April Ushers in Springtime Fun in Richland County
The clocks have sprung forward and we have more and more sunlight to enjoy each day. The April calendar is filling up with lots of events to get you out of the house and into those warming temps. End your winter hibernation with outdoor festivals, special art exhibits, book talks, and featured performances that are sure to be worth your time.
The Time is Ripe…
April 1st is the opening day of Kingwood Center Gardens. Come see the grand spring flower display of tulips, magnolias, daffodils, crocus, and more. April 1st will also mark the opening of Kingwood’s featured annual exhibit: Paper Gardens by artist Lea Gray (April 1-August 31). The exhibit, located in Kingwood Hall, will be open for viewing from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. In early April, you can also celebrate spring with the softest of animals. The Spring Farm Open House at Alpaca Meadows (April 6, 7) is a great time to meet their fiber-producing Alpacas, Angora Goats, and Angora Rabbits and peruse the new offerings in the Farm Store.
The 18th Annual Mohican Wildlife Weekend (April 26-28) takes over Richland County and beyond the last weekend in April with three days of outdoor activities. With over 11 program sites and over 30 programs to choose from, this weekend will be an outdoor enthusiast’s wonderland.
Get ready for your big spring clean with the pros at the 2019 North Central Ohio Home and Garden Show (April 5, 6, 7) at the Ohio State Reformatory. Admission is $2 per person or 2 non-perishable goods per person. Best of all, kids under 6 are free and all food collected will be given to local food pantries.
Once Upon A Time…
Searching for your next read? Bookworms will love Mansfield’s only independent bookstore, Main Street Books. Support your local bookseller this month with Indie Bookstore Day (April 27). Main Street Books will offer contests, exclusive Indie Bookstore Day merch, and more. A Book Talk with Mindy McGinnis (April 5) and a Book Talk with Deborah Fleming (April 26) are also on the calendar for Main Street Books as well as the opening reception for The Art of Jeff Bell (April 19). This solo show will be available for view in the Book Loft Gallery through mid-June.
Time to Shine…
When the fickle spring weather doesn’t cooperate (and even when it does) fantastic performances abound. The hilarious and heartfelt Tony-winning musical puppets of Avenue Q (April 5-6, 12-13) take the stage at The Renaissance Theatre. Don’t let the puppets fool you, this show’s subject matter may not be suitable for children. Lea Salonga (April 29) is bringing her powerful, award-winning voice to The Renaissance for a night of amazing music. If you’re a fan of Disney’s animated musicals, she may sound familiar; she’s lent her singing voice to two Disney princesses.
Always be closing! OSU-Mansfield Theatre presents: Glengarry Glen Ross (April 11-14) the award-winning play about a group of cutthroat real estate salesman scrambling for their share of the American Dream. You can also catch Sidewalk Prophets LIVE at Crossroads Community Church (April 25) and Making God Laugh (April 26,27 & May 3-5) at Mansfield Playhouse.
Like Clockwork…
Catch these regular events each month! Meet the community and shop historic downtown Mansfield at the First Friday Shop Hop (April 5) or hunt for treasures at the Mansfield Antique Show & Flea Market (April 27) at the Richland County Fairgrounds. Take the kiddos to meet one of the Ohio Bird Sanctuary avian ambassadors up close with Avian Encounters at Ohio Bird Sanctuary (April 6, 13, 20, 27) at 1 p.m. every Saturday. Bring your own beverage and create a flower centerpiece at Cork & Clay (April 26) at the Mansfield Art Center. Finally, for the most adventurous among us, investigate evidence of the other-worldly with a Public Ghost Hunt (April 13, 20) at the Ohio State Reformatory. This experience can be tailored to your personal skill level with investigating the paranormal.
Make sure to check the Destination Mansfield-Richland County Calendar of Events regularly as new events are added all the time. You’ll also find a list of live music offerings on the calendar and on the hashtag #RichlandLIVE on our social media platforms.