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By Maura Stevens

With the Spring weather just around the corner there are lots of things to do outdoors this month.  Whether you want to watch a steeplechase race,  join in a 2 mile dog walk or take in a Japanese street festival – our April list of Things to Do will keep you busy.

YouFilmFest
A day long film festival showcasing movies by, about and for you. Each film is followed by a Q&A with its filmmaker.
April 2| Kennedy Center, 2700 F St. NW, Washington , DC

Alexandria Dog Walk
Enjoy a 2 mile walk with your furry friend and help raise money for the city at the same time.  The Alexandria Dog Walk begins in Oronoco Bay Park and follows a 2 mile route along the water.  It is a great way to gather with other furry friends and to help beautify the City of Alexandria.
April 2| Start at Oronoco Bay Park, 100 Madison St, Alexandria, VA

Art Blooms at Mosaic 
Pack up the kids and head out to Mosaic for this two-day celebration of the cherry blossoms.  There are a slew of kids activities as well as a farmers market, vendor street market, beer garden, live music and cooking demos.  There is a free shuttle bus from Dunn Loring Metro Station.

Sakura Matsuri – Japanese Street Festival
This year marks the 60th Anniversary of this festival which is the largest one day celebration of Japanese culture in the US. This year the celebration expands to 2 days of over 40 live performances of music, dance, martial arts and workshops as well as saki tasting, food vendors, a cosplay contest and a beer garden,
April 9-10| Pennsylvania Avenue, Washington, DC

While House Spring Garden Tours
After being canceled last year the White House Spring Garden Tours are back this spring and open to the public.  Take a stroll amongst the beautiful gardens as Spring emerges.  The National Park Service will distribute timed tickets at a tent near the Ellipse Visitors’ Pavilion.
April 9-10| The White House, 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, Washington , DC

Georgetown French Market
Come out and have some fun at this open-air market inspired by those seen in France. The market will feature offerings for purchase by more than 25 local boutiques and cafe.  For the kids there will be a caricature artist, live music, stilt-walkers, and more. If you come hungry, local restaurants will be offering food and drink
April 29-May 1| Wisconsin Avenue – between O St and Reservoir Road.

Beauty of Bluebells Walk
Avoid the crowds at the Cherry Blossoms and take in the majesty of the Virginia Bluebell at Bull Run Regional Park.  The trail is open to the public during the day but you can take advantage of guided waking tour with the Roving Naturalist and take in the beauty of the bluebells.
April 2-3| Bull Run Regional Park, 7700 Bull Run Drive, Centreville VA

The Art Of Murder
Check out this humorous mystery play that will leave you guessing and laughing.  The play is the 2000 Edgar Award Winner for Best Mystery Play.
Through April 16th|Workhouse Arts Center, 9518 Workhouse Way, Lorton, VA

Coal & Ice Exhibit
This large scale immersive documentary photography exhibition explores the relationship between coal and ice and details the story of the climate crisis from the perspective of 50 photographers and video artists. The exhibit covers 30,000 square feet. There is also a variety of related events for this exhibit.
Through April 22| Kennedy Center,  2700 F St., NW, Washington, D.C. 20566

City of Fairfax Fishing Derby
Calling all fisherman.  Come on out for some old fashion fun.  Ashby Pond Conservatory will be well stocked with hundreds of trout and bait will be supplied. Participants are asked to bring a fishing rod, bucket, plastic bag and ice.  A limited quantity of fishing rods will be available on site to borrow.  Volunteers will provide instruction, pond education and fish cleaning demonstrations. Pre-Registration is required.
April 16|Ashby Pond Conservatory, 9817 Ashby Pond Road, Fairfax, VA

Taste Of Vienna
The annual Taste of Vienna returns in 2022 after a two year Covid hiatus. Sample offerings from local area restaurants and food trucks. Admission is free and tastings and drinks are available for purchase. Proceeds benefit the Vienna Volunteer Fire Department.
April 30| 4000 Center St S, Vienna, VA

Loudoun Point to Point Races
If you love steeplechase races this is the event for you. The Loudoun Hunt Point to Point Races feature some of the most challenging steeplechase courses available in Virginia. The event is a fundraiser for the Loudoun Hunt.
April 24| Morven Park, 41580 Sunday Morning Lane, Leesburg, VA