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 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 Tony Award-winning [...]
Between July 2 and July 26, we have musical inspiration every day. Whether it’s the power of a large orchestra, the excitement of a musician at the top of their [...]
Celebrate summer at the Virginia Sunflower Fest at Chiswell Farm in Greenwood, VA, just outside Charlottesville! Wander through vibrant sunflower fields, capture unforgettable moments with friends & family, and cool off with our refreshing drinks! From sunflower picking to stunning views, it’s the ultimate summer escape. JULY 9TH - AUGUST 2NDTHURS - SUN: 10AM - [...]
From air to sea to land, discover ways first responders help those in distress. Do you have what it takes to be a hero? Dive into a high-intensity experience where science meets real-life heroics. Rescueputs you at the center of daring land, sea and air missions. This hands-on exhibition lets guests of all ages step [...]
Every year, the Augusta County Fair brings the community together to highlight the county’s local agricultural industry, blending in fun, educational experiences, and modern entertainment. From livestock judging to acrobats, illusions, laser tag, and globally diverse cultures, everyone gets a bird’s eye view of the great big world while enjoying first-class entertainment. Kids receive interactive [...]
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 Tasting pairing is $14/pp or $12/pp with Student ID. Walk-ins are welcome, but reservations are encouraged. TO BOOK: Click "Make a Reservation," select your time, [...]
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 and prominences, and other features on the living cauldron that is our sun. We'll start at noon in the education building for a short presentation, [...]
Peak peach season calls for a celebration, Carter Mountain-style! Join us for a weekend of orchard fun, with games, activities, live music, and tasty peach-inspired menus on Saturday and Sunday, [...]
Join the Frontier Culture Museum this January, February, and March for Toddler Time! Each Toddler Time at the Frontier Culture Museum will include a story time. Then, there will also [...]
Spend the day outdoors at the 35th Annual Chihamba African American Cultural Arts Festival on Saturday, July 25 from 10 AM to 6 PM at Booker T. Washington Park. This long-standing community gathering brings together music, movement, and tradition through a full lineup of activities including a drum call, live performances, local vendors, and hands-on [...]
Join for Storytime! New Dominion’s weekly Storytime, held at 11 AM on Saturdays, features both recent storybooks and the classics kids know and love. Rain or shine. All ages welcome. Bring a friend! Running late? No problem—they’ll be reading from a variety of books during each Storytime hour. Happy Learning! Explore helpful resources in our [...]
The Greenwood Community Center offers public roller-skating on Saturday Nights 6pm-8pm. Admission is $3 to rent skates and $2 if you have your own skates. Roller blades are allowed. No metal wheels! Skating Rink is available for private skating parties! CharlottesvilleFamily connects you with what matters most! From education resources and school guides to [...]
You are cordially invited to join for a Royal Tea at The Jefferson Hotel. Several well-known princesses will be in attendance for photo opportunities and activities. When: Sunday, July 12, [...]
Join for Splash Sundays (formerly Sunday Sundown), a beloved annual event, held alongside Free Swim Day at the Booker T. Washington Park Pool. Bring family, friends, and neighbors for an evening packed with kids’ inflatables, hands‑on activities, games, delicious food, a live DJ, and fun lawn games. Highlights include: Free Swim – Free access to [...]
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 during the summer. The program is geared towards ages 3-8, and all ages are welcome. Sessions include storytime, a take-home craft, pick-your-own fruit (in season), [...]
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.
