Spring in New Kent County is the season everyone waits for. The dogwoods and redbuds explode along every country road. The farmers market returns with the first tender greens and bedding plants. The wineries open their patios again after the quiet winter months. And the community emerges from winter ready for festivals, garden tours, and long evenings on the water.
What makes spring special in New Kent is how the county wakes up gradually. March brings the first daffodils and the return of daylight saving time. April brings Historic Garden Week, spring wine releases, and the first kayak trips on Chickahominy Lake. May brings the farmers market opening day, the Ashland Strawberry Faire, and the West Point Crab Carnival. By June the summer energy is already building, but spring has its own quiet magic — the sense of renewal that comes with watching Virginia green up after winter.
Here is your complete guide to spring in New Kent County — festivals, events, outdoor activities, and local tips to help you make the most of the season.
Spring Events & Festivals
Historic Garden Week in New Kent County
Part of the Garden Club of Virginia's statewide Historic Garden Week, this self-driving tour features inspired private landscapes, public gardens, and historic properties across New Kent County at the peak of spring bloom. Organized by the Ashland and Three Rivers Garden Clubs, the tour showcases more than 1,000 floral arrangements enhancing the tour properties. It is the only statewide house and garden tour of its kind in the nation.
Buy tickets in advance online — they often sell out. The self-driving tour format means you can go at your own pace. Start early and plan to spend 3-4 hours visiting the full circuit. Comfortable walking shoes, a hat, and a camera are essential. Some gardens are not wheelchair accessible, so check the tour guide for details.
New Kent Farmers Market Spring Opening
The producers-only market kicks off its season in early May with spring vegetables, bedding plants, herbs, farm-fresh eggs, local honey, and artisan baked goods. Opening day is a community celebration — expect live acoustic music, food trucks, and the first wave of spring produce.
Arrive early on opening day for the best selection of plants and spring vegetables. Bring cash as not all vendors accept cards. Opening day is the busiest market of the year — get there by 8:45 AM to beat the rush. The market runs every Saturday through late August, with bonus fall dates.
Ashland Strawberry Faire
An annual spring festival celebrating Virginia strawberries in historic downtown Ashland. Live music, craft vendors, strawberry-themed treats, and family activities line the streets of Ashland's charming railroad town center. A sweet kickoff to spring in the region.
Park in the public lots and walk the festival route. The strawberry shortcake is the must-have item. Combine your visit with a stroll through Ashland's antique shops and a stop at a downtown cafe. The train theme runs through the whole town — kids love watching Amtrak pass through the center of the festival.
West Point Crab Carnival
An annual seafood festival celebrating the Chesapeake Bay blue crab. Fresh crabs, seafood vendors, live music, carnival rides, and family-friendly activities at the waterfront in West Point. A regional tradition that draws crowds from across the Middle Peninsula.
Bring cash for the crab vendors — the fresh catch goes fast. Arrive early if you want to secure a spot near the waterfront. The carnival rides are a hit with kids. West Point is a quick 20-minute drive from New Kent.
A Taste of New Kent
New Kent County's signature food and wine festival held at New Kent Winery. The spacious grounds accommodate food vendors, Virginia wine tastings, craft beer, live music throughout the day, and artisan vendors. Attended by locals and visitors alike, it showcases the best of New Kent County hospitality.
The festival grounds are spacious, so there is room to spread out. Bring lawn chairs and a blanket. The wine tastings are included with admission. Arrive early to park close to the entrance and beat the afternoon heat.
Spring Wine Releases & Vineyard Tours
Spring is when Virginia wineries release their new vintages and the vineyards come back to life. New Kent Winery, Jolene Family Winery, Saude Creek Vineyards, and Gauthier Vineyard all host spring release events, vineyard walking tours, and patio reopening celebrations. The weather is perfect for al fresco tastings before the summer heat arrives.
Spring is the best time to visit wineries in New Kent County — the weather is mild, the crowds are smaller than summer, and the vineyards are greening up beautifully. Weekday afternoons are especially peaceful. Most wineries offer cheese and charcuterie boards to pair with spring releases.
Daffodil Festival in Gloucester
A floral extravaganza celebrating Gloucester County's historic daffodil industry. The festival features a parade, craft vendors, live music, a daffodil show, and acres of blooming daffodils across the historic Gloucester Courthouse area. A gorgeous spring outing worth the scenic drive from New Kent.
The drive from New Kent to Gloucester takes you through some of Virginia's prettiest rural countryside — take Route 33 east through West Point for the scenic route. The daffodil fields are best viewed in the morning light. The parade is the highlight of the festival.
Spring Horse Shows at Colonial Downs & Local Equestrian Events
Spring brings the start of the equestrian season in New Kent County. Local horse farms host schooling shows, Colonial Downs prepares for its summer meet with pre-season events, and nearby equestrian centers like HITS in Culpeper run spring competition series. Spring is when Virginia's horse country comes alive.
Spring horse shows are generally free to watch and make a wonderful family outing. Bring a folding chair and a picnic. The Colonial Downs training track is open to the public during morning workouts — a great way to see thoroughbreds up close at no cost.
Outdoor Spring Activities
Spring Hiking at York River State Park
Spring wildflowers bloom along the trails of York River State Park, including trillium, Virginia bluebells, and lady slippers. The park's 30+ miles of trails offer everything from riverside walks to forested loops. Spring is the ideal season before the summer humidity and bugs arrive.
The Taskinas Creek Trail and Woodstock Pond Trail are the best wildflower routes. Go early in the morning for the best light and bird activity. The park entrance fee is per vehicle.
Kayaking on Chickahominy Lake
Spring is prime time on Chickahominy Lake before the summer heat and aquatic vegetation thicken. Launch from Ed Allen's Campground or the public boat ramp and paddle through the lake's cypress-lined channels. Spring bird migration adds to the experience.
Late April through early June offers the best water conditions. Bring binoculars for bird watching. The lake is calmest in the early morning. Rentals are available at Ed Allen's Campground.
Virginia Capital Trail Spring Ride
The 52-mile Virginia Capital Trail from Richmond to Jamestown is spectacular in spring when the dogwoods, redbuds, and wildflowers are in bloom. The flat, paved trail is family-friendly and passes through Charles City County's historic plantations.
The stretch through Charles City County (between mile markers 20 and 35) has the best spring wildflower displays. Start early to avoid afternoon heat. Several bike rental companies offer drop-offs and pickups along the trail.
Spring Tips for New Kent Families
Spring weather in Virginia is unpredictable — pack layers, a rain jacket, and sunscreen no matter what the forecast says. You can experience all four seasons in one April day.
Farmers market season starts in May. Opening day at the New Kent Farmers Market is the best day to buy plants and herbs for your garden from local growers who know what thrives in this area.
Late March through early May is prime wildflower season. Cumberland Marsh and York River State Park are the top spots within 30 minutes of New Kent for spring blooms.
Many New Kent wineries open their patios for the first time since fall in April. Spring wine releases pair perfectly with mild afternoon temperatures and vineyard views.
Spring is the best time for homebuyers to tour New Kent neighborhoods — gardens are in bloom, the weather is perfect for exploring, and you can see how properties handle Virginia spring rains.
Easter weekend brings special events at many local venues. Check with New Kent Winery, Jolene Family Winery, and Colonial Downs for Easter brunch and egg hunt events.
The New Kent County Farmers Market accepts SNAP/EBT and offers a matching program for fresh produce — spring is a great time to take advantage of this program as the season's first vegetables arrive.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does spring actually start in New Kent County?
Spring weather in Virginia is unpredictable, but the signs are reliable. The daffodils bloom in mid-to-late March. The dogwoods and redbuds peak around mid-April. By early May the trees are fully leafed out and the farmers market is in full swing. Late March through late May is the spring sweet spot for outdoor activities.
What is Historic Garden Week and can anyone attend?
Historic Garden Week is the Garden Club of Virginia's statewide house and garden tour, held annually in late April. In New Kent County, the self-driving tour features private gardens, public landscapes, and historic properties. Anyone can purchase tickets, and the proceeds fund Garden Club conservation and restoration projects across Virginia. It is the only statewide tour of its kind in the nation.
When does the New Kent Farmers Market open for spring?
The New Kent Farmers Market opens in early May (typically the first Saturday) and runs every Saturday from 9 AM to 12 PM through late August. Opening day features the best selection of bedding plants, herbs, and spring vegetables. The market returns for bonus fall dates in September and October.
What are the best spring wildflower spots near New Kent?
Cumberland Marsh near New Kent is outstanding for spring wildflowers and bird migration viewing. York River State Park has excellent wildflower displays along the Taskinas Creek Trail and Woodstock Pond Trail. The Virginia Capital Trail through Charles City County offers miles of roadside wildflower viewing accessible by bike or on foot.