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Top Events in Charlottesville & Central Virginia

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.

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  • Rescue

    Science Museum of Virginia 2500 West Broad Street, Richmond, VA
    All Ages

    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 [...]

  • Youth Botanical Art Show

    Jefferson School African American Heritage Center 233 4th St NW, Charlottesville, VA, United States
    Arts & Crafts

    BGP is excited to announce our annual Botanical Art Festival will be taking place September 1st – 30th. This Festival will celebrate art in our community by offering free art [...]

  • Botanical Arts Festival

    Botanical Garden of the Piedmont 950 Melbourne Rd, Charlottesville, VA, United States
    All Ages

    BGP is excited to announce our annual Botanical Art Festival will be taking place September 2026. This Festival will celebrate art in our community by offering free art programing for [...]

  • JMRL Book Hunt

    Botanical Garden of the Piedmont 950 Melbourne Rd, Charlottesville, VA, United States
    All Ages

    As part of the Botanical Art Festival, find rocks painted with popular book covers scattered throughout the garden.

  • “Give Me Liberty” VA250 Display

    Jefferson-Madison Regional Library - Nelson Memorial Library 8521 Thomas Nelson Highway, Lovingston, Virginia
    All Ages

    Until September 28 All Ages Celebrate 250 years of American History with the VA250 Exhibit at Nelson Memorial Library, presented in partnership with the Virginia Museum of History & Culture. [...]

  • Blue Ridge Mountain Maze

    Blue Toad Cider 462 Winery Ln, Roseland, Virginia
    All Ages

    Open weekend September 19–November 8. Get lost in the fun at the best Virginia corn maze. New this year – Music in the Mountains every Saturday night from 6–9pm.   [...]

  • Edgar Allan Poe at UVA: An Exhibition

    UVA Special Collections Library
    Learning Fun

    Celebrating Reading at the University of Virginia through Edgar Allan Poe Edgar Allan Poe at UVA: 1826 | 2026 Exhibition When: 9/23/2026 – 4/9/2027, during library hours Where: Albert and [...]

  • State Fair of Virginia

    The Meadow Event Park 13191 Dawn Blvd, Doswell, VA
    All Ages

    You won’t meet a kid at a country fair who doesn’t want to indulge in roller coasters and the Tilt-a-Whirl. Check into the bracelets and ride discounts that help make [...]

  • Queen City Mischief & Magic

    Downtown Staunton Staunton, Virginia
    Festivals & Fairs

    Queen City Mischief & Magic, or QCMM, is a homegrown festival celebrating magic in all forms and from all fandoms. Queen City Mischief & Magic welcomes everyone to celebrate the [...]

  • Kitchen Herbalism Workshop

    Bellair Farm 5290 Bellair Farm, Charlottesville, VA
    Especially for Parents

    Join Herbalist, Meg Madden, for a hands-on workshop on the farm. Experience the joy of making herbal medicine. This is a 2-hour workshop. Meet at 10am in the PYO (Pick-Your-Own) [...]

  • Shenandoah Storyteller

    Botanical Garden of the Piedmont 950 Melbourne Rd, Charlottesville, VA, United States
    All Ages

    For more than forty years, storyteller Susan Clark has captivated audiences with tales rich in humor, heart, and tradition. Drawing from the folklore of the Appalachian Mountains, Native American traditions, [...]

  • Toddler Time

    Toddler Time
    Frontier Culture Museum Staunton, Virginia
    Learning Fun

    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 [...]

  • Plant Swap

    Jefferson-Madison Regional Library - Gordon Ave. 1500 Gordon Avenue, Charlottesville, Virginia
    All Ages

    All Ages No registration required. Are you a sucker for succulents? A devotee of dirt? Stop by Gordon Avenue Library between 10 AM and 2 PM for Plant Swap! Bring [...]

  • Monticello Fall Family Days

    Monticello 1050 Monticello Loop, Charlottesville, VA
    All Ages

    Enjoy the sights, flavors, and fun of fall at Monticello with hands-on activities for kids, family garden tours, performances by Thomas Jefferson, and more.

  • Storytime

    Storytime
    New Dominion Bookshop 404 East Main St, Charlottesville, Virginia, United States
    All Ages

    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. [...]

  • Oktoberfest

    Dairy Market 946 Grady Ave, Charlotteville, Virginia
    Festivals & Fairs

    Oktoberfest at Dairy Market Prost! Celebrate Oktoberfest at Dairy Market on Saturday, September 26  featuring live music, beer releases, steins, games, German-inspired food specials and more. Grab your crew and join [...]

  • Garden Party

    Botanical Garden of the Piedmont 950 Melbourne Rd, Charlottesville, VA, United States
    All Ages

    In Fine Company: Garden Party at the Botanical Garden of the Piedmont Join Present Company Wine and Fine Creek Brewing for a laid-back summer evening at the Botanical Garden of [...]

  • Roller Skating Night

    Roller Skating Night
    Greenwood Community Center Crozet, Virginia
    All Ages

    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 [...]

How to Use the Charlottesville Family Events Calendar

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.

Submit Your Local Charlottesville Events or Cville Kids Activity

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.

Top 15 Year-Round Things To Do with Kids & Families in Charlottesville, VA

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!

  1. Annual Family Events & Festivals in Central Virginia – A roundup of major Charlottesville events families look forward to each season.
  2. Explore Charlottesville’s Children’s Museums – Hands-on learning and play at regional children’s museums.
  3. Visit Pick-Your-Own Berry Farms – A sweet seasonal tradition that makes for a perfect family event.
  4. Top Charlottesville Attractions for Families – A guide to must-see family attractions and local favorites.
  5. Local Art Studios for Kids & Creative Play – Where little artists can express themselves all year.
  6. Charlottesville Pools & Spray Grounds – Cool off with kid-friendly water fun.
  7. Family-Friendly Hikes in Central Virginia – Discover scenic trails perfect for all ages.
  8. Best Flower Farms to Visit Near Charlottesville – A blooming adventure and great photo opportunity.
  9. Lakes & Water Activities for Families – Relax or explore with water-based fun close to home.
  10. Charlottesville’s Best Playgrounds & Parks – Our top picks for outdoor play spaces.
  11. Go Apple Picking in the Fall – Celebrate the season with a favorite fall event in Charlottesville.
  12. Sensory Friendly Play Spaces – A curated guide to accessible and sensory‑aware venues.
  13. Parent Support Groups & Meet-Ups – Connect with other local families throughout the year.
  14. Top Kids’ Party Places in Charlottesville – Venues and ideas for celebrating birthdays and milestones.
  15. Indoor & Active Fun for Rainy Days – Indoor Charlottesville activities for energetic kids when the weather isn’t ideal.

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.