MAY DAY
Sunday, May 5, 12-3 pm at the Hermitage Museum & Gardens
Free event & all are welcome!
Join the Hermitage Collective to welcome the warm weather and enjoy an action-packed afternoon of spring-inspired fun! This event is free to all, but guests are encouraged to make a donation at the entrance.
Pop-ups by:
Norfolk Master Gardeners
Outside the Lines Art Studio
The Little Meadow Shop
Elizabeth River Project
Movement is Medicine
Festivities include:
∙Garden tours and free entry to the museum
∙May Pole
∙Vibes by DJ Ryan Thomas
∙Entertainment by Akemi Welsh Productions
∙Selfie station + bubble station + chalk art station
∙Lawn games & art activities
∙Family yoga session with Cat Cow Yoga + instructor Barbara Schlegel at 12:30 pm
*Please bring a yoga mat or blanket + water
Eats by:
Aloha Snacks, La Cucina di Sophia, Joysicles, Lolly’s Creamery
Outdoor bar:
Bloody marys, mimosas, craft beer and kid-friendly beverages.
May Day Picnic Contest
Do you have a knack for designing a delightful spread or imaginative tablescape? Dust off your picnic blankets, gather your favorite decorations, and join us for a day of springtime magic at the Hermitage House and Gardens.
Guests are invited to reserve a spot to participate in our first May Day Picnic Contest! Space is very limited and contestants are entered on a first-come, first-served basis, so don’t delay in reserving a piece of the picturesque Hermitage landscape! To secure your 10×10 spot in this whimsical event, email mball@thehermitagemuseum.org by Monday, April 29th.
Participants will have a designated 10×10 space to call their own, providing a private oasis. Judging will commence at 1:30 pm, so be sure to have your picnic setup perfected and ready to impress. Our panel of judges will be evaluating each picnic setup based on a variety of criteria, including basket set-up, creativity, add-ons, and overall presentation. Let your imagination run wild as you curate a scene that perfectly captures the essence of spring at the Hermitage. Whether you’re drawn to vintage elegance, contemporary chic, or a playful mix of both, this is your opportunity to showcase your unique style and creativity!
*Food vendors will be available on-site and we highly encourage you to indulge in those delicious culinary delights! Food items may be brought from home and your picnic items won’t be judged.
Prize:
The winner of the Spring Picnic Contest will be awarded a delightful basket of goodies courtesy of VisitNorfolk.
*Please note that picnic items and decor will have to be carried on site via the main gate, and vehicles are not permitted. Picnic contestants can access their spot once the event opens at 12 pm. Contestants may bring elevated display items, but picnics should be presented at ground level as tables, chairs, etc. are not permitted.
Thank you to our generous sponsors:
Mosquito Joe
The Williams School
Stephanie Clark Real Estate
Jackson Lewis PC
Garden of Hope Community Development Corporation
Hosted by:
The Hermitage Collective is a group of young professionals committed to volunteering and serving as ambassadors for the Hermitage. The group is currently accepting applications for new members! Learn more here.
Parking & Accessibility
This is an outdoor event with activities located throughout the gardens, front lawn, and back lawn.
Please note that the site will be closed to all vehicles and all guests are required to park off-site and enter the event through the main gate at North Shore Road. Parking for guests with mobility limitations is reserved and identified with signage directly across from the gate entrance and within the Goode Family Visual Arts School parking area located at 7701 North Shore Rd. Guests may be dropped off in front of the gate but vehicles cannot enter the site to ensure the safety of all guests.
The driveway from the gate entrance at North Shore Road is wheelchair accessible and is .25 mi from the museum building.
Public street parking is available throughout the neighborhood surrounding the museum.
Please review the Hermitage’s Accessibility Information.
