With cherry blossom blooms in the air and warmer temps on the horizon, spring has officially sprung throughout NoVA. If you’re looking to exit your winter hibernation, the region has the best acts, performances, and festivals coming to town this April.
April 1
Peppa Pig’s Adventure
Join Peppa, George, and the rest of the gang for a live musical experience. The beloved children’s show-turned-musical lets families join Peppa and her friends on the camping trip of a lifetime, which is sure to be full of singing, dancing, games, and surprises. Capital One Hall: 7750 Capital One Tower Rd., Tysons, $29.75–$59.75
April 1–30
Second Life
As we head into spring cleaning season, this new exhibit considers how we can repurpose our old items. In keeping with the theme, the works exhibited at the gallery are made with at least 50 percent of recycled material, making all of us rethink the phrase “reduce, reuse, recycle.” Del Ray Artisans Gallery: 2704 Mount Vernon Ave., Alexandria, free
April 5–10
Oklahoma!
You might have seen the tale of farmers and cowboys, but you’ve never seen it like this. Remade for the 21st century, this Tony Award–winning revival has been amazing crowds with its provocative and probing updates, while still honoring the classic with its beloved songs and comedy. The Kennedy Center: 2700 F St. NW, Washington, DC, $49–$149
April 5–24
Mean Girls
Mean Girls heading to The Kennedy Center? That’s so fetch! The popular movie turned musical follows Cady Heron as her family moves from Africa to suburban Illinois and she tries to navigate the ins and outs of high school. The Kennedy Center: 2700 F St. NW, Washington, DC, $45–$199
April 6–24
The Servant of Two Masters
The 18th-century play is getting a modern remake at Synetic Theater. Carlo Goldoni’s classic comedy follows the ever-hungry trickster Truffaldino as he tries to deceive his masters for an extra meal. Synetic Theater: 1800 S. Bell St., Arlington, $20–$50
April 7
Asleep at the Wheel
A night of Western is just what you need to kick off the weekend. Together for over 50 years, the band from Paw Paw, West Virginia, has gone on to win eight Grammys, becoming a staple on country-music radio stations across the country, and charting over a dozen songs, including their hit “The Letter That Johnny Walker Read.” The Birchmere: 3701 Mount Vernon Ave., Alexandria, $39.50
April 9 & 10
Virginia Opera: The Marriage of Figaro
Enjoy a night out at the opera with this Mozart classic. The four-act performance is full of schemes, flirting, and comedic relief as the audience tries to keep up with the constant twists and scandals that would keep Figaro and Susanna from marrying. George Mason University’s Center for the Arts: 4400 University Dr., Fairfax, $40–$110
April 15 & 16
33rd Annual Evening of Comedy
After a year of waiting, the annual humor event is back and better than ever. This year, the featured performers include Max Dolcelli, Vanessa Hollingshead, and Robert Mac. The Barns: 1635 Trap Rd., Vienna, $27-$30
April 15 & 16
Jeff Garlin
Laughs are definitely on the set list when you see Jeff Garlin perform. When not on tour, the comedian, actor, and director extraordinaire can be seen on The Goldbergs, Curb Your Enthusiasm, and WALL-E. Arlington Cinema and Drafthouse: 2903 Columbia Pike, Arlington, $25–$30
April 17
Easter Brunch
Weekend brunch is great, but Easter Brunch tops them all. After your morning festivities, head to Potomac Point winery for a themed brunch like no other, with favorites like charcuterie and drunken meatballs, plus special holiday-inspired dishes. Potomac Point Vineyard & Winery: 275 Decatur Rd., Stafford
April 19
Jack White
Remember the atmosphere of concerts before smartphones? Well, guitarist Jack White wants to bring back that feeling at his phone-free show. As you immerse yourself in the music, the former frontman of the White Stripes will wow the crowd with performances of “Lazaretto,” “Love Is Selfish,” and “Love Interruption.” The Anthem: 901 Wharf St. SW, Washington, DC, $85–$285
April 23 & 24
Mount Vernon Historic Plant and Garden Sale
Get your home ready for spring with flowers and plants from Mount Vernon’s own greenhouses. Whether you’re looking for cucumbers and strawberries to add to your garden or want to plant trees directly from the estate, this is the place to find them. George Washington’s Mount Vernon: 3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Hwy., Mount Vernon, free admission
April 23–July 17
LE DRIP: The Uncontainable Sauce of Black Essence
Celebrating black culture, artist Blu Murphy’s work is like a love letter to people who are often undervalued. As the solo exhibition recipient of 2022, her work isn’t contained to the canvas, breaking down the barriers of the traditional gallery experience. Torpedo Factory Art Center: 105 N. Union St., Alexandria, free
April 25
Aimee Mann
After releasing her first album in four years, Virginia native Aimee Mann is taking the Birchmere stage. Fronting the band ‘Til Tuesday in the 80s (you’ll remember them from the hit single “Voices Carry”), Mann went on to a distinguished solo career, which has yielded 12 albums over the past three decades. The Birchmere: 3701 Mount Vernon Ave., Alexandria, $69.50
April 26
Melissa Etheridge
You can’t mention ’90s rock without bringing up the great, Grammy Award–winning Melissa Etheridge. Hitting the scene running with her debut album, the iconic singer became a staple in the music industry with her hits “I’m the Only One,” “Like the Way I Do,” and “Come to My Window.” Capital One Hall: 7750 Capital One Tower Rd., Tysons, $55–$583
April 28
An Evening with Lindsey Buckingham
The legendary lead singer of Fleetwood Mac and solo artist is hitting the road once again. While the Rock & Roll Hall of Famer recently released his latest self-titled album this fall, keep your ears open for earlier hits like “Holiday Road,” “Go Your Own Way,” and “Big Love.” Capital One Hall: 7750 Capital One Tower Rd., Tysons, $65–$245
April 29–May 15
Side by Side by Sondheim
Join other diehard theater fans to celebrate the life and work of Stephen Sondheim. Whether your favorite play is West Side Story or Follies, this Tony Award–nominated musical lets you relive the cultural masterpieces created by the late, great composer. Fauquier Community Theatre: 4225 Aiken Dr., Warrenton, $18–$22
April 30
Leslie Odom Jr.
The multifaceted Tony Award–actor is coming to Northern Virginia. Sure, you probably recognize the star for his role as Aaron Burr in Hamilton, but this performer has also made a name through his television and film roles and music career. Hylton Performing Arts Center: 10960 George Mason Cir., Manassas, $60–$100
April 30
My Kid Brother
The Leesburg-based band is ready to rock the stage at Tally Ho Theater. The alternative quintet released their latest single “Make You Make Believe” this past fall, so make sure to add it to your Spotify playlist so you know the words by heart for the show. Tally Ho Theater: 19 W. Market St., Leesburg, $15–$35
April 30 & May 1
Revolutionary War Weekend
Join General Washington and his troops for a weekend on the battlefield. The field at the historic estate will be transformed into a battleground where Continentals and Redcoats alike will conduct drills, perform demonstrations, and discuss military techniques. George Washington’s Mount Vernon: 3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Hwy., Mount Vernon, included with admission
Feature image courtesy Synetic Theater
This story originally appeared in our April issue. For more stories like this, subscribe to the magazine.
