Spring Festivals in Loudoun County: Races, Wine, Food & Garden Events in April

Spring in Loudoun County arrives in full color and celebration, where rolling countryside, historic towns, and vibrant communities come together for a season packed with unforgettable events. From the elegance of steeplechase racing in Middleburg to the floral-lined streets of Leesburg and the lively flavors of Sterling, April offers a dynamic mix of tradition, creativity, and culinary discovery. Whether you’re sipping local vintages in Aldie or indulging in playful food festivals, Loudoun’s spring calendar captures the spirit of the season in every sense.

April 18, Middleburg Spring Races, Glenwood Park, Middleburg

On Saturday, April 18, Glenwood Park in Middleburg hosts what some consider to be the blue chip event of the Loudoun social calendar, as synonymous with the season as dogwoods and daffodils. Join race aficionados and designer-clad fans from Loudoun, DC, Baltimore and beyond as they picnic around the famous Alfred Hunt Steeplechase track, tailgate and cheer on some of the fastest hurdle horses in the world.

April 18-19, 36th Annual Leesburg Flower & Garden Festival

The 36th annual Leesburg Flower and Garden Festival turns downtown Leesburg into a sweet-scented parade. The event features dozens of floral designers, landscapers, garden suppliers and vendors, the latter selling everything from bluebells and cherry blossoms to potted palms, geraniums and organic soaps made from locally sourced plants and herbs. While you grab your wagon and stroll through the displays picking up the perfect potted palm for your patio, there’s live music, food stands and fun entertainment for kids.

April 18-19, Pickle and International Food Festival

Pickle pizza, pickle beer, a pickle fountain overflowing with pickles and brine …April 18-19 sees the inaugural Pickle and International Food Festival in Sterling. Brainchild of local brewery Crooked Run Fermentation and Loudoun craft pickling company Blue Ridge Pickling LLC, the festival, hosted by Crooked Run, is a two-day celebration of pickle-inspired foods, international cuisine, craft beer and live entertainment. More than a dozen pickle vendors will make up “Pickle Row” selling everything from pickled eggs and pickled smoked meats while the dozen “international” food trucks will showcase tasty eats from Columbia, the Caribbean, Korea and elsewhere. A jewelry vendor will even be selling pickle-themed jewelry.

April 25-26, LoCo Wine Fest, Old Farm Winery at Hartland, Aldie

Old Farm Winery at Hartland staged the inaugural LoCo Wine Fest in September 2024. The event was such a success that they now host it twice a year. Twelve Loudoun wineries will serve tastings this time round in a refurbished timber barn on the grounds, live bands perform on the front porch of historic Longfield Manor outside and a dozen food trucks and craft vendors are on site selling tasty treats and handmade products. Among wineries serving this year are Iron Will Winery, 8 Chains North, Casanel Vineyards and Domaine Fortier. Lost Rhino Brewing Company will be on hand to serve local ale for beer fans.