Get Out Loudoun April 2026

Race Season is Here

The Middleburg Spring Races and the Loudoun Hunt Point to Point are back — two days of steeplechase, tailgates, garden tents and the best spring hats in this equestrian-lovers paradise. Come the weekend of April 18 for the horses; stay for everything else.

Inside:

GET OUT LOUDOUN

Get Out Loudoun is distributed monthly to entertainment, tourism, & hospitality venues throughout Loudoun County. For the latest news on the music & arts scene and other community events, go to getoutloudoun.com.

CONTRIBUTORS

Douglas Rogers

Norman K. Styer

TO ADVERTISE

Susan Styer at 703-770-9723 or sales@loudounnow.com getoutloudoun.com

ON EXHIBIT

The Loudoun Museum’s latest display examines the roles Loudoun residents played in the American Revolution.

HISTORY

Oatlands will put the spotlight on a time of national unity that tested the nation’s founding principles during two-day living history program.

TUNES

Pop rocker Cal Everett releases his first album in two decades with the introspective “Weight of Early Promise.”

ONE STAGE

Community theater offerings this month include Broadway favorites “Guys and Dolls” and “Annie.”

BEST BETS

Get Out Loudoun’s best bets for April.

This federal-style home on Leesburg’s Cornwall Street will be featured by the Leesburg Garden Club during tours on April 19-20.

Norman K. Styer/Loudoun Now

A Step Through History on CORNWALL STREET

BY DOUGLAS ROGERS

Visit Loudoun

In the summer of 1814, as British forces advanced on Washington, DC, during the War of 1812, a clerk at the Department of State, warned that the city was about to be torched, stuffed vital government documents into linen sacks and transported them by wagon west of the city to Loudoun. The materials included the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution. In Leesburg, the story goes, the documents were secreted in an empty house at what is now Number 11 Cornwall St. and the following day transported to Rokeby, an estate south of the town, where they remained hidden for several weeks. As a result, local legend has it that Leesburg was, for a brief time, the

capital of the United States.

Fact or fiction who can say, but for two days this month, Sunday, April 19 and Monday, April 20, 11 Cornwall St.—a red brick Federal built in the 18th century with several additions made to it since—will open to the public for the first time as part of the Leesburg Garden Club’s annual “Open House” Cornwall St. garden tours.

The Open House is the signature Leesburg event of the Garden Club of Virginia’s annual Historic Garden Week and coincides with the final day of the sweet-scented Leesburg Flower & Garden Festival in historic downtown Leesburg.

“My parents bought the house in 2022 a few

years after I bought number 17 next door,” said Kristy Murdock, a historic home and garden enthusiast who learned the legend of number 11 while researching the history of the street. “In addition to the story of the documents, I learned that my little house at number 17 was built on land that used to be

April 18-19 is the 36th edition of the award-winning Leesburg Flower & Garden Festival where King Street is lined with floral designers, landscapers, garden suppliers and flower vendors. Pick up everything from bluebells and cherry blossoms to potted palms and geraniums. Besides flowers,

ART SCENE

Exhibit: Parts in Rotation

by Turner Hilliker

This month, the Loudoun County Art Advisory Committee and Parks, Recreation and Community Services will present “Parts in Rotation,” an exhibition of colorful silkscreen monoprints on paper by artist Turner Hilliker.

Hilliker’s work explores the tension between disorder and cohesion through layered compositions and bold, high-contrast color. Using silkscreen monoprinting, he builds images that repeat and reappear in different pieces of artwork. Each print becomes a singular moment when visual language is shaped by improvisation and reuse.

Central to his process is the belief that nothing created is ever wasted. Over time, Hilliker builds and maintains a growing archive of imagery that circulates throughout his work. These fragments are continually reprinted and rearranged, allowing familiar images to take on new roles as they move between different compositions.

Because the art medium of monoprinting does not allow for exact repetition, every print becomes a unique record of that moment in time

and the decisions behind it. Through repetition and variation there is a lot of experimentation using leftover material, and the unexpected relationships that emerge when pieces of the artwork are moved around to build something new.

“Parts in Rotation” will be on display through April 24 at Gallery One, located in the lobby of the Loudoun County Government Center, 1 Harrison St. SE in Leesburg. The public is invited to view the work Monday through Thursday from 8:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.

BYRNE GALLERY FEATURES HAPPINESS OF COLOR

The Bryne Gallery in Middleburg this month will showcase the spring-celebrating abstract works of five artists in the The Happiness of Color exhibit.

Artists Anne Manley, Anne Marchand, Anne Stine, Edward Ugo, and Carolyn Marshall Wright will be featured. Their works illustrate the powerful impact color has on our emotions and

art’s ability to transform our mood and outlook. Without the context of a fixed composition, it is color and form that drives the work, giving viewers a positive take away from the experience. This exhibition celebrates the joy and uplifting zest of color.

An artists’ reception will be held from 4 to 7 p.m. Saturday, April 4. On April 18, from 2 to 4 p.m., Wright will participate in a gallery talk. A gallery talk with all five artists is planned April 26, from 2 to 4 p.m.

The Byrne Gallery is located at 7 W. Washington St. in Middleburg, Virginia.

Learn more at thebyrnegallery.com

‘ART IN FLIGHT’ ON DISPLAY AT LEESBURG AIRPORT

The Leesburg Commission on Public Art is sponsoring an exhibit of works by artist and illustrator

Megan O’Hanlin at Leesburg Executive Airport.

The pieces celebrate femininity, nostalgia, and visual storytelling through bold color and composition. Using a vibrant palette and decorative patterns, “Art in Flight” explores the glamour and symbolism of the golden era of flight attendants.

“I was heavily inspired by reading “Fly Girl,” by Ann Hood, and “SkyGirls: A Photographic History of the Airline Stewardess,” by Bruce McAllister & Stephan Wilkinson,” O’Hanlin said. “My work is always feminine and colorful, incorporating patterns and elements of fashion. It is incredibly exciting to have my work on display, especially in the Town of Leesburg. I am so grateful for this opportunity.”

The exhibit will run through May and may be viewed in-person during normal airport hours, 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily.

Life, Liberty, Loudoun!

Loudoun Museum Opens Revolutionary Stories Exhibit

NORMAN K. STYER nstyer@loudounnow.org

Loudoun Museum’s newest exhibit, “Life, Liberty, Loudoun! Revolutionary Stories,” explores the different perspectives of local residents during the American Revolution and how they experienced it in sometimes conflicting ways.

During the American Revolution era, Loudoun County was home to a diverse population, including statesmen, soldiers, farmers, enslaved and free Black people, women, preachers, and others. Visitors will learn the stories of everyday individuals who made an impact and altered the nation’s history.

The exhibit is part of the celebration of the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence and aims to commemorate the varied experiences and perspectives of the Revolutionary War era in Loudoun to present a more complete understanding of the county’s history.

“The exhibit will focus on some well-known stories of individuals who are from Loudoun and had an impact on the fight for independence and the war itself. But also we’re going to dig into some of the lesser-known stories from people who were residents here, who had some bearing on how the war turned out,” Executive Director Carrie Christoffersen said.

HISTORY FROM PAGE 8

“While there were no battles fought in Loudoun County during the course of the Revolutionary War, there was a huge impact—the strategic location along the river, the fertile farmland that we had, and the contributions of the residents of this area had a massive impact on the success of the

war for independence,” she said.

The museum staff has worked to highlight different perspectives not typically featured in the story of the nation’s founding.

HISTORY CONTINUED ON 10

”“WHILE THERE WERE NO BATTLES FOUGHT IN LOUDOUN COUNTY DURING THE COURSE OF THE REVOLUTIONARY WAR, THERE WAS A HUGE IMPACT—THE STRATEGIC LOCATION ALONG THE RIVER, THE FERTILE FARMLAND THAT WE HAD, AND THE CONTRIBUTIONS OF THE RESIDENTS OF THIS AREA HAD A MASSIVE IMPACT ON THE SUCCESS OF THE WAR FOR INDEPENDENCE.”

—Carrie Christoffersen, Executive Director

FROM PAGE 9

“While a lot of what we’re going to talk about in the exhibit are pieces of the puzzle that are pretty well known and fairly understood to most of us, we’ve really tried to dig deep into some areas that we knew little about and gain some additional understanding,” Christoffersen said.

“A little bit more about women’s role in Loudoun County during the Revolutionary War.

Some more information about the indigenous people who were still here during that time frame even though we think of them as having gone from the area by then.

And a bit about Black patriots, Black loyalists, and other loyalists who were here.”

“All of that coming together to give us a more robust and total understanding of the era,” she said.

The exhibit will be accompanied by a program series—Revolutionary Stories: Loudoun and Beyond—featuring speakers, tours, and special events that expand on themes presented in the gallery.

The museum’s Life, Liberty, Loudoun! initiative, including the exhibit and program

series, is made possible in part through support from a Virginia Humanities grant.

The Loudoun Museum, located at 16 Loudoun St. SW in Leesburg, is free and open to the public from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. For more information on the exhibit and the speaker programs, go to loudounmuseum.org.

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HISTORY

LIVING HISTORY: Together We Win

NORMAN K. STYER nstyer@loudounnow.org

Oatlands will examine how the ideals articulated in the nation’s founding 250 years ago were tested, defended, and reshaped during the First and Second World Wars during a special program this month.

The two-day event, “Together We Win! Shared Sacrifice and the Struggle for Justice in the World Wars,” marks a return of Oatland’s living history programs. On April 25 and April 26, the grounds of the historic estate south of Leesburg will be filled with reenactors and other displays, while a full roster of speakers will offer insights into those involved with the Allied war efforts and the impacts of the global conflicts. Topics include the legacy of the Tuskegee Airmen, the role of forensic archaeology in recovering and identifying fallen soldiers, and the leadership of George C. Marshall during World War II.

The program is organized by Audrey DeAngelis, Oatland’s associate manager for public history.

It is a revival of a fun history event Oatlands hosted a decade ago, but DeAngelis said the

goal is to make it something more.

“We also wanted there to be kind of a purpose behind it. That’s where we came up with the “Together We Win” title, and the idea of shared sacrifice among diverse groups and individuals and the struggle for justice—not only internationally, but also at home at the same time,” she said.

Military reenactors will represent many of the Allied forces along with support organizations such as the Salvation Army ambulance service. Displays also will highlight those working on the home front.

“It wouldn’t have worked—the Allies might not have been successful—if they hadn’t had women on the home front helping to preserve and to recycle and to salvage, if they hadn’t had kids buying war bond stamps at 10 cents each and building up their money to eventually trade in for a war bond. All of these little bits and pieces that seem kind of inconsequential, all had to come together and make this work,” she said.

That included soldiers of color and their families who were being discriminated against, both at home and abroad, she said.

“Individuals and groups chose to support the war effort and to support this idea of what America can be, and sort of continue pushing for what they believed we could be, what we could achieve, despite the fact that at this moment, we’re not quite meeting those hopes that were laid down now 250 years ago.”

Members of the Eustis family, who owned Oatlands from 1903 until it was donated to the National Trust for Historic Preservation in 1965, hope tell those stories.

William Eustis, who bought the property as a country home, served in War War I as a secretary to Gen. John J. Pershing. His wife, Edith, helped raise money to support the war effort and help to buy an ambulance for the American Field Service. Their son, Morton, enlisted in the Army in 1940 and served with the Second Armored Division. He was killed in action in France in 1944. His sister, Margaret, a lifelong supporter of the Red Cross, headed the District Chapter of the Camp and Hospital Service during the war.

Oatlands Executive Director Margaret Salazar-Porzio said the program is part of her team’s new strategic plan with a goal

to make Oatlands a cultural destination focused on the histories and meanings of freedom and how it has changed over time.

“That’s one of the things that we are working toward. We also want to welcome young families and have hands-on experiences here for them. We’re looking at an initiative for a living learning landscape, which basically means that we’re going to try to activate as much of the landscape as we can,” she said.

Salazar-Porzio and DeAngelis said the focus on the world wars fits well with the national reflection on the 250th anniversary.

“World War I, World War II, these were crucial moments in American history where people have to grapple with the ideals of the Declaration of Independence and what it means to be free,” Salazar-Porzio said. “You can really see those kind of crucible moment moments play out in World War I and World War II. It’s in our title: Together We Win.”

It will be a ticketed event. Admission is $15 per individual, $25 per family, and free to all service members. For more program details, go to oatlands.org

1 50 West Vineyards 39060 Little River Turnpike, Middleburg 50westvineyards.com

2 8 Chains North Winery 38593 Daymont Ln., Waterford, VA 8chainsnorth.com

3 868 Estate Vineyards 14001 Harpers Ferry Rd., Purcellville 868estatevineyards.com

4 The Barns at Hamilton Station 16804 Hamilton Station Rd., Hamilton thebarnsathamiltonstation.com

5 Bleu Frog Vineyards 16413 James Monroe Hwy, Leesburg bleufrogvineyards.com

6 Bluemont Vineyard 18755 Foggy Bottom Rd., Bluemont bluemontvineyard.com

7 Boxwood Estate Winery 2042 Burrland Rd., Middleburg boxwoodwinery.com

8 Breaux Vineyards 36888 Breaux Vineyards Ln., Hillsboro breauxvineyards.com

9 Bozzo Family Vineyards 35226 Charles Town Pike, Hillsboro bozwines.com

10 Cana Vineyards of Middleburg 38600 Little River Turnpike, Middleburg canavineyards.com

11 Carriage House Wineworks 40817 Brown Lane, Waterford chwwinery.com

12 Casanel Vineyards 17952 Canby Rd., Leesburg casanelvineyards.com

13 Chrysalis Vineyards 39025 Little River Turnpike, Aldie chrysaliswine.com

14 Corcoran Vineyards & Cider 14635 Corkys Farm Ln., Waterford corcoranvineyards.com

15 Creek’s Edge Winery 41255 Annas Ln., Lovettsville creeksedgewinery.com

16 Domaine Fortier Vineyards 13235 Miltown Road, Lovettsville domainefortier.com

17 Doukenie Winery 14727 Mountain Rd., Hillsboro doukeniewinery.com

18 Droumavalla Farm Winery 14980 Limestone School Rd., Lucketts droumavalla.com

19 Eagletree Farm & Vineyards 15100 Harrison Hill Lane, Leesburg eagletreevineyards.com

20 Endhardt Vineyards 19600 Lincoln Road, Purcellville endhardtvineyards.com

21 Fabbioli Cellars 15669 Limestone School Rd., Leesburg fabbioliwines.com

22 Farm de Vine 15960 Short Hill Road, Hillsboro farmdevine.com

23 Firefly Cellars 40325 Charles Town Pike, Hamilton fireflycellars.com

24 Fleetwood Farm Winery 23075 Evergreen Mills Rd., Leesburg fleetwoodfarmwinery.com

25 Good Spirit Farm Winery 35113 Snickersville Turnpike, Round Hill goodspiritfarmva.com

26 Greenhill Winery & Vineyards 23595 Winery Ln., Middleburg greenhillvineyards.com

27 Hidden Brook Winery 43301 Spinks Ferry Rd., Leesburg hiddenbrookwinery.com

28 Hiddencroft Vineyards 12202 Axline Rd., Lovettsville hiddencroftvineyards.com

29 Hope Flower Farm & Winery 40905 Stumptown Road, Waterford hopeflowerfarm.com

30 Kalero Vineyard 36140 Charles Town Pike, Hillsboro kalerovineyard.com

31 October One Vineyard 7 Loudoun St., SW, Leesburg Octoberonevineyard.com

32 Old Farm Winery 23583 Fleetwood Road, Aldie oldfarmwineryhartland.com

33 Otium Cellars 18050 Tranquility Rd., Purcellville otiumcellars.com

34 Petit Domaines

37938 Charles Town Pike, Purcellville thepetitdomaine.com

35 Stone Tower Winery

19925 Hogback Mountain Rd., Leesburg stonetowerwinery.com

36 Sunset Hills Vineyard

38295 Fremont Overlook Ln, Purcellville sunsethillsvineyard.com

37 Terra Nebulo

39892 Old Wheatland Rd., Waterford terranebulo.com

1 Adroit Theory Brewing 404 Browning Ct., Purcellville adroit-theory.com

2 Barnhouse Brewery 43271 Spinks Ferry Rd., Leesburg barnhousebrewery.com

3 Bear Chase Brewing 33665 Bear Chase Ln., Bluemont bearchasebrew.com

4 Black Hoof Brewing Company 11 South King St., Leesburg blackhoofbrewing.com

5 Crooked Run Fermentations Central 22455 Davis Dr., Sterling crookedrunbrewing.com

6 Crooked Run Fermentations Market Station, Leesburg crookedrunbrewing.com

7 Dirt Farm Brewing 18701 Foggy Bottom Rd., Bluemont dirtfarmbrewing.com

8 Dynasty Brewing Company 101 Loudoun St, SE, Leesburg dynastybrewing.com

9 Eleven Eleven Brewing Company 725 E. Main St., Purcellville bellylovebrewing.com

10 Flying Ace Farm 40950 Flying Ace Ln, Lovettsville flyingacefarm.com

1 Bluemont Station Brewery and Winery 18301 Whitehall Estate Lane, Bluemont bluemontstation.com

2 Hillsborough Brewery & Vineyards 36716 Charles Town Pike, Hillsboro hillsboroughwine.com

3 Notaviva Brewery and Winery 13274 Sagle Rd., Hillsboro notavivavineyards.com

4 Quattro Goomba’s Brewery & Winery 22860 James Monroe Hwy., Aldie goombawine.com

38 Three Creeks Winery 18548 Harmony Church Road, Hamilton 3creekswinery.com

39 Two Twisted Posts Winery 12944 Harpers Ferry Rd., Hillsboro twotwistedposts.com

40 Village Winery 40405 Browns Lane, Waterford villagewineryandvineyards.com

41 Willowcroft Farm Vineyards 38906 Mount Gilead Rd., Leesburg willowcroftwine.com

BREWERIES

11 Harper’s Ferry Brewing 37412 Adventure Ctr. Lane, Hillsboro harpersferrybrewing.com

12 Harvest Gap Brewery 15485 Purcellville Road, Hillsboro facebook.com/HarvestGap

13 Honor Brewing Company 42604 Trade West Dr., Sterling honorbrewing.com

14 Lark Brewing Co. 24205 James Monroe Hwy., Aldie larkbrewingco.com

15 Loco Lion 36577 Hesketts Lane, Hillsboro locolion.com

16 Lost Barrel Brewing 36138 Little River Turnpike, Middleburg lostbarrel.com

17 Lost Rhino Brewing Company 21730 Red Rum Rd. #142, Ashburn lostrhino.com

18 Loudoun Brewing Company 310 E. Market St., Leesburg loudounbrewing.com

19 Ocelot Brewing Company 23600 Overland Dr., #180, Dulles ocelotbrewing.com

20 Old 690 Brewing Company 15670 Ashbury Church Rd., Hillsboro old690.com

1 Henway Hard Cider Company 18780 Foggy Bottom Road, Bluemont henwayhardcider.com

2 Loudoun Cider House 43376 Spinks Ferry Rd., Leesburg loudounciderhouse.com

3 Mt. Defiance Cider Barn 495 E. Washington St., Middleburg mtdefiance.com

4 Wild Hare Hard Cider Cabin 106 South St., Leesburg wildharecider.com

42 The Wine Reserve at Waterford 38516 Charles Town Pike, Waterford waterfordwinereserve.com

43 Walsh Family Wine 16031 Hillsboro Rd., Purcellville northgatevineyard.com

44 Williams Gap Vineyards 35785 Sexton Farm Lane, Round Hill williamsgavineyard.com

45 Zephaniah Farm Vineyard 19381 Dunlop Mill Rd., Leesburg zephwine.com

21 Route 7 Brewing 20051 Riverside Commons PL, Ashburn route7brewing

22 Solace Brewing Company 42615 Trade West Dr., Sterling solacebrewing.com

23 Stockyard Brewery 12428 Mountain Road, Lovettsville stockyardbrewery.com

24 Sweetwater Tavern 45980 Waterview Plaza, Sterling greatamericanrestaurants.com

25 Vanish Farmwoods Brewery 42245 Black Hops Ln., Lucketts vanishbeer.com

26 Water’s End Brewing 1602 Village Market Blvd SE #120, Leesburg watersendbrewery.com

27 Wheatland Spring Farm + Brewery 38506 John Wolford Rd., Waterford wheatlandspring.com

28 Whites Ferry Brewery 42484 Whites Ferry Rd. Leesburg, Va. whitesferrymanor.com

Catoctin Creek Distillery 120 W. Main St. Purcellville catoctincreekdistilling.com

2 Cool Spring Distilling 37871 Nicewarner Lane, Lovettsville coolspringdistillery.com

3 Flying Ace Farm 40950 Flying Ace Lane, Lovettsville flyingacefarm.com

4 Mt. Defiance Cidery & Distillery 495 E. Washington St., Middleburg mtdefiance.com

Stonehouse Meadery 36580 Shoemaker School Rd., Purcellville stonehousemeadery.com

TUNES

Beyond Pop Stardom

Cal Everett’s Introspective ‘Weight of Early Promise’

NORMAN K. STYER nstyer@loudounnow.org

In 2016, Cal Everett set out to record his next album. It was going to take six months.

The product of that effort—“Weight of Early Promise”—is an introspective concept album rooted in his transitions from rock star to suburban dad to retired empty nester releasing this month.

While the idea for the record goes back a decade, the songwriting goes back even further, to the early 1980s as his power pop band 4 Out of 5 Doctors was winding down. He found he didn’t want to write songs that fit that mold anymore.

“I consciously made the decision a long time ago, like when the Doctors were starting to disband and we put out our second record,” Everett said. “Everybody was coming from a different direction, and my direction kept going further and further away from that chunk, chunk, chunk, new wave sound. It wasn’t interesting to me anymore.”

He was writing more personal songs that

wouldn’t fit with a band or find room on a fun pop album.

“I thought, I don’t know what I’m ever going to do with these. Then it started occurring to me, I’m chronicling in some way what’s going on domestically, financially with my family, with my kids. I just started documenting those, almost subconsciously writing songs that just were about what was going on.”

Everett skipped college to get a CBS Records deal with the Doctors. They toured nationally and opened for the likes of The Cars, The Clash and Cyndi Lauper. As the Doctors were breaking up, he was starting a family.

“I went from one kid to three kids and then I did the whole thing: I’m going to get a square job. I’m going to go to work. I’m going to live in the suburbs. I’m going to mow lawns— whatever it is I’ve got to do just to be a dad and a good husband and all that,” he said.

But he never stopped creating.

“I’d drive to work, these lyrics would come to me, and then I’d figure out a melody, and

TUNES FROM PAGE 16

then I go, 'that’s a pretty good chorus,' and then just lock it up there. I didn’t have an instrument to play it on for a while. I didn’t even have a piano in the house,” he said. With “Weight of Early Promise,” those songs are finally out of his head.

That’s thanks to Todd Wright and Ethan Mentzer, who produced and engineered the record. It was Wright who came up with the first “six months” plan following a concert at Shoes Cup and Cork in downtown Leesburg 10 years ago.

“He said, ‘We’ve got to do the Cal record, and we’ve got to do it now,’” Everett recalled.

Once in the studio, they realized the time wasn’t right.

“I said to somebody that I couldn’t have finished this record in six months if I wanted to, because I hadn’t even written some of the songs that would end up being on it—because I hadn’t lived long enough to add these couple of pieces, these little snippets that make sense and bring this story full circle,” he said. “Given the luxury of circumstance to record with Todd and Ethan over the period that we did this gave me a chance to revisit everything and finish it.”

From the beginning, Everett envisioned an album that would be more than a collection of pop songs—“because I’ve done that. I’ve done that a lot.”

anywhere you want, because you might have your favorite songs, and I don’t want to keep you from listening to them,” he said.

The lead-off song, “Older Now,” is one of the early compositions that, in 2016, was expected to be the title track.

“I’ll never go to Africa” is a centerpiece. “That was the first one I wrote that I knew ‘this doesn’t fit anything’ and I contend to this day

Instead, it’s a concept record that he says should be listened to in sequence.

“Listen to it from beginning to end at least the first one or two times. Then needle drop

in the process of uploading the album to the streaming services. He hopes to perform the record in its entirety at least four times this year, including at least one in Loudoun County.

Purcellville Celebrates Music, Arts with April 25 Festival

Fireman’s Field Park will be filled with family activities April. 25 at the Town of Purcellville’s Music and Arts Festival returns.

From noon to 7 p.m. visitors can enjoy a full day of live music and performances across multiple stages, along with an art exhibit, games, chalk art, and a variety of interactive activities. Local vendors will offer handcrafted goods, food, beverages, and more. There will be face painting, glitter tattoos, and T-shirt or tote bag decorating. Area nonprofits will also be on site sharing information and resources. Special activities will highlight and celebrate the 250th anniversary of America’s independence.

The Bush Tabernacle Skating Rink will be transformed into the Art Hall, with more than 30 works of art, live performances, art demonstrations, and hands-on activities, including quilt square decorating and an Instrument Petting Zoo.

There also will be a festival scavenger hunt.

The festival is hosted by the Purcellville Parks and Recreation Advisory Board, the Purcellville Arts Council, and the Town of Purcellville.

For more details and the full lineup of musical performances, go to purcellvillemusicandartsfestival.com.

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WINE

27 Loudoun Wineries Medal in 2026 Governor’s Cup

Loudoun wineries won four best-inshow awards and 32 gold medals during the 2026 Governor’s Cup competition.

But for the first time since 2019, no Loudoun wine was selected for inclusion in

the Governor’s Case, which showcases the commonwealth’s top 12 selections.

The top awards were announced during a March 12 gala in Richmond.

Valley Road Vineyards in Afton took the top prize—the 2026 Governor’s Cup—for its 2023 Cabernet Franc Reserve.

Loudoun wines winning best-in-show recognition in specific categories were: 50 West Vineyards for its 2024 Vidal Blanc, Chrysalis Vineyards at The Ag District for its 2022 Norton, Good Spirit Farm for its 2024 Albariño, and Walsh Family Wine for its 2021 Bethany Ridge Tannat.

Twenty-seven Loudoun wineries were awarded medals in the competition. Chrysalis, Good Spirit Farm, Three Creeks Winery, and Williams Gap Vineyard each brought home three gold medals.

For the full list, go to virginiawine.org.

It’s time to start carpooling or vanpooling to work! We can help. Just go to our website, set up your account, and we’ll match you with fellow commuters who have a similar schedule and location. Get started at Loudoun.gov/commute.

Old Farm Hosts LoCo Wine Festival

The LoCo Wine Festival returns this month to bring wine enthusiasts together for a weekend celebration of the region’s acclaimed wineries.

Set for April 25-26, the festival will take place at Old Farm Winery at Hartland.

General admission tickets include a commemorative wine glass and tasting pass, providing access to wines from all participating wineries and the featured brewery. Festivalgoers can also enjoy live music performances on both days, browse artisan vendors, and enjoy offerings from food trucks.

For the first time, the festival will offer an exclusive VIP ticket, which includes early access to the festival, a special food and wine pairing, and more.

The LoCo Wine Festival is partnering with The Arc of Loudoun. A portion of the net proceeds from ticket sales will be dedicated to supporting the organization’s mission to assist people with disabilities and their families.

The festival runs from noon to 5 p.m. both days.

For more information and tickets, go to locowinefestival.com.

lh loudoun happenings 04.2026 Get

SKATEBOARDING ON THE MOUNTAIN

For most visitors, Dirt Farm Brewery in Bluemont is known for its spectacular views and creative beers. For daredevil skateboarders, it is best known for The Hill.

The fourth annual Dirt Farm Freeride will be held April 11 from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. The event features riders on skateboards, longboards, and other wheeled things rolling—and sliding—down the steep driveway.

A FOCUS ON ENDANGERED RIVERS

The National Sporting Library & Museum will hold a special reception April 15 to hear from leadership and conservation experts from the nonprofit American Rivers.

American Rivers has been the nation’s leading voice for rivers for more than 50 years, working to ensure all rivers are clean and healthy for the people and wildlife who depend on them. The organization brings national expertise to each watershed, working in close partnership with local organizations and communities.

The program, from 5 to 7 p.m., will feature remarks and a presentation by President & CEO Tom Kiernan; Mid-Atlantic Regional Director Adam Schellhammer; and Virginia Director of Conservation Pat Calvert.

Guests will be among the first to witness the reveal of the 2026 Most Endangered Rivers list, a highly anticipated annual designation that draws national attention to rivers in critical need of protection.

A popular event for spectators, visitors will be able to walk the course and watch the action close up throughout the day.

Learn more at dirtfarmbrewing.com.

For more details and tickets, go to nationalsporting.org.

ARBOR DAY PROGRAMS HONOR AMERICA 250

Traditional Arbor Day tree plantings will take on special significance this year as the nation celebrates its 250th anniversary.

At Oatlands, the Ketoctin Chapter of the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution will plant four trees to create a new grove called President’s Hill. At the Banshee Reeks Nature Preserve, county leaders will gather to plant a Liberty Tree, recalling the roots of the American Revolution.

Both events will be held April 24.

Starting at 11 a.m., dignitaries will gather at Oatlands where four native saplings—each a documented descendant from the historic landscapes of George Washington’s Mount Vernon, Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello, James

Out

CROOKED RUN CELEBRATES INTERNATIONAL PICKLEFEST

Crooked Run Fermentation and Blue Ridge Pickling will host Loudoun County’s first Pickle and International Food Festival April 18-19 at Crooked Run’s Sterling brewery location.

The event will bring together over 40 vendors, including more than a dozen of the MidAtlantic’s top pickle makers and fermented food producers, alongside a wide variety of international food vendors, some of the region’s best food trucks, and local artisans. The festival will feature gourmet international

LOUDOUN’S STEEPLECHASE WEEKEND

Virginia’s steeplechase season hits the heart of its schedule with two meets in Loudoun County during the April 18-19 weekend.

The Middleburg Spring Races will be held Saturday, April 18 at Glenwood Park near Middleburg. The day features seven races with $190,000 in purse money. The card includes the Temple Gwathmey, a $75,000 graded stakes race that brings the best hurdle horses in the country to Glenwood.

For tickets and details, go to middleburgspringraces.com

cuisines, craft beer, wine, pickle-inspired cocktails, and live music from Pickleback and School of Rock.

Also, J&J Pizza, Crooked Run’s sister restaurant, will debut a limited-edition pickle pizza created specifically for the festival. Tickets are available on the Crooked Run and Blue Ridge Pickling websites. A limited number of VIP passes are available. Tickets will also be available at the door during the event. Learn more at crookedrunfermentation.com.

The mission of the Loudoun Hunt Pointto-Point is to provide steeplechase racing in the best traditions of the sport and with primary consideration for the safety of horses, riders, owners, and others, while providing a spectacular day of entertainment for visitors and guests.

On Sunday, April 19, the 59th annual Loudoun Hunt Point to Point will be held at Morven Park near Leesburg.

Beginning as a small gathering of horsemen, horsewomen and enthusiasts over half a century ago, the event is now long established a community celebration of spring.

Patronage of the Point-to-Point not only supports the tradition and long-term sustainability of the Loudoun and LoudounFairfax hunt clubs, but also supports the countryside traditions and conservation of historic Loudoun County.

For tickets, go to loudounraces.com.

Celebrate Spring WITH

LEESBURG’S FLOWER & GARDEN FESTIVAL

In its 36th year, Leesburg’s award-winning Flower & Garden Festival has long been established as a rite of the spring season for Loudoun residents and visitors from around the region.

Organized by the town’s Department of Parks and Recreation, the event is Loudoun County’s largest annual festival, typically attracting 30,000 visitors and locals.

The free event will be held April 18-19.

During the weekend, the streets of the downtown historic district will be transformed into a showcase of beautiful flowers, plants and landscaping along with the best of gardening and outdoor living products and services. The rooftop beer and wine garden, landscape display contest, three stages of entertainment, delicious festival food, and Garden Patch Children’s Area mean there is something for

everyone.

The event runs from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday, rain or shine. Pets are discouraged.

In association with the festival, town businesses are offering special Flower & Garden Week programs for visitors from April 12 to April 20. See the full list of those deals at chooseleesburg.com.

Portions of King, Market, and Cornwall Streets will be closed during the event, but parking will be available in the Town Hall parking garage using the Loudoun Street entrance. Additional parking will be available throughout downtown and a free shuttle service from Ida Lee Park will run continuously throughout the day.

To learn more and for the latest updates, go to flowerandgarden.org.

ON STAGE

STAGECOACH TO PERFORM ’GUYS AND DOLLS SR.’

Photo by Kat Brais

Acast of dazzling performers from across Loudoun County and beyond will present “Guys and Dolls Sr.,” a spirited and polished staging of the Broadway classic. The StageCoach Theatre Co. production showcases the depth of experience, vocal strength, and stage presence that seasoned performers bring to one of musical theater’s most beloved titles. Set in the vibrant world of 1950s New York, the play blends sharp

comedy, romance, and unforgettable music, including favorites such as “Luck Be a Lady” and “Sit Down, You’re Rockin’ the Boat.”

“We are truly excited to bring Guys and Dolls Sr. to the stage. It’s such a joy to spotlight the incredible talent, heart, and humor of our senior performers and give them the chance to shine in a show that audiences already love,” Executive Producer Jerri Wiseman stated.

Performances will run from April 17 through April 26 at the StageCoach Theatre Co., 20937 Ashburn Road in Ashburn.

Tickets are available at stagecoachtc.com.

GOOSE CREEK PLAYERS PREFORM ‘ANNIE’

Goose Creek Players will take the Franklin Park Art Center stage this month for eight performances of the musical “Annie.”

GCP founder Michael Goshorn takes the role of Daddy Warbucks, while the role of Annie will be split between Elani Yanez and Gia Lee, with each performing four shows.

The play, which opened on Broadway in 1977 and is based on the 1924 comic strip Little Orphan Annie, is a family-

friendly musical that explores themes of hope, resilience, and the power of love and family.

Performances will be April 24, 25 and 26 and May 1, 2, 3 at the Franklin Park Arts Center near Purcellville. Tickets are $25.

For details and tickets, go to franklinparkartscenter.org.

GEORGE C. MARSHALL’S

Dodona Manor

LEESBURG, VA

THE HISTORIC HOME OF General George

C. Marshall

Nobel Peace Prize laureate and architect of allied victory in World War II

EAST MARKET ST, LEESBURG VA 20176 | georgecmarshall.org

Madison’s Montpelier, and James Monroe’s Oak Hill—will be planted.

The tree grove is part of the Ketoctin Chapter’s participation in America 250, a nationwide commemoration marking the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.

“Trees are living witnesses to history,” Regent Lori Fallace stated. “As we commemorate America 250, we are honored to plant descendants from presidential gardens that will continue growing for generations to come.”

At Banshee Reeks, Virginia Master Naturalist Kelly Veronica Roach is organizing the Liberty Tree program, happening from 4 to 7 p.m.

The commemorative tree planting event aims to bring together organizations celebrating the nation’s 250th anniversary while promoting community service.

A native White Oak has been selected as the Liberty Tree for its high ecological value and significance in Virginia’s natural heritage. The White Oak tree will become the first officially registered Liberty Tree in the Commonwealth of Virginia as part of the National Liberty Tree Project of the Sons of the American Revolution.

Following the 4:30 p.m. planting ceremony, there will be a bring-your-own community picnic.

The Liberty Tree traces its roots to the American Revolution, when an elm in Boston became a rallying point for the Sons of Liberty in protests against British rule, including the Stamp Act. After the British destroyed that original tree, colonists across the 13 colonies designated new Liberty Trees as symbols of hope and freedom.

Loudoun County will also celebrate Arbor Day on Saturday, April 25, at 11:30 a.m. at the Middleburg Agricultural Research and Extension Center, 5527 Sullivans Mill Road in Middleburg.

KAVITA SHAH

Saturday, April 11, 7:30 p.m.

Franklin Park Arts Center franklinparkartscenter.org

The award-winning vocalist, composer, researcher and polyglot makes globally-minded music that is deeply engaged with the jazz tradition.

ULI JON ROTH

MICHAEL CLEVELAND & FLAMEKEEPER

Saturday, April 25, 3 & 7 p.m. Lucketts Community Center luckettsbluegrass.org

The legendary bluegrass fiddler returns to the old schoolhouse stage for two sure-to-sell-out shows. $25.

Thursday, April 30, 8 p.m. Tally Ho Theater tallyhotheater.com

The German guitarist became famous for his work with the hard rock band Scorpions and is one of the earliest contributors to the neoclassical metal genre. $50.