April’s arrival ushers in a flurry of exciting events here in Richland County! From hands-on gardening and art classes to live music, theater performances like Mary Poppins (April 25th-27th) and festive Easter celebrations, there’s something waiting for you to experience.
Don’t miss the chance to step back in time at Malabar Farm’s Spring Plowing Days (April 26th-27th) or explore incredible regional talent at the 80th Annual Art Show at the Mansfield Art Center. With so much happening, April is the perfect time to get out and experience all that the community has to offer! Kick back, explore our entire event lineup, and plan some memorable outings to celebrate the arrival of spring.
Easter Events- it’s Not Just for the Kids
This year we have events for all ages, including the first annual Adult Easter Egg Hunt (April 11th) at the Wishmaker House and a special Sunrise Service at Kingwood Center (April 20th) . Area Easter Egg Hunts and events for families include:
- Shelby YMCA Easter Egg Hunt (April 5th) at the Shelby Alliance Church
- Playtime Dental and Braces annual Easter Egg Hunt and Easter Bunny Photos (April 5th) at the Richland County Dog Warden’s Shelter
- Easter Drive Thru at South Park (April 12th)
- Easter Egg Hunt at Amvets Community Park in Bellville with thousands of eggs stuffed by the residents at Country Meadow Care Center (April 18th)
- Easter Egg Hunt at Marshall Park in Ontario (April 19th)
Learn Something New
Visit Kingwood Center Gardens for a variety of tours and classes including…
- Behind the Scenes Greenhouse Tour (April 8th)
- Botany for Gardeners starting April 3
- Cooking with Herbs (April 11)
- Landscape Inspirations- a Kingwood Symposium: Connections with Nature for Healthy Living (April 12th)
- Introduction to forest bathing (April 12th)
- line dancing for beginners (April 24th).
See their entire list of workshops on their website.
Learn to crochet a spring wreath at Burton Park (April 7th), take a Tufting Class at the Mansfield Art Center (April 12th), and a Bunny Felting Class (April 12th) at Alpaca Meadows. Learn Nature Doodling (April 12th), and make a Custom Pet Sign (April 19th) at Hickory Vines Winery.
Theater, Art & Live Music
Mansfield Art Center presents the 80th Annual May Show beginning April 6th and running into May. The May Show showcases diverse, innovative artwork across all mediums, earning its reputation as a premier statewide exhibition that inspires both artists and visitors.
Ramble Tamble: The Creedence Clearwater Revival Experience (April 5th) enthralls audiences for one night at the Renaissance Theatre. This tribute band delivers the ultimate Creedence Clearwater Revival experience, flawlessly recreating the band’s signature sound, energy, and spirit. With spot-on renditions of classics like Bad Moon Rising and Fortunate Son, their electrifying performances transport audiences back to the golden age of rock ‘n’ roll.
Once: A Musical continues on stage at the Renaissance Theatre (April 4th, 5th, 11th and 12th). The story takes place on the streets of Dublin, where an Irish musician and a Czech immigrant bond over their love of music, sparking an unexpected friendship and a deeply moving love story.
Experience Grammy-winning jazz artist Norman Brown live at the Mid-Ohio Conference Center (April 19th) with opening acts “The Conne Band” and “G” & Friends along with a cash bar, raffle drawings, and concessions!
Who’s on First? at the Mansfield Playhouse (April 18th, 19th, 25th, 26th and 27th) is a dark comedy that follows four partygoers trapped in a time loop, reliving the same chaotic hour in different personas—aristocrats, gangsters, and more—until they get it right. As jealousy, mistaken motives, and unexpected twists unfold, the mystery deepens: is it fate, an accident, or a sinister scheme?
Don’t miss Disney and Cameron Mackintosh’s Mary Poppins (April 25th-27th), presented by The Mansfield Youth Theatre, at the Renaissance Theatre. Featuring a talented youth ensemble from MY Theatre, this supercalifragilisticexpialidocious production brings the beloved story to the stage with energy and charm. Join Mary Poppins and the Banks family on a heartwarming journey filled with laughter, life lessons, and the reminder that “anything can happen if you let it.”
The live music scene heats up with First Friday Live (April 4th), hosted by Downtown Mansfield. Check out the Live Entertainment page for a full listing of live music throughout April.
Other Events
The Mid Ohio Sports Card & Memorabilia Show at the Richland County Fairgrounds (April 12th) features 35+ tables of dealers buying, selling, and trading.
Join a Paranormal Investigation at the Mansfield Fire Museum (April 19th) or take a ghost walk (April 25th) or mini ghost walk on select days at the historic Ohio State Reformatory to hear paranormal stories and glean information about the prison.
Fun for the Family
We have plenty of fun activities for the family too! Explore the Buckeye Imagination Museum, Richland Carrousel Park, Oaks & Acorns Preschool Class at Gorman Nature Center each Wednesday, and Ohio Bird Sanctuary for the Earth Day Festival (April 26th).
Visit Kingwood Center on the First Monday (April 7th) of the month for free admission. Little ones will enjoy the Peacock Playhouse, Storybook Trail, feeding the ducks and searching for the resident peacocks.
Calendar of Events
For the most up-to-date event listings, live music, and other community events, visit our ever-changing Calendar of Events at DestinationMansfield.com. Are you hosting a public event? Add it to our “Submit an Event” section of the calendar.
We’re sharing all the fun activities you can look forward to this month in and around Mansfield. Share your experiences on Instagram and tag @DestinationMansfield. You never know, we may just re-share your content!