The Hermitage Collective Presents

May Day

Sunday, May 3rd | 12pm-3pm

Join the Hermitage Collective to welcome the warm weather and enjoy an afternoon of spring-inspired activities!

Featuring:

Activities from the Norfolk Master Gardeners, Norfolk Public Library, Norfolk Botanical Garden, Sarah Michelle Peterson Foundation, Outside the Lines Art Studio, and other partners
A May Pole!
Tunes by DJ lilsnshn and guitarist Liam Ritter
Friendship bracelets + bubble station + chalk art
Spring Themed Art Activities
Pop-ups with The Fairy Hair Company, The Little Meadow and Miss Sean Paints
Swing Dancing with Harbor City Swing
A family yoga session with Cat Cow Yoga at 2:00 pm
*Please bring a yoga mat or blanket + water
Spring Garden Tour
The opportunity to visit the museum galleries and participate in a scavenger hunt
Grab a bite from our food vendors including JMT Vegan Eats and Pelican Pete’s Mobile Pizza
Purchase a bloody Mary, mimosa, craft beer and kid-friendly beverages from the bar.

This event is free to all – Please consider making a donation at the entrance!

This event features activities located throughout the museum and back lawn.
*Please note that on site parking is limited. Once the parking lot is full, guests will need to utilize public street parking throughout the surrounding neighborhood and walk in.

Review the Hermitage’s Accessibility Information →

The Hermitage Collective is a group of volunteers committed to serving as ambassadors for the Hermitage.

Learn more here →

May Day is possible thanks to the support from:

The Jamison Family

With additional support from:

Mosquito Joe
VisitNorfolk
Mr Rogers Windows
Colleen Kovach of OWN Real Estate
Susannah Broegler of American Financial Network

2026 Design by Michelle Ingari

May Day Picnic Contest

A feast for the senses and a celebration of creativity!

Do you have a knack for designing a delightful spread or imaginative tablescape? Guests are invited to reserve a spot to participate in our May Day Picnic Contest!

To secure your 10×10 spot in this whimsical event, email mball@thehermitagemuseum.org by Monday, April 27^th, and claim your piece of picturesque Hermitage landscape. Space is very limited, and contestants are entered on a first-come, first-served basis.

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!

Your picnic’s food won’t be judged, and we highly encourage you to indulge in the culinary delights offered by our on-site food vendors, however food items can be brought from home.

Each participant 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.

Prize: The winner of the Spring Picnic Contest will be awarded with a delightful gift basket!

Dust off your picnic blankets, gather your favorite decorations, and join us for a day of springtime magic at the Hermitage Museum and Gardens.

*Picnic contestants can access their spot as early as 11 am and are encouraged to bring a cart or dolly to transport items to and from their vehicle. Contestants may bring elevated display items, but picnics should be presented at ground level as tables, chairs, etc. are not permitted.