Spring Bucket List

Fun and affordable things to do outdoors in the U.S. this spring!

SOUTHEAST

WASHINGTON, D.C.

National Cherry Blossom Festival
Visit the beautiful cherry blossoms at our nation’s capital this spring from March 20 to April 14. It’s predicted that peak bloom will be April 3–6! In addition, there will be many events happening throughout the duration of the festival. Check out their website for more details.

GEORGIA

Atlanta Dogwood Festival
Head to Piedmont Park in Atlanta from April 12–14 for the 83rd annual Dogwood Festival. Enjoy an artist market, children’s activities, disc dogs, rides, live music, and much more. Go to the Dogwood Festival’s website to help plan your trip.

SOUTH CAROLINA

Bunny Brunch
Bring the family to The Children’s Museum of the Upstate on April 13 for Bunny Brunch. Tickets include hot breakfast, photos with the Easter Bunny, egg hunt, and crafts. While you’re there, also check out the cool three-story outdoor playground!

SOUTHWEST

CALIFORNIA

Bike to Work Day
Join many in San Francisco on May 9 for the biggest biking day of the year. There will be energizer stations throughout the city, neighborhood rides, and a bike challenge. Visit their website to learn more about how you can get involved.

TEXAS

Dallas Blooms
See the beautiful flowers at the Dallas Arboretum during Dallas Blooms this spring. From now until April 7, you can enjoy many events during this festival including live music, entertainment, children’s activities, tastings and cooking classes, Easter events, and much more.

COLORADO

Cañon City Music and Blossom Festival
Held annually during the first week of May, the Cañon City Music & Blossom Festival is the ultimate celebration of the spring season. Festivities begin on May 1 with the Wright’s Amusements Giant Carnival and last until May 5. In addition to the Giant Carnival, the festival offers a selection of several different bands, a 1/2 marathon and 5k, and a Kid’s Zone. Refer back to the Cañon City Music and Blossom Festival website and Facebook page for more detailed information.

MIDWEST

ILLINOIS

Food Truck Social
Do you love grilled cheese, doughnuts, pierogis, and tacos? We thought so! That’s why you should plan to spend May 11 from 7:30–10 P.M. enjoying the spring season while experiencing Chicago’s finest food trucks located in the Lincoln Park Zoo. Entry into the zoo is just $10, and the Zoo’s website provides the complete list of the food trucks planning to attend.

MINNESOTA

Maple Syrup Day
That fresh spring air has made its way back around, which means it’s time to awake from that wintery slumber and enjoy pancakes and the great outdoors. What better way to welcome spring than by participating in Maple Syrup Day at the Audubon Center of the North Woods on March 23 from 10 A.M. — 2 P.M. Reservations for this pancake brunch and hands-on maple syrup program are required, so check out the website now to claim your spot!

INDIANA

Spring Out to Sunset Festival
Load up your car and head to Sunset Hill Farm County Park on May 18 at noon for an afternoon of family activities including bounce houses, vintage baseball, food vendors, music, and more! Admission to the park is only $5 per car. In addition to the afternoon fun, the post-festival blues concert will take place at 4 P.M. at the amphitheater. Tickets to the post concert are $10 per person while children 12 and under are free.

NORTHEAST

NEW YORK

9/11 Memorial & Museum 5K
Sign up for the 9/11 Memorial and Museum 5K on April 28. This event pays tribute to those who took part in rescue and recovery efforts. Participants can walk or run the route that begins in lower Manhattan and ends adjacent to the Memorial Plaza where Community Day will take place. Community Day is a free event that features fun entertainment and activities for those of all ages.

Massachusetts

ArtWeek
With activities like behind-the-scenes art tours and numerous artistic opportunities for kids, ArtWeek features unexpected, creative, and interactive experiences. Live on April 1, the ArtWeek website will give you an inside look at the event calendar. Mark your calendars now for the next ArtWeek festival taking place from April 26 — May 5.

Connecticut

Flashlight Egg Hunt
Hop on over to the Town of Windsor on April 12 for the flashlight egg hunt in the dark. Festivities begin on the town green at 6:30 P.M. for children ages 1–12 years old. Don’t forget to bring your camera for a free photo with the Easter bunny!

NORTHWEST

WASHINGTON

Apple Blossom Festival
Freshly picked apples, apple pie, apple butter… you can find all of these yummy treats at the Apple Blossom Festival in Wenatchee from April 25 to May 5. Enjoy delicious apples, parade, entertainment, food, and more!

OREGON

Reigning Roses Walk
Celebrate your mom, grandmother, daughter, or friend by participating in the Reigning Roses Walk on May 12. The community walk takes place throughout northwest Portland and showcases local businesses and supporters.

MONTANA

Roll and Stroll Downtown
Commute (bike, run, walk, stroll) downtown to receive discounts from participating downtown businesses! Coincidentally following National Bike Month, the Roll and Stroll is an annual event organized by Downtown Helena, Inc. and co-sponsored by the Business Improvement District to contribute to the vibrant biking community that Downtown Helena has to offer. The mission of this event is to promote health and fitness in the community, encourage downtown vibrancy, and establish a commuter-friendly atmosphere in our downtown district.