7 Outdoor Events to Kick Off Spring

Photo Credit: Matt Champlin

Now that the sun has returned, we can all have a big stretch and emerge from hibernation!

Outdoor events are fantastic, not least because you get lots of bang for your buck – when the weather is nice, fun parties are even more fun, good food is even better, and the beers tastes even nicer. If you’re itching to get outside and breathe in the fresh air, we’ve got ideas of how to kick off your springtime rollicking!

7 Spring Kickoff Parties

1. Food Festivals

A nice way to eeease yourself gently into the ways of Spring, food festivals have all the benefit of great food with none of the obligation to cook it yourself. Plus they usually mean a bit of a foodventure, like NYC’s annual Bacon and Beer Classic.

2. Art Tours

Equally gentle is the outdoor Art Tour—a way to stimulate your mind and get some feeling back into your limbs at the same time. Asheville, North Carolina’s First Friday Art Walk takes visitors and enthusiasts on a tour of local galleries on the first Friday of every month, starting in April.

3. Music and Art Festivals

If you prefer your cultural events that are a little more on the wild side, you’re in luck! Festival season begins with the world-famous Coachella festival in April, which draws crowds from far and wide, featuring top acts and art exhibits spanning genres.

4. Parades

For family-friendly fun, parades are just the ticket. San Francisco’s annual Union Street Easter Parade is one of the best, located centrally to give access to local restaurants and offering lots of activities for kids and adults alike.

5. Guided Bike Tours

If you’re going out of town or just want to get to know your city better, tour companies like Bike the Sites provide city tours that are a nice alternative to the standard bus or walking tour. If you prefer something outside the city, you can also get guided mountain bike tours.

6. Outdoor Fundraisers

Charity events come in all shapes and sizes, so there’s bound to be something that’s right up your alley. One great example is the 6th annual Crawfish for Cancer Crawfish Boil is happening in NYC in May, with proceeds going to support to Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation.

7. Marathons

If you really want to kick things into high gear, why not burn off that winter insulation by training for a marathon? Marathon season starts now, with the Charlottesville Marathon one of the first of the year.

Do you have a great outdoor event idea? Leave it a comment or tweet it to us! And, if you want to search for great springtime events, or throw one of your own, download our app to get started.