Maymont’s Easter celebration returns with 100 acres of spring fun

There’s no shortage of Easter events around Richmond, but few can match the sheer scale of what Maymont pulls off every spring. On Saturday, April 4, the 100-acre estate transforms into a sprawling festival ground for Dominion Energy Family Easter, running from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. with activities stretching from the Carriage House Lawn all the way to Maymont Farm.

This year’s event carries a little extra weight. Maymont is celebrating its 100th anniversary as a public space, and with the gardens hitting peak bloom, baby animals at the farm, and Maymont Mansion open again for self-guided tours, the timing couldn’t be better.

“With the gardens in bloom, baby animals at Maymont Farm and Maymont Mansion open once again, Dominion Energy Family Easter will be extra special this year,” said Parke Richeson, Maymont’s president and CEO.

Games, crafts, and a life-sized Candy Adventure

The activity lineup is built for all ages. Kids (and let’s be honest, plenty of adults) can tackle inflatable sports games, a hop-stacle course, and a life-sized Candy Adventure course. There’s also festival-style games, temporary tattoos, and hands-on crafts, including Easter bonnet-making. Many of the games come with prizes, toys, or activity choices, so organizers recommend bringing an Easter basket to haul everything home.

Photo ops with the Easter Bunny, presented by Ukrop’s Homestyle Foods, are part of the deal, along with visits from Richmond’s own Nutzy and Nutasha. A Community Zone will feature local heroes and helpers, such as firefighters, EMTs, and public safety professionals, where kids can climb into trucks and check out the gear. Richmond Public Library, Feed More, and the Dachshund Enlightenment Foundation (yes, there will be wiener dogs in Easter bonnets) round out the zone.

Three stages of live entertainment

Entertainment runs all day across three stages. The lineup includes Jonathan the Juggler, the SPARC Touring Ensemble, Swingers Jump Rope Team, Richmond Urban Dance, and appearances from Maymont’s own animal ambassadors. Over at The Robins Nature Center, a live DJ from Bach 2 Rock keeps the energy up alongside a Bubble Zone, hula hoops, chalk art, and hopscotch. At the farm, magical princesses and baby animals greet visitors near food vendors and tractors that kids can climb on.

Tickets and getting there

Admission is $7 for adults and $5 for children (ages 1-16) and seniors (65+). Maymont members and Museums for All participants get in free. Three activity tickets come with each admission, and extras are $2 each. All proceeds support Maymont’s care of the historic property.

Advance reservations are recommended, with morning (9 a.m. to noon) or afternoon (noon to 2:30 p.m.) entry windows. Everyone can stay and play all day, regardless of which window they choose. Tickets are available at Maymont.org and are non-refundable unless the event is canceled. It’s rain or shine.

Parking near Maymont is limited, so ride-sharing and public transit are the way to go. GRTC bus #78 stops at Meadow Street and Nevada Avenue, a short walk from the Hampton Street entrance. Free event parking is available at the Hampton Street entrance, the Robins Nature Center, and Maymont Farm. The grounds are open only to event ticket holders until 4 p.m., when Maymont reopens to the general public through 7 p.m.

More centennial events ahead

Dominion Energy Family Easter is just one piece of Maymont’s packed anniversary calendar. Coming up: Herbs Galore on April 25, the Grrrrand Reopening of the Virginia Wildlife Trail on May 2, a Summer Kickoff Concert on June 5, and the big one, Cheers to 100 Years, a birthday celebration on June 6. Full details on all upcoming events are at Maymont.org.