April Events In and Around Chester County

JUMP! Make a Splash for Willowdale Steeplechase

April 1

Make a Splash as you JUMP! back into the swing of things and help support Willowdale’s beneficiaries, Stroud Water Research Center and Penn Vet’s New Bolton Center. Enjoy a DJ and dancing, an open bar, great food, an oyster bar and a silent auction. Yellow House, 101 E. Street Rd., Kennett Square. 8 to 11 p.m. $99. Willowdale.org.

Fortnight of Festivities: Celebrating 400 Years of Shakespeare

April 9–23

West Chester University is celebrating the 400th anniversary of Shakespeare’s First Folio. WCU is among a few who own a complete set of the Folio — only 235 are known to exist. Planned events include an edible book contest, “Shakespeare and the Heavens” in the Mather Planetarium and a talk by Pulitzer Prize winner James Ijames (Fat Ham). The finale is an outdoor performance of Twelfth Night on the Quad. More at WCUPA.edu/Arts/Shakespeare-Fortnight.

Ryerss Run for the Horses

April 22

Everyone is welcome to come visit the horses and take a 10K or 5K run or 1-mile walk on a cross country course at Ryerss Farm. Benefits the farm’s retired and rescued horses, providing lifelong care and shelter for these beautiful animals. 1710 Ridge Rd., Pottstown. Noon. Donation options on website, RyerssFarm.org.

West Chester International Short Film Festival

April 28–30

The festival presents over 60 films at the West Chester Film Festival, the Family Film Festival (presented by the West Chester Friends School) and Young Filmmaker Film Festival. Apr. 28, Opening Night Party with cocktails and hors d’oeuvres. Apr. 30, Closing Night Party where top films in each genre get awards. Pop-Up Films will be shown at locations around the borough — main venue is the Chester County History Center, 225 N. High St., West Chester. Tickets $5–$12. WestChesterFilmFestival.com.

Kimberton Hunt Club Horse Show

April 30

Watch the youngest competitors on their lead line ponies to the pros jumping the highest fences, and don’t miss the junior or adult high jump competitors take turns jumping the fence that’s raised every time it’s cleared until the last competitor to make it over clear wins the class and the money. Breakfast, lunch and dinner available on site. Ludwig’s Corner Show Grounds, 5 Nantmeal Rd., Glenmoore. Gates open at 8 a.m. Free. KimbertonHunt.org.