Best Bets

Franklin Farmers Market

Join the celebration as Franklin’s Market on Main kicks off the 2024 market season on Saturday April 20th. The market is where you will find fresh, local produce and specialty items from vendors around the community..

When: Saturday year round & Wednesday from April – November

Time: Saturday 9am – Noon / Wednesday 4pm – 7pm

Location: 210 South Main St. Downtown Franklin

Music in the Country

The spring season of concerts kicks off April 7th with BRISCOE at Music in the Country. The venue sits at the heart of River Road Farm and has lawn seating around a newly expanded elevated deck. Bring a blanket or a lawn chair and take in the natural beauty our farm has to offer while enjoying live entertainment. All net proceeds benefit the Foodbank of Southeastern Virginia and the Eastern Shore. Food trucks will be on site in case you’re hungry. This is a BYOB event. Tickets are $35 in advance and $40 at the gate.

When: Sunday April 7, 2024

Time: 12pm – 6pm

Location: River Road Farm | 213 River Road | Franklin, Va

Lumberjack Festevent

This family fun event will feature chainsaw carving, axe throwing, the Paul Bunyan Show, semi-pro lumberjack competitions, giant cornhole, petting zoo and more!

When: Saturday May 4, 2024

Time: 10am – 4pm

Location: Downtown Franklin, Va

Franklin Spring FEST

Kick off spring and warm weather at Franklin Spring FEST with vendors, food trucks, artists, crafters, the Farmer’s Market and shopping at many of the downtown district businesses.

Date: April 20, 2024

Time: 9am – 3pm

Location:  Downtown Franklin.

Garden Week Suffolk Tour

Historic Garden Week Tour Tickets are NOW ON SALE! Get your tickets now for the Suffolk Tour of Homes & Gardens in the Riverview community of Suffolk. The residents invite visitors to soak in the timeless charm by experiencing six well-preserved homes with manicured landscapes and well-loved gardens. Ticket Link:

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/historic-garden-week-suffolk-tour-tickets-764147685297

Date: April 20, 2024

Time: 10am – 5pm

Location:  Riverview Neighborhood | Suffolk, Va

When: Saturday April 6, 2024

Birding Festival

Join us for a weekend of guided bird walks, natural history talks, live animals and family fun activities! All events are free. Registration required for Guided Walks and Bus Tours and recommended for Presentations. Please check the registration website often as spots open up when there are cancellations. We look forward to seeing you at the refuge!

Here is an interactive map for the locations (trailheads) for walks, tours and other activities. Please note, some locations are over 30 minutes from Refuge Headquarters as there are no roads through the refuge.

Date: April 26-28, 2024

Location:  Great Dismal Swamp National Wildlife Refuge

Spring Fest

Spring Fest returns this April to the Joel C. Bradshaw country fairgrounds with three days of family fun & entertainment. Vendor registration opens January 31st. More info to come!

Date: April 26-28, 2024

Time: TBA

Location: Isle of Wight County Fairgrounds