There’s always something exciting happening in Charlottesville, Virginia! From outdoor concerts and food festivals to art walks and kid-friendly celebrations, Central Virginia offers events for every interest and age. Our editors at CharlottesvilleFamily Magazine update this guide daily to help locals and visitors discover the region’s best happenings—whether you’re a parent looking for weekend fun with the kids or simply exploring what’s going on around town. Bookmark this page and check back often for the latest family events, festivals, and community gatherings throughout Charlottesville and Albemarle County.
Does being slow, small or sleepy have advantages? Sometimes, yes! Survival of the Slowest takes its time and proves just that. Featuring a variety of live animals, this touring exhibition [...]
Looking for an easy, affordable way to keep the kids entertained this summer? Regal’s Summer Movie Express returns June 1 through August 13 with eleven weeks of family-friendly favorites for [...]
SEASON TO KICK OFF WITH KEN LUDWIG’S MORIARTY; FOLLOWED BY TONY AWARD-WINNING MUSICAL DISNEY’S NEWSIES;AND POWERFUL ONE-WOMAN-PLAY FRIDA…A SELF PORTRAIT CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA – February 3, 2026 – The Virginia Theatre Festival’s 2026 season will open on Saturday, June 20 with the melodramatic madcap romp, Ken Ludwig’s Moriarty. VTF’s 52nd season runs through July 26 and will also feature the [...]
Sherlock Holmes and his trusty sidekick Watson are on the case when an investigation into the Bohemian king’s stolen letters cascades into an international mystery filled with spies, blackmail, and [...]
Step into a glowing world of color at Garden Glow presented by Kroger — where light and a bit of magic take over Maymont after dark. Wander through mesmerizing light [...]
Little Nature Explorers is a weekly outdoor program created for young children ages 3 to 5 and their caregivers. This free event takes place every Tuesday from 10:00 a.m. to [...]
Ages 3-5. No registration required. Roar into dino fun! Each week features a simple dinosaur craft or activity for little explorers.
Learn & Play at the Orchard Mondays & Tuesdays @ 10:30 AM June 1–August 25, 2026 Cultivating Curiosity is Carter Mountain Orchard’s weekly children’s program, running every Monday and Tuesday [...]
A 40-Year Love Story: Celebrating Books, Students, Educators and the Magic In-Between. What happens when you bring the best minds in children’s literature into one room with the educators who [...]
From a 4-H dairy cattle showing and monster trucks to line dancing and carnival rides, this charming fair packs a lot of fun into a weekend. Have you ever played [...]
Join Dino Academy with Bright Star Theatre for an interactive prehistoric adventure! Dr. Sarah Tops leads audiences of all ages through a fun, educational dinosaur journey filled with storytelling and [...]
Join every Friday for freshly-baked cake scraps and fillings paired with a flight of premium ice cream from our friends at Sugar Bear Ice Cream! Our Ice Cream and Cake [...]
Rodgers and Hammerstein's beloved Cinderella will have the whole family believing in fairy godmothers all over again.Enjoy seeing this enchanting musical come alive with memorable songs like "In My Own [...]
Ages 4-7 with a caregiver. Registration required. Come to Northside for a parent/child Yoga storytime! Help bring a story book to life with breath work and yoga poses that support [...]
Join Hannah Barnaby, local author and bookseller, every Friday for an engaging storytime featuring the reading of 2–3 delightful books. CharlottesvilleFamily connects you with what matters most! From education [...]
Solar Observing sessions are scheduled for every fourth Friday of every month in 2026. The Charlottesville Astronomical Society will present and bring their special Solar telescope(s), which will allow us to safely see sunspots, solar flares [...]
The FREE Summer Concert Series is returning to Crozet Park, featuring an incredible lineup of live music, local food, and community fun all season long! Starting June 5th, bring your [...]
Enjoy a morning full of empowerment, inspiration, education, and community.This is a FREE family friendly or donate what you can to the TQ Evans’ Young Women Scholarship event.Come join us [...]
Our handy calendar is a great way to find fun things for Cville kids to do in Charlottesville and Albemarle County all month long. It’s also a great way to plan for seasonal family activities like hikes near Charlottesville, apple picking, Halloween events, berry picking, pumpkin patches, Charlottesville Christmas events, seasonal festivals, fairs, storytimes, art-making events, and more.
Please note that although all posted Charlottesville events are reviewed by our staff for correct content, event details may change after they are posted. Be sure to check any event’s website or social media to confirm locations, times, and costs before traveling.
Hosting a local event or kids’ activity in Charlottesville, VA? We invite you to submit your listing to our CharlottesvilleFamily events calendar — the go-to resource for parents seeking local events, seasonal activities, and free things to do in Charlottesville with kids. From community festivals and holiday celebrations to educational workshops and outdoor adventures, we highlight what makes Central Virginia such a vibrant place for families. Please submit your event using this form.
We hope you will also enjoy our stories on raising healthy kids, schools & learning, home & garden and family fun.
From festive Charlottesville events to everyday fun, these guides help you find engaging things to do in Charlottesville and Albemarle County. Keep your busy Cville kids entertained and create fun family memories and traditions year-round!
Whether you’re planning a weekend outing or searching for seasonal events in Charlottesville, VA, this curated list highlights the best local activities, destinations, and experiences for kids and parents alike. These year-round attractions are perfect for families who want to make the most of life in Central Virginia.
To keep up with all the fun events for Cville kids and families, sign up for our free CharlottesvilleFamily e-Mag. You’ll receive weekly or monthly (you choose!) family news and events right in your inbox.
And don’t forget to check out the amazing local businesses and partners who help families thrive in our community.
