Blooming with Fun: Spring Events and Adventures in Hanover County, VA

As winter gives way to warmer days, spring brings a fresh burst of energy to Hanover County, Virginia. From lively community festivals and family-friendly races to historic tours, outdoor adventures, and seasonal celebrations, the county comes alive with activities for visitors and locals alike. Whether you’re exploring centuries-old landmarks, enjoying live music and local flavors, or spending a day outdoors with family and friends, there are countless ways to experience the charm of Hanover this season. Here’s a look at some of the exciting events and activities happening throughout the spring.

Patrick Henry’s Scotchtown offers interior tours, Fridays through Sundays, starting in March through December each year. A guided 45-minute exterior walking tour of the history and architecture is offered, and reservations can be scheduled at Scotchtown Tickets. Self-guided cell phone tours are always available. Pack a picnic and eat under the covered pavilion. Also, visit Scotchtown’s events page for special programs and workshops including A Day in the Scotchtown Garden on April 4 and Scotchtown’s Annual Fiber Festival on April 11. Fees apply.

The Montpelier Center for Arts & Education is hosting its Sparkles & Spurs Daddy-Daughter Dance on Saturday, March 21 starting at 6:30 p.m., African Americans of Hanover County presentation by Joe Gorman on March 25 at 6:30 and other programs. Visit the Center’s Programs Page for more information and registration. Be sure to check out the Center’s various classes including a Spring Living Wreath Workshop class on March 27 at 6:00 p.m.

Cross Creek Nursery (the West End Location is located in Ashland) hosts various seminars, workshops and events throughout the year. Looking for workshops for kids? The nursery is offering workshops for youth on March 28, March 31, April 2 and April 4.  Fees apply.

Hanover Arts & Activity Center is hosting the 47th Annual Ashland Railroad Run on Saturday, March 21, 2026. The 5K starts at 8:00 a.m., Kids Fun Run at 8:15 a.m., the COTU Challenge at 8:00 a.m., and the 10K at 9:00 a.m. Virtual Runs are also available. Registration/Fees required. For other events such as Ashland Spring Artist’s Showcase & Marketplace and Hanover’s Got Talent, visit the Hanover Arts events page.

Pamunkey Regional Library hosts a variety of classes and events for the whole family. Visit the library’s events page for full schedule.

Kings Dominion opens its 2026 season on March 21st.  The park is open the weekend of March 21 and March 22. Beginning March 28 throughout April 5, the park is open every day throughout Spring Break, then operates on a variable Saturday/ Sunday schedule for the remainder of April and a Friday/Saturday/Sunday schedule for most of May. Starting May 23, the park begins its peak summer season with hours every day including Soak City (several dates show Soak City as closed. Check the calendar before you go). Check the park’s events page for other fun offerings included in admission.

Meadowgate Farm opens for the season in April for visits that take you up close and personal with their Alpacas. Go to Meadowgate Alpacas to schedule a visit.

The Hanover Chamber of Commerce is hosting its 6th Annual Airpark 5K on Saturday, April 11, 2026. The race will start at 9 a.m. – with staggered start times for runners, walkers, kids, and strollers. Friends, family, and coworkers can cheer on the racers from the “Fan Zone.” Registration is required.

Randolph Macon College’s Blackwell Auditorium hosts various musical and theatrical performances and lectures. For more information, visit the college’s Arts and Events page.

History and Hops presented by Hanover County Parks & Recreation is Saturday, May 16, 2026, from 2:00 – 6:00 p.m. at the Historic Courthouse Grounds. Raise a glass for the 250^th Anniversary of Virginia’s independence at History and Hops where craft beverages, local history and lively entertainment come together. This is a free event. To view this event and others, click here:  Hanover Parks and Recreation Events. Click on the Special Events tab to view History and Hops and other upcoming special events.

James River Cellars Winery is hosting its annual April Fools Festival on Saturday, April 18, 2026 from 12:00 – 5:00 p.m. Listen to live music, enjoy wine tastings and food trucks, shop vendors, and take home a souvenir wine glass! Ticket purchase required. Visit the winery’s calendar for more events.

Hanover Tavern’s Easter Brunch is Sunday, April 5, 2026 (10:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.) The 2026 Easter Brunch at Hanover Tavern is better than ever! Choose two or three course meals from the delectable menu. For more information, visit HanoverTavern.org.  Reservations are required – call 804-537-5050.  Also, visit the venue’s events page for more offerings.

• Hanover Tavern’s Brunch with the Bunny is Saturday, March 21, 2026. Seatings at 9:00 and 11:00 a.m. Reservations required.

The 22nd Annual Ashland Train Day is Saturday, April 25, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. This annual street festival and railfan extravaganza celebrates Ashland’s love for trains! The family-friendly event features more than a dozen trains passing through the Town, a museum, model trains, Touch-A-Truck featuring all types of emergency and construction trucks, a fun-filled Kid Zone, kiddie train rides, scavenger hunt and more! Admission is FREE. Visit the Downtown Ashland Association website for more information.

Camp Hanover will host a Fun Day (April 26), Family Camp (May 15-17), and other events. Visit the Camp Hanover Retreat and Events page for more information.

Classic Car Cruise-In coordinated by Hanover County Parks and Recreation is Sunday, April 26, 2026, from 4:00-7:00 p.m. at Hanover High School. This is a free event. Enjoy classic cars, music and food truck fare. To view this event and others, click here: Hanover Parks and Recreation Events. Click the “Special Events” tab for this event and more.

The Ashland Strawberry Faire is Saturday, June 6, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The Faire is a free, outdoor, family, and pet-friendly event. All are welcome to the historic campus of Randolph-Macon College in Ashland, Virginia. Enjoy fresh strawberries, vendors galore, food, beverages, pageants, music, entertainment, and activities for the kids. More information will be posted at ashlandstrawberryfaire.com. Check back for updated details.

Looking for a list of more things to do in Hanover County? Visit the Here In Hanover, VA App.