Every State’s Best April 2025 Events

This spring, make for Monroeville—the birthplace of author Harper Lee—for riveting live productions of the American classic To Kill A Mockingbird (various dates April 4-26). During these performances, attendees can step into atmospheric outdoor spaces and the historic courtroom where Lee drew inspiration. Mark your calendars for the 24th Annual Old 280 Boogie, a vibrant celebration of great tunes and Southern culture that promises fun in Waverly (April 12) then rev your engines for one of NASCAR's most prestigious races, The Geico 500, which will roar into Talladega on April 27. Finally, the 43rd Annual Panoply Arts Festival (April 25-27) will showcase culture and creativity in Huntsville. 

Start April with the 50th Annual Alaska Folk Festival (April 7-13), an event that will fill Juneau with folk sounds from an eclectic array of artists, including this year's special guest Rhiannon Giddens with Dirk Powell. Elsewhere, you'll want to join the jubilant crowds at Alyeska Resort for the Spring Carnival on April 25-27, as this shindig marks the end of the ski season with a host of fun happenings, most famously the exhilarating Slush Cup, where daring skiers don weird & wacky costumes and attempt to glide across a pool of icy water. 

Start your Arizona April with a bang by savoring the music at the 40th Annual Tucson Folk Festival on April 4-6, hailed as the largest free music festival in the state. Or, you could head to Scottsdale and sip suds at the 4th Annual Rusty’s Beer Fest on April 6. Also early in the month, you'll want to hop on your bike to experience the best of The 28th Annual Arizona Bike Week (April 2-6), which will once again take over WestWorld of Scottsdale and feature scores of lively events and rocking live music. Later in the month, the Agave Heritage Festival will celebrate all things Agave in Tucson on April 10-13 and the Scottsdale Jazz Festival (April 26) will celebrate the late music icon Quincy Jones.

Once again, Riverfront Park in Little Rock will come alive in April with the highly anticipated return of Jazz in the Park (April 2), a weekly event that will see terrific tunes echo around the park. Whiskey lovers should make a beeline for the Bentonville Whiskey Festival (April 5) at the Peel Museum and Botanical Gardens in Bentonville where attendees will enjoy sips, educational classes and live tunes. The enchanting Lanterns Festival returns to Wildwood Park for the Arts on April 10-13, 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 25 where the streets come alive with a kaleidoscope of works by talented artists. Lastly, make for Eureka Springs on April 26 for  Goggles, Gears and Springs: A Steampunk Affair, a new event dedicated to all things steampunk. 

Start your month off in La Quinta at the Fly Over La Quinta Kite Experience on April 5 while in San Francisco, the 58th Annual Northern California Cherry Blossom Festival (April 12-13 & April 19-20) 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 11-13 & 18-20) returns to the Indio Polo Club with a star-studded lineup including Green Day, Post Malone, Lady Gaga, Missy Elliott, Megan Thee Stallion and many others while cycling enthusiasts will gather for the iconic Sea Otter Classic (April 10-13) in Monterey County and The City of Fairfield will host its 4th Annual Blues, Brews, and BBQ Cookoff on April 19.   

Steamboat Springs will bring back the much-loved Springalicious event (April 1-20), marking the official end of ski season with a bang. From the crazy Cardboard Classic race to the wild and woolly Pond Skim, alongside free concerts and more, it's the most "Steamboat" way to welcome spring. Then, elevate your taste buds at the Taste of Vail food & wine extravaganza (April 2-5), where culinary delights abound. Elsewhere, Aspen will hold its Film Shortsfest (runs through April 5), showcasing top-notch cinematic talent, while later in the month Durango takes center stage with the soulful Bluegrass Meltdown (April 11-13) and the refined Durango Wine Experience (April 25-26). 

Start your engines and kick off the racing season in style at the Thompson Speedway Motorsports Park for the adrenaline-pumping Icebreaker event (April 5). In New Haven, join the festivities at the 52nd Annual Cherry Blossom Festival at historic Wooster Square on April 6. Here, you'll be able to listen to great 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 9th Annual CT Spring Boat Show in Essex (April 25-27). 

Welcome spring with open arms at the 16th Annual Tulip Festival in Lewes (runs through April 20), where the seaside town bursts into bloom with over 30,000 vibrant bulbs. Here, you will be able to revel in exquisite floral arrangements, enjoy the Tiptoe-to-the-Tulips and admire beautiful art exhibitions. Elsewhere, don't miss Mt. Cuba Wildflower Celebration in Hockessin (April 25-27), an ode to the beauty of the region's native flowers. Last but not least, nature lovers will want to head to the Delmarva Peninsula's Spring Birding Weekend (April 24-27), which is heaven on earth for bird and wildlife enthusiasts.  

All eyes turn to Augusta each year in April for the return of The Masters and its accompanying festivities (April 7-13), while the Savannah Music Festival will delight audiences again with an eclectic celebration that does good for the community (runs through April 14). In Atlanta, the beloved Dogwood Festival blooms anew in Piedmont Park from April 11-13, offering a range of diverse musical performances, stunning art exhibits and tasty foodie delights. Finally, cap your month in the charming mountain town of Dahlonega at the unique Bear on the Square Event (April 26-27), 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 storytelling, live music, artwork, blacksmithing basketry and much more. 

Strap on your running shoes and soak in the tropical vibes at Honolulu's Hapalua Half Marathon, returning on April 13, and rest assured, even if you're not hitting the pavement, you'll have plenty of fun around town celebrating with those who did. Meanwhile, over on the Garden Isle, the Kauai Brewers Festival will be pouring out crafty delights on April 19 (featuring a block party vibe) and for aficionados of the iconic SPAM (or just plain curious foodies), Waikiki will host the SPAM Jam on April 26, where you can indulge in creative SPAM-centric dishes from some of Hawaii's top restaurants while having a blast. 

Head downstate to Champaign for the vibrant Boneyard Arts Festival (April 4-6)—an annual showcase of artistic talent—and to Mount Vernon for the 22nd Annual Steel Guitar Festival (April 11-12), where the town will once again come alive to the sounds of the steel guitar. In the Windy City, Navy Pier in Chicago will buzz with the International Exposition of Contemporary & Modern Art (April 24-27), while Garfield Park Conservatory's "Rooted in Mystery" Spring Flower Show will bloom all month long.

Bloomington is a great spot to be early in April as the cool college town will host the Bloomington Music Expo (April 5) and the International Festival (April 6). Design lovers will want to make sure they are in Indianapolis for Indy Design Week (April 21-26) and there couldn't be a sweeter way to finish off the month than by attending the Wakarusa Maple Syrup Festival (April 25-27) a get-together that will feature lots of fun rides, food vendors and live entertainment. 

Film lovers will want to head to Cedar Rapids for the Cedar Rapids Independent Film Festival (April 4-6), which excels at celebrating excellent films from around the globe. In Des Moines, Ink enthusiasts won't want to miss the Middle of the Map tattoo convention (April 4-6), while adrenaline junkies will be able to feel the rush at the Monster Jam monster truck rally (April 12-13), where roaring engines and gravity-defying stunts will have you leaping out of your seat. 

Kicking off the season in style, the Spring Meet at Keeneland Racecourse in Lexington opens its gates on April 4, running through April 25 (no racing on Mondays, Tuesdays or Easter Sunday). Elsewhere, the 58th Annual Bardstown Antiques Show takes place on April 4-5, where treasure hunters will find vintage gems, and in Louisville, the skies will ignite with the Thunder Over Louisville fireworks extravaganza on April 12, followed by the quacky antics of the Ken-Ducky Derby rubber duck race on April 26. 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. 

The Baton Rouge Blues Festival will bring soulful melodies back to town on April 4-6, while the affectionately dubbed "Strawberry Capital of the World," Ponchatoula will host its renowned Strawberry Festival from April 11-13. Prepare for a host of thrilling carnival rides, live music and just a "berry" good time all around. In New Orleans, the French Quarter Festival (April 10-13) will have the streets pulsing with the rhythm of live music, local food and vibrant NOLA culture. Finally, Arnaudville celebrates Louisiana cooking at its 36th Annual Étouffée Festival on April 25-27.

Swing into La Plata for the 20th Annual College of Southern Maryland JazzFest on April 4-5, then head to Ladew Gardens for the Spring Lecture Series on April 3 & 10 (events include a speech on how to appreciate nature right under your nose and a lecture about peonies). 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 25-27)?

Join Boston's lively Patriots Day celebrations while cheering on the legendary Boston Marathon runners on April 21, a sporting event where the spectators have almost as much fun as the racers. Then for a true rite of spring in the Bay State, head to Gore Place for the Sheep Shearing Festival on April 26, 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 9 until June 15) with colorful displays to captivate all ages. Freeland invites one and all to its famous Walleye Festival (April 24-27), once again featuring carnival thrills, cornhole competitions, fireworks and a much-loved 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, while the Bavarian-inspired town of Frankenmuth will host Zehnder's 30th Annual Ragtime Festival (April 23-25)  and the Bringin' back the 80s Fest (April 25-26). 

Immerse yourself in cinematic magic at the Minneapolis Saint-Paul International Film Festival (April 2-13) featuring fascinating films from across the globe. If you enjoy a good beer, then why not head to the Minnesota Craft Beer Festival in Minneapolis (April 26), where over 100 breweries will showcase hundreds of brews from around the state and beyond? Elsewhere, experience the vibrant fusion of flowers and art at Art in Bloom at the Minneapolis Institute of Art on April 24-27, featuring floral arrangements inspired by iconic artworks. Then, end April up north at the Duluth Homegrown Music Festival (April 27- May 7), an annual musical soiree dedicated to the diverse sounds of the city. 

Start your month off in Corinth at the Downtown Throwdown (April 5) where there will be a crawfish boil, 5K, and lively market or head to Ridgeland to take in the smooth sounds of the 18th Annual Township Jazz Festival (April 5). Elsewhere, Biloxi will heat up at the 32nd Annual Crawfish Music Festival (April 23-27) boasting an impressive lineup of live music in addition to plenty of dishes of delectable crawfish. Elsewhere, embrace the spirit of spring at the 45th Annual Southaven Springfest (April 22-26), which will feature thrilling carnival rides, great live music and mouthwatering food. 

Start your month off in St. Louis' historic Soulard neighborhood at the 6th Annual Taco & Tequila Crawl (April 5). Then, dive into the mosaic of flowers at Charleston's 57th Annual Dogwood-Azalea Festival (April 10-13), an event renowned as one of the nation's top small-town bloom celebrations. Then, quench your thirst for wonderful water displays in Kansas City on April 19 for Fountain Day, when all 48 of the city's majestic fountains spring to life for the year. Elsewhere, the Oz-Con Gaming Convention will take place in West Plains on April 25-27, where gamers unite for a weekend of digital delights and assorted fun.  

You're in for a culinary adventure in Bozeman during the 5th Annual Downtown Bozeman Restaurant Week (April 21-27), where the city's diverse culinary scene takes center stage at venues across town. Later in the month, head to Eureka for the 46th Annual Rendezvous Days (April 25-27) an unforgettable festival brimming with family-friendly activities like lively parades, classic car shows and much more. Lastly, nature lovers will want to make for Missoula for the International Wildlife Film Festival on April 19-24.  

Start your month off at Lauritzen Gardens in Omaha at their Spring EGGstravaganza (runs through April 19), featuring 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 26. 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 25-27 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 The Eagles and Dead & Company as both acts take to the stage of The Sphere. The city will also play host to the Great Vegas Festival of Beer on April 5. Later in the month, Virginia City will play host to the Virginia City Grand Prix (April 25-27), one of the most unique motorcycle races in the West. 

Portsmouth and the Seacoast will be the place to be during Restaurant Week (April 10-19), an event that will see dozens of restaurants in the area offering delectable three-course prix fixe menus. Quilt lovers will want to make sure they are in Manchester for the New England Quilt Expo on April 10-12, while in Rye, the Seacoast Science Center’s Rescue Run: Race for Marine Mammals will take place on April 19.

Start your month with a culinary adventure along the Jersey Shore during Jersey Shore Restaurant Week (runs through April 6), featuring delectable dishes crafted by the Shore's finest eateries. Elsewhere, spring hasn't officially sprung in the Garden State until the Essex County Cherry Blossom Festival opens its doors, and this year's event will run April 5-13. There, you'll be able to marvel at a pink sea of delicate blooms while savoring the season. Elsewhere, the Easter EggstravaganZoo will take place at Cape May County Park & Zoo on April 18-25 while the Asbury Park Restaurant Tour (April 27) will show off foodie delights on the seashore.  

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 11-12 with acts like Marshall Tucker Band, Everclear and more. 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 22-27). Witness captivating dances, traditional music and cultural showcases, as hundreds of tribes from around the USA and Canada unite to celebrate their heritage.

There will be lots of action Upstate this month, as April sees the return of Spring Fishing in the Great Western Catskills and Buffalo's Historic Polonia District throwing a party on Dyngus Day (April 21) to celebrate Polish culture and the end of Lent. At this shindig, you can enjoy the colorful Dyngus Day Parade, traditional music and plenty of tasty Polish food & spirits. The Big Apple shines this month with a couple of flower-filled events: The Orchid Show at the New York Botanical Garden (runs through April 27) and Hanami Nights cherry blossom event at Brooklyn Botanic Garden (April 22-25).

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 2-6) in Wilmington, and once again, the city will come alive with concerts (Justin Moore and Flo Rida among others), garden tours, street fairs, parades, great food and much more. That same weekend, the Dreamville Festival will take place in Raleigh (April 6-7), featuring sets from Lil Wayne, 21 Savage, Ludacris, J. Cole and more. For some swashbuckling fun, head to Greeneville on April 5 for Piratefest and then end your month in the cool coastal town of Beaufort at the 19th annual Beaufort Wine & Food Festival (April 25-27), which will raise a glass to the traditional gastronomy of the region.

In Fargo, the 3rd Annual "weird beer festival" that is the Fooler's Ball will take place at Brewhalla on April 5 while Becky Robinson comes to town for a concert on April 26. Over in Minot, the 34th Annual Big One Spring Art & Craft Fair returns on April 11-12, 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 21 this year, and the hub of the Polish, post-Lenten fun will be Gordon Square. Elsewhere in the Buckeye State, Athens welcomes the International Street Fair on April 5, once again showcasing cultures from around the world while the Asian Food Festival returns to Cincinnati on April 26-27.

Witness the grace and power of equestrian excellence at the Oklahoma Quarter Horse Spring Show in Tulsa (April 3-6), and then head to Oklahoma City's Scissortail Park for the Wind Festival on April 5, where the sky will fill with colorful kites and other wind-powered wonders. Lastly, experience the rich heritage of the Wild West at the Western Heritage Awards on April 10-12, 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 Western-themed shindigs around town.  

In Portland, the iconic Bridge to Brews event returns on April 13, 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 through April 27, featuring pretty blooms and fantastic food. Lovers of the performing arts will want to be in Portland from April 4-19 as the Fertile Ground Festival will shine a light on the newest frontiers of art in the city. 

They'll be grooving at the 34th Annual Berks Jazz Festival in Reading, kicking off the month with sensational live performances scattered across town from April 4-13. Over in Philadelphia, Sakura Weekend at the Subaru Cherry Blossom Festival blooms in Fairmount Park on April 5-6, celebrating the vibrant arrival of spring with electrifying taiko drumming, multicultural melodies and delectable food and drinks. In other flowery Philly news, Spring Blooms at Longwood Gardens will show off stunning 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 6) 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 3-12). A cherished tradition since 1962, this fest kicks off the season with a bang, boasting the beloved 'Mayor's Frog Jump', a lively parade, beach music bands, heart-pumping races, and tantalizing craft beer & eats. Lastly, the Myrtle Beach International Film Festival (April 22-26) 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 4-6, once again featuring some of the planet's top bull riders. Meanwhile, Deadwood beckons with the return of Forks, Corks & Kegs on April 11-12, serving up a great array of wine, culinary delights and delicious beer 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 5. This event celebrates the town's beloved signature dish with art exhibits, games, live music and slaw-centric fun 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 3-13 (big names include Jay Leno, Nikki Glaser, Wanda Sykes, Jim Jefferies, Yakov Smirnoff and more) showcasing a stellar lineup and Memphis doubles the foodie fun with a crawfish extravaganzas this month: the Rajun Cajun Crawfish Festival on April 27.

Start your month with some college basketball in San Antonio as SA will play host to the Men's Final Four on April 5-7.  April in Fort Worth will feature two standout festivals you won't want to miss: the Fort Worth Food and Wine Festival (April 3-6), 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 10-13), which is on of Texas' premier arts celebrations. On the coast, witness the mesmerizing sand sculptures of Sandfest in Port Aransas (April 25-27) and on historic Galveston Island, the Galveston Railroad Museum will host two fantastic events this month: The Steampunk Festival (April 11-13) and the Galveston Rail Fest (April 26-27). 

The historic Washington County Fair (April 11-19) is back, once again bringing a whirlwind of excitement back to the town of Hurricane, Utah. From pulse-raising carnival rides to thrilling rodeo action and adrenaline-fueled demolition derbies, there's no shortage of thrills to be had at this annual shindig, which has been going strong for 164 years. This year's edition will also feature concerts by artists such as Lonestar and Lee Greenwood.

Start your April with a splash at one of Vermont's legendary "pond skimming" events, where skiers brave icy waters in wild costumes to celebrate the end of the ski season. Head to Sugarbush on April 5 or Stratton on April 6 for a spectacle of freaky 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 25-27. Here, you'll be able to immerse yourself in the magical world of maple syrup with live music, sugarhouse tours, antique shows and a truly decadent maple cooking contest. 

Start your month off in Lexington at the Rockbridge Bull & Oyster Fest (April 5) where you will have a great time sampling the local delicacies. Norfolk pays tribute to our nation's unbreakable bonds with the NATO Festival from April 24-26, 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 or simply stroll through town for an experience that may just be the highlight of your spring. 

Seattle is gearing up for a season of laughs and film with the return of the 21st Annual Moisture Festival, which will dominate the comedy and variety scene through April 13, and the 22nd Annual Seattle Black Film Festival, lighting up screens from April 24-27. Elsewhere, the Washington State Fair's spring edition will provide fun for the whole family on two weekends (April 10-13 & April 17-20), while the Spring Barrel Weekend will pop the cork on spring fun in the Yakima Valley on April 25-27. Boasting over 90 wineries and five American Viticulture Areas, this breathtaking region transforms each year when the flowers bloom as local wineries unveil their latest creations, offering samples straight from the barrel and a host of fun for your entire crew. 

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 the weekend of April. Drawing thrill-seekers from across the USA, this party promises a weekend packed with heart-pounding fun on the water, followed by an evening of live music and camaraderie. Elsewhere, the WV Italian Heritage Festival will present its monthly Fritti Sunday in Clarksburg on April 19. 

Start your April right with a cultural extravaganza at the 51st Annual Stevens Point Festival of the Arts on April 6. 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 3-10. Also in Madison, the Midwest Horse Fair takes place this month (April 11-13), 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 17th Annual Dairy State Cheese & Beer Festival on April 12, and jazz lovers will head to Eau Claire on April 11-12 for the scintillating sounds of the Eau Claire Jazz Festival. 

Jackson Hole will be the spot to be this month as the Rendezvous Festival returns on April 4-5, bringing with it an electrifying lineup of artists like Charles Wesley Godwin, The Avett Brothers, Carter Faith and more. Cheyenne steps into the spotlight this month with its annual Restaurant Week from April 6-12, showcasing the city's gastronomic prowess with mouthwatering special menus at top downtown eateries, breweries and shops.