and Zehnder's 28th Annual Ragtime Festival (April 24-26) will take place in Frankenmuth, uniting jazz lovers for a weekend of toe-tapping tunes.  

Begin your month with a flavor-packed adventure at the Minnesota Craft Beer Festival in Minneapolis (April 13), where over 100 breweries will showcase 400+ beers from around the state and beyond. Then, immerse yourself in cinematic magic at the Minneapolis Saint-Paul International Film Festival (April 11-25) featuring captivating films from across the globe. Elsewhere, experience the vibrant fusion of flowers and art at Art in Bloom, blooming at the Minneapolis Institute of Art on April 25-28 and featuring floral arrangements inspired by iconic artworks.

Biloxi heats up with the 31st Annual Crawfish Music Festival (April 19-21) boasting an impressive lineup of live music in addition to plenty of dishes of delectable crawfish. Elsewhere, embrace the spirit of spring at the 44th Annual Southaven Springfest (April 23-27), which will feature thrilling carnival rides, great live music and the sizzling State of Mississippi Barbecue Championship. Then, cap off the month in style at the Double Decker Arts Festival in Oxford (April 26-27), celebrating the vibrant local arts scene with delectable cuisine, live music and fine artwork.

Dive into the mosaic of flowers at Charleston's 56th Annual Dogwood-Azalea Festival (April 18-21), an event renowned as one of the nation's top small-town flower celebrations. Then, quench your thirst for wonderful water displays in Kansas City on April 16 for Fountain Day, when all 48 of the city's majestic fountains spring to life for the season. Elsewhere, the Oz-Con Gaming Convention will take place in West Plains on April 26-28, where gamers unite for a weekend of digital delights, and St. Louis' historic Soulard neighborhood will host its 5th Annual Taco & Tequila Crawl on April 27. Cape Girardeau will be the best place to be in the state for the solar eclipse on April 8, as it will be in the path of totality for the second eclipse in a row. 

You're in for a culinary adventure in Bozeman during Downtown Bozeman Restaurant Week (April 22-28), where the city's diverse culinary scene takes center stage at venues across town. Later in the month, head to Eureka for the 45th Annual Rendezvous Days (April 26-28) an unforgettable festival brimming with family-friendly activities like lively parades, classic car shows and arts & crafts markets. Lastly, nature lovers will want to make for Missoula for the International Wildlife Film Festival on April 20-25.  

Start your month off at Lauritzen Gardens in Omaha at their Easter Extravaganza (runs through April 8), which will feature a one-of-a-kind egg hunt. College football season may be a few months away, but the Cornhusker Spring Game will bring out the crowds in Lincoln on April 27. Lastly, April is always special in Nebraska City, and you're more than welcome to join the festivities in the birthplace of Arbor Day on April 26-28 as the community plants trees and celebrates its role in conservation with a weekend packed with special events.

In Vegas this April, you'll be able to catch epic performances from artists like Garth Brooks, Miranda Lambert, Smokey Robinson, The B-52s and Phish, with the latter taking over The Sphere from April 18-21. The city will also play host to the Great Vegas Festival of Beer on April 6. Those seeking a taste of Nevada's rich Western heritage should head to Genoa, as the town will celebrate its roots at the annual Genoa Western Heritage Days (April 26-28), with Western music, cowboy poetry and Native American demonstrations.

Start your month off at the 2nd Annual USA New Hampshire Kyokushin Karate Open to All Championship, which will take place in Nashua on April 6, then make for Cranmore Mountain in North Conway for an eclipse viewing event on April 8. Then, Portsmouth and the Seacoast will be the place to be during Restaurant Week (April 18-27), an event that will see dozens of restaurants in the area offering delectable three-course prix fixe menus.

Spring isn't officially here in the Garden State until the Essex County Cherry Blossom Festival opens its doors, and this year's event will run April 6-14. There, you'll be able to marvel at a sea of delicate blooms while savoring the season. In other flower-related news, the 3rd Annual Daffodil Days Festival will happen in Allentown on April 17-24. End your month with a culinary adventure along the Jersey Shore during Jersey Shore Restaurant Week (April 19-28), featuring delectable dishes crafted by the Shore's finest eateries.

Clovis is the place to be for lovers of rock-n-roll history as the town will hold its annual Clovis Music Festival on April 18-20. April heralds a celebration of Native culture in Albuquerque as you'll be able to immerse yourself in the rich traditions of American Indian Week at the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center from April 20-28 and then experience the awe-inspiring Gathering of Nations Pow Wow (April 25-27). Witness vibrant dances, captivating music and cultural showcases, as over 500 tribes from around the United States and over 200 from Canada unite to celebrate their heritage.

Much of the action will be Upstate this month, starting with a party in Buffalo's Historic Polonia District on Dyngus Day (April 1) to celebrate the end of Lent and Polish culture. At this shindig, you can enjoy the lively Annual Dyngus Day Parade, traditional music and plenty of delectable Polish food & spirits. Also happening Upstate, Rochester will be a rockstar on April 8 as the city will have over three minutes of totality during the solar eclipse, making it the largest city near major cities like Boston and NYC to experience such conditions—and you can expect a host of fun events to celebrate. April also sees the return of Spring Fishing in the Great Western Catskills and a couple of flower-filled events in NYC: The Orchid Show at the New York Botanical Garden (through April 21) and Hanami Nights cherry blossom event at Brooklyn Botanic Garden (April 23-25).

There's nowhere else in the Tar Heel State you'd rather be in April than under the blooms at the North Carolina Azalea Festival (April 3-7) in Wilmington, and once again, the city will come alive with concerts (T-Pain & Chase Rice), street fairs, parades, garden tours, delectable delights and much more. That same weekend, the Dreamville Festival will take place in Raleigh (April 6-7), featuring sets from SZA, Nicki Minaj, J. Cole, Chris Brown and many more. For some swashbuckling fun, head to Greeneville on April 20 for Piratefest and then end your month in the cool coastal town of Beaufort at the 18th annual Beaufort Wine & Food Festival, which will raise a glass to the traditional gastronomy of the region.

In Fargo, the 2nd Annual Fooler's Ball party will take place at Brewhalla on April 6 while Brantley Gilbert comes to town for a concert on April 26. Over in Minot, the 33rd Annual Big One Spring Art & Craft Fair returns on April 12-13, bringing a treasure trove of creativity from a wide range of artisans to all in attendance. 

A cherished holiday in Cleveland, Dyngus Day takes place on April 1 this year, and the hub of the fun will be Gordon Square. Here, Banter will lead the Polish partying charge with polka jams, Piwoski Polish Ale on tap and plenty of pierogi. Cleveland will also be at the forefront of the action in the lead-up to the solar eclipse on April 8 as multiple happenings will celebrate the city's location in the path of totality. Highlights include the Total Solar Eclipse Fest at the Great Lakes Science Center (featuring a performance by the Cleveland Orchestra on April 7), multiple viewing parties during the eclipse and even the special release of a Vanilla Blackout Stout beer from Great Lakes Brewing Company. Elsewhere in the Buckeye State, Athens welcomes the International Street Fair on April 6 while the Asian Food Festival returns to Cincinnati on April 27-28. 

Witness the grace and power of equestrian excellence at the Oklahoma Quarter Horse Spring Show in Tulsa (April 4-7), and then head to Oklahoma City's Scissortail Park for the Wind Festival on April 6, where the sky will fill with colorful kites and wind-powered wonders. Lastly, experience the rich heritage of the Wild West at the Western Heritage Awards on April 12-13, which will once again be at the National Cowboy Museum in Oklahoma City. In the days leading up to the ceremony, you can expect an array of special happenings and shindigs around town. 

In Portland, the iconic Bridge to Brews event returns on April 21, where racers will cross four of Portland's bridges and end their day with refreshing craft brews. Then, venture to the Wooden Shoe Tulip Farm in Woodburn for a floral spectacle at the Tulip Festival, running all month long, featuring blooms and great food. Art lovers will want to be in Portland from April 12-21 as the Fertile Ground Festival will shine a light on the newest frontiers of art in the city. 

They'll be grooving at the 33rd Annual Berks Jazz Festival in Reading, kicking off the month with sensational live performances scattered across town from April 5-14. Over in Philadelphia, Wrestlemania takes over Lincoln Financial Field on April 6-7 and Sakura Weekend at the Subaru Cherry Blossom Festival blooms in Fairmount Park on April 12-14, celebrating the vibrant arrival of spring with multicultural melodies, electrifying taiko drumming and delectable food and drinks. In other flowery Philly news, Spring Blooms at Longwood Gardens will show off pretty petals from 10,000 varieties of flowers all month long. 

Newport is the ultimate destination this month with its vibrant Daffodil Days Festival, a month-long celebration of blooming beauty. In Providence, the night will come alive on WaterFire Day (April 18), where the schedule for the upcoming season of the city's one-of-a-kind fiery art exhibition will be revealed. 

Head to Charleston for the Credit One Charleston Open (runs through April 7) to take in top-tier women's tennis and then make your way up to the Olde English District of the state for one of the South's best springtime soirees: the Come See Me Festival (April 11-20). A cherished tradition since 1962, this fest kicks off the season with a bang, boasting a lively parade, groovy beach music bands, heart-pumping 5k and 10k races, tantalizing craft beer & eats and the beloved 'Mayor's Frog Jump'. Lastly, the Myrtle Beach International Film Festival (April 18-22) will feature a global lineup of cinematic gems.

Get ready to witness adrenaline-fueled action in Sioux Falls as the Unleash The Beast PBR Event returns on April 5-7, once again featuring some of the planet's top bull riders. Meanwhile, Deadwood beckons with the return of Forks, Corks & Kegs on April 12-13, serving up a tantalizing array of wine, culinary delights and captivating brews in this cool town in the heart of the Black Hills. 

Get ready to savor the flavors and creativity of the town of Cleveland at the annual Hot Slaw and Art, Ya'll Festival on April 6. This event celebrates the town's beloved signature dish with live music, art exhibits, games and slaw-centric fun like like a "slaw dog" eating contest and a hot slaw cookoff. Meanwhile, laughter will echo through Music City as the Nashville Comedy Festival returns from April 12-21, showcasing a stellar lineup and Memphis doubles the foodie fun with not one, but two crawfish extravaganzas this month: the Rajun Cajun Crawfish Festival on April 21 and the Overton Square Crawfish Festival on April 27. 

Kick off your April adventure in Austin's Zilker Park at the 96th Annual ABC Kite Fest (April 14), the nation's oldest kite-flying extravaganza.   April in Fort Worth will feature two standout festivals you won't want to miss: the Fort Worth Food and Wine Festival (April 4-7), a culinary extravaganza showcasing the city's vibrant food and beverage scene that will feature an array of talented chefs, brewers and distillers and the Main St. Arts Festival (April 18-21), which is on of Texas' premier arts celebrations. On the coast, witness the mesmerizing sand sculptures of Sandfest in Port Aransas (April 19-21) and on historic Galveston Island, the Galveston Railroad Museum will host two fantastic events this month: The Steampunk Festival (April 5-7) and the Galveston Rail Fest (April 27-28). Lastly, numerous locations in the Lone Star State will be in the path of totality on April 8 during the solar eclipse. 

Mark your calendars for the historic Washington County Fair, which will take place from April 12-20 and bring a whirlwind of excitement back to the town of Hurricane. From thrilling carnival rides to pulse-pounding rodeo action and adrenaline-fueled demolition derbies, there's no shortage of thrills to be had at this party, which has been going strong for 163 years. This year's edition will also feature concerts by artists such as Eli Young Band, Tracy Byrd and Iam Tongi. 

Start your April with a splash at one of Vermont's legendary "pond skimming" events, where skiers brave icy waters in outrageous costumes to celebrate the end of the ski season. Head to Sugarbush on April 6 or Stratton on April 7 for a spectacle of daring feats and hilarious antics you won't soon forget. Finish off your month with a sweet escape to St. Albans for the Vermont Maple Festival, running April 26-28. Here, you'll be able to immerse yourself in a world of maple magic with live music, guided sugarhouse tours, captivating antique shows and a mouthwatering maple cooking contest. 

Norfolk pays tribute to our nation's unbreakable bonds with the NATO Festival from April 18-20, which will salute the strongest alliance on the planet. In Alexandria, Cherry Blossom Season will add an extra layer of enchantment to this delightful city as amidst the blossoms, visitors will immerse themselves in the historic charm of Old Town Alexandria. Admire the pretty pink flowers beside the Potomac River, but don't miss the Historic Homes & Garden Tour, which will show off historic townhouses and lush gardens with stories to tell about Alexandria's heritage. Lastly, The Old Dominion comes alive with coastal delights this month at the Appomattox OysterFest 2024 in Concord on April 27.

Seattle is gearing up for a season of laughs and film with the return of the 20th Annual Moisture Festival, which will dominate the comedy and variety scene through April 20, and the 21st Annual Seattle Black Film Festival, lighting up screens from April 25-28. Elsewhere, the Washington State Fair's spring edition will provide fun for the whole family on two weekends (April 11-14 & April 18-21), while the Spring Barrel Weekend will pop the cork on seasonal fun in the Yakima Valley on April 26-28. Boasting over 90 wineries and five American Viticulture Areas, this gorgeous valley transforms in spring when the flowers bloom as local wineries unveil their latest creations, offering samples straight from the barrel and a host of fun activities. 

Get ready to ride the rapids and rock out at West Virginia's premier event for whitewater aficionados: the Webster Wildwater Weekend River Festival on April 12-14. Drawing thrill-seekers from across the USA, this adrenaline-fueled fiesta promises a weekend packed with heart-pounding action on the water, followed by an evening of live music and camaraderie. Elsewhere, the 27th Annual Eastern Panhandle Home Show will take place at the historic Martinsburg Roundhouse on April 6-7, and the WV Italian Heritage Festival will present its monthly Fritti Sunday in Clarksburg on April 21. 

Start your April right with a cultural extravaganza at the 50th Annual Stevens Point Festival of the Arts on April 7. Then, head to Wisconsin's cool capital, Madison, for the much-anticipated Wisconsin Film Festival, which will fill the city with cinematic magic from April 4-11. Also in Madison, the Midwest Horse Fair takes place this month (April 19 – 21), an event regarded as one of the top horse fairs in the nation. Elsewhere, cheese and beer enthusiasts will come together in Kenosha for the Dairy State Cheese & Beer Festival on April 13, and jazz lovers will head to Eau Claire on April 19-20 for the smooth sounds of the Eau Claire Jazz Festival. 

Jackson Hole will be the spot to be this month as the Rendezvous Festival returns on April 5-6, bringing with it an electrifying lineup of artists like The Head and The Heart, Niko Moon, Mt. Joy and Luke Grimes. Cheyenne steps into the spotlight this month with its annual Restaurant Week from April 7-13, showcasing the city's gastronomic prowess with mouthwatering special menus at top downtown eateries, breweries and shops. The capital will also play host to a concert from Ice Cube on April 18.