Major League Baseball is back, college basketball is approaching its shining moment and while school is back in session, Spring Break slideshows are still filling our social media feeds. That means it’s April, the month that officially ushers in spring, with great events popping up all across the country, many celebrating the rites of the season and providing the perfect excuse to get outdoors.
From tulip festivals and cherry blossom celebrations to quirky end-of-season soirees at ski resorts and post-Lent parties, there’s something for everyone this April. Click the slideshow to discover the best April 2026 events near you or plan a springtime road trip.
Tulips in bloom. (Photo via Tobin / Flickr)
Tulip Festival - Lewes, Delaware
Embrace spring with open arms at the 17th Annual Tulip Festival in Lewes (runs through April 19), where this cute seaside town bursts into bloom with over 30,000 vibrant bulbs. Here, you will be able to revel in striking floral arrangements, enjoy the Tiptoe-to-the-Tulips trail, admire beautiful art exhibitions and much more.
The Final Four - Indianapolis, Indiana & Phoenix, Arizona
College Basketball madness comes to a close this month as both the Men’s and Women’s NCAA Tournaments reach their thrilling conclusions. The Men’s Final Four tips off in Indianapolis (April 4-6), while the Women’s Final Four lights up Phoenix (April 3–5) bringing a party atmosphere, both on and off the court. In Indianapolis, fans can enjoy the NCAA Fan Fest, the high-flying March Madness Music Festival (Post Malone, Zac Brown Band and more) and the Final Four Dribble for young hoopers. Out west in Phoenix, festivities include Tourney Town fan experiences and the Super Saturday Concert (Kehlani and more).
Dyngus Day revelry in Buffalo (Photo Credit: Nancy J Parisi)
Dyngus Day - Various Locations
Celebrate Polish culture and the end of Lent on Dyngus Day (April 6), a beloved tradition that draws crowds for a day of fun, food and festivities in towns all over the nation. Two of the most famous events are the ones in the historic Polonia District of Buffalo and the celebration in Cleveland, where the action will be based around Gordon Square. At these Polish-themed parties, revelers will be able to enjoy traditional Polish fare, live music, dancing and plenty of playful post-Lenten antics.
Azalea Festival - Wilmington, North Carolina
There’s no better place to welcome spring in North Carolina than under the blooms at the 79th Annual North Carolina Azalea Festival (April 8-12). The city will once again burst to life with a full slate of festivities, from garden tours and lively street fairs to parades, delicious local eats and much more. Music lovers can catch concerts from big names (Dustin Lynch, Lil Jon and more) while visitors of all ages can simply soak up this coastal town’s special atmosphere.
Parade during the Northern California Cherry Blossom Festival. (Photo Credit: Mark Shigenaga)
Cherry Blossom Festival - San Francisco, California
The 59th Annual Northern California Cherry Blossom Festival returns (April 11-12 & April 18-19), celebrating the season’s bloom with flair in San Francisco's Japantown. One of the largest festivals of its kind in the nation, the event features striking cultural performances including traditional music, dance and martial arts that transport visitors to the heart of Japan. Guests can also explore an outdoor marketplace filled with local artisans and food vendors serving up authentic Japanese cuisine. All of the festivities build toward the colorful Grand Parade, which brings the celebration to a spectacular close each year.
‘To Kill a Mockingbird’ Live - Monroeville, Alabama
Make your way to Monroeville, which happens to be the hometown of Harper Lee, for captivating live productions of the American classic To Kill a Mockingbird (select dates from April 10-25). During these performances, attendees are able to soak up an atmospheric outdoor setting, including the historic courthouse that inspired the book’s iconic courtroom scenes, creating an unforgettable immersive theatrical experience. With local talent bringing beloved characters to life and the town itself serving as a backdrop, it’s a one of a kind blend of literature, history and Southern charm.
The Come See Me Festival in Rock Hill, South Carolina. (Photo Credit: ComeSeeMe.org)
The Come-See-Me Festival - Rock Hill, South Carolina
Celebrate spring at the annual Come-See-Me Festival in The Palmetto State’s lovely Olde English District (April 16–25), a beloved tradition that has welcomed the season since 1962. This lively, community-driven event features a colorful parade, beach music bands and spirited 5K and 10K races that get everyone up and moving. Visitors can also enjoy craft beer, local food and the fan favorite Mayor’s Frog Jump, where competitors cheer on their favorite hopping hopefuls.
Ski Season Closing Celebrations - Various Locations
April brings a festive farewell to ski season across the country, with resorts pulling out all the stops for a host of wild and woolly send-offs. In Alaska, Alyeska Resort hosts its Spring Carnival (April 24-26), an event highlighted by the crowd favorite Slush Cup, where costumed skiers attempt to skim across icy waters. Vermont joins the fun early with classic pond skimming events at Sugarbush (April 4), delivering plenty of laughs and splashy wipeouts. Meanwhile in Colorado, Steamboat Springs wraps things up with Springalicious (April 1 through the closing day of ski season), featuring the Cardboard Classic, a wacky pond skim, free concerts and more, all celebrating spring in true Rocky Mountain style.
French Quarter Festival (Photo Credit: New Orleans & Company)
French Quarter Festival - New Orleans, Louisiana
The French Quarter Festival returns on April 16-19, turning NOLA's historic heart into one of the biggest free music parties in the nation. Over four days and across more than 20 stages, fans can soak up the sounds of local legends like Grammy‑winning PJ Morton, the soulful Irma Thomas and high‑energy acts such as Big Freedia and Cupid & the Dance Party Express. Beyond the music, and because this is New Orleans, you can expect plenty of mouthwatering local food, dancing, and festivities along the riverfront and in Jackson Square.
Patriots’ Day - Boston, Massachusetts
Celebrate spring in Boston with the city’s beloved Patriots Day festivities (April 20), highlighted by the iconic Boston Marathon. Spectators line the streets to cheer on elite runners and everyday participants alike, creating an electric atmosphere that’s as much about the fans as the athletes. Whether you’re a diehard runner or just in it for the revelry, you’re going to want to make a beeline for Beantown.
Scene from the Gathering of Nations Pow Wow (Photo Credit: New Mexico True)
Native American Cultural Events - Albuquerque, New Mexico
Experience the vibrant culture of the Southwest in Albuquerque this April, beginning with American Indian Week at the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center (April 20-28), where visitors can explore traditional arts, crafts, storytelling and performances. The festivities continue with the Gathering of Nations Pow Wow (April 24-25), the nation’s largest pow wow, showcasing breathtaking dance competitions, colorful regalia and authentic Native cuisine.
Arbor Day Festival - Nebraska City, Nebraska
April is a great time to be in Nebraska City, and once again this year’s celebrations (April 24-26) will honor the town’s claim as the birthplace of Arbor Day. The weekend is packed with tree plantings, hands-on educational programs and family-friendly activities celebrating conservation and the environment. Visitors can stroll through lush gardens, join workshops, and participate in community events that highlight Nebraska City’s 'treemendous' legacy.
Maple syrup glass light leaf (Photo via Ano Lobb / flickr)
CNY Maple Festival - Finger Lakes, New York
Sweeten your spring at the 54th Annual CNY Maple Festival (April 18–19) in Cortland County, where a long-standing tradition celebrates the region’s deep maple heritage dating back to Iroquois culture. This family-friendly event features hearty pancake breakfasts and lively pancake-eating contests alongside airboat rides, arts & crafts and demonstrations that show off the syrup-making process.
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