April In Virginia’s Hunt Country
Publishers Note: This month’s column is brought to you courtesy of AI. Our contributing writer was unable to submit a column but we were unaware of that right up until deadline day and there wasn’t time to go to a Plan B. While our opinion of the merits of AI are on the fence, I did find enough information to give you all an idea of what there is to do in this pretty part of the Commonwealth this month. I have no idea how to give credit to the AI Gurus sources but I am guessing it consists of a major google search of sorts. For what it’s worth:
Hunt County is the region surrounding Middleburg, Upperville, and Delaplane. This area awakens with its most iconic equestrian traditions and garden tours. The month is headlined by world-class steeplechase racing and the bloom of spring gardens.
Signature Equestrian Events
These events are the heartbeat of Hunt Country in April, featuring high-speed racing, elaborate tailgates, and traditional spring attire.
Middleburg Spring Races: Saturday, April 18, 2026. This is Virginia’s oldest steeplechase tradition, held at Glenwood Park. It features world-class thoroughbreds competing over hedges and timber, drawing thousands for its competitive racing and festive tailgating scene.
Middleburg Hunt Point-to-Point: Sunday, April 26, 2026. Also held at Glenwood Park, this event offers a more community-focused atmosphere with heart-pounding races and lively social circles. Gates typically open at 10:00 AM, with the first race at 1:00 PM.
Garden & Estate Tours
April marks the peak of spring blooms, celebrated through exclusive access to private historic estates.
Historic Garden Week takes place throughout the Commonwealth April 18–25th. This statewide event includes specific tours in the Middleburg, Upperville, and Fauquier/Loudoun areas.
The Hunt Country Tour is scheduled for April 26th, featuring historic properties near Middleburg.
Oak Spring Garden Foundation offers specialized workshops and tours, such as Conservation Land Stewardship on April 11th.
Leesburg Flower & Garden Festival: April 18–19th – Downtown Leesburg transforms into a parade of floral designers, landscapers, and plant vendors.
Nature & Community Activities
Sky Meadows State Park in Delaplane offers several guided nature programs in early April, including:
Moo’s Who? Cattle Talk & Dairy Barn Tour: April 2nd.
Ranger Beads: Pacing & Orienteering: April 4th.
Barnyard Buddies: April 4th – Feed the farm animals.
Art Exhibitions & Festivals
The Byrne Gallery in Middleburg features the “The Happiness of Color” exhibit throughout April, showcasing local artists’ perspectives on the season.
National Sporting Library & Museum hosts “Foxes, Hounds, and Horses in the Virginia Hunt Country,” a mixed-media exhibition running through late April.
SperryFest held on Saturday, April 25, 2026. Just a short drive from the heart of Hunt Country, this festival in Sperryville features the Great Rubber Duck Race, live music, and local artisans.
Food & Wine
Barrel Oak Winery & Brewery in Delaplane hosts festive weekend events including Easter Egg Hunts (with a 21+ “Golden Egg Hunt”) on April 4–5.
Rappahannock Cellars Wine & Duck Dinner will be held on Sunday, April 26th. This is a family-style meal paired with local wines.
Obviously, the above is representative of only a portion of the springtime activity in and around Hunt Country. There are several other wineries that have ongoing events during the month and we are sure there are many other springtime festivals taking place in addition to SperryFest, which is one of the coolest small-town events we have attended over the years. We encourage you to take a drive on one of the upcoming sunny spring days and treat yourself to some time in Virginia’s part of the Blue Ridge.