Summer arts camps in Charlottesville give kids ages 3-18 the chance to explore creativity through painting, dance, theater, filmmaking, music, and more—while providing working parents with engaging daytime programming from June through August.
Whether your child is a budding painter ready for immersive studio time, a performer who comes alive on stage, a dancer eager to refine technique, or simply curious about trying something new, Charlottesville’s diverse arts camp offerings include options ranging from rock band practice to classical dance or even sculpting.
Popular Charlottesville arts camps include:
- Visual arts camps – Painting, drawing, sculpture, printmaking, mixed media
- Dance programs – Ballet, jazz, modern, hip hop, creative movement
- Theater camps – Acting, musical theater, improv, stagecraft
- Music camps – Instrument exploration, rock band, songwriting
- Film & media – Filmmaking, animation, stop-motion, video production
- Multi-arts experiences – Camps combining theater, visual arts, music, and movement
Most Charlottesville arts camps offer flexible scheduling including half-day sessions for younger children, full-day programs with extended care options, and week-long intensives for serious young artists. Registration for popular programs often fills by early March, so early planning helps secure your preferred weeks.
**Looking for other creative outlets?** Explore our complete guides:
- All Charlottesville Camps
- Sports Camps
- Academic Camps
- Sleepaway Camps
- Camps for Elementary School Aged Kids
Top Arts Camps in Charlottesville
1. Albemarle Ballet Camp
- Ages: 3-18
- Type: Day Camp
- Location: Crozet
- Description: Albemarle Ballet Theatre in Crozet offers summer dance camps and evening classes featuring ballet, jazz, modern, and tap instruction from professionally-trained instructors with dance company experience in a nurturing, family-oriented studio environment above downtown Crozet.
- More Info:Albemarle Ballet Camp
2. Blue Ridge Brushes
- Ages: 6-13
- Type: Day Camp
- Location: Charlottesville
- Description: Blue Ridge Brushes is designed to inspire artistic growth and hands‑on creativity for young artists. Programs feature studio‑led painting and drawing projects, mixed‑media activities, and guided instruction in a welcoming environment.
- More Info:Blue Ridge Brushes
3. Charlottesville Ballet Academy
- Ages: 18 months and up
- Type: Day & Evening Camps
- Location: Charlottesville
- Description: As the official training school of the Charlottesville Ballet, the academy offers classes in ballet, jazz, tap, hip-hop, and more. Programs are available at two Charlottesville locations: 29 North and Downtown at IX.
- More Info: Charlottesville Ballet Academy
4. DMR Adventures
- Ages: Varies by program
- Type: Day Camp
- Location: Charlottesville
- Description: DMR Adventures offers performing arts camps focusing on musical theater, acting, and dance. Programs are designed to build confidence and stage presence, culminating in performances.
- More Info: DMR Adventures
5. Glass Palette
- Ages: 8-13
- Type: Day Camp
- Location: Charlottesville
- Description: Young artists will get hands-on with all sorts of exciting projects, from fused glass and mosaics to sandblasting, stained glass, and beyond. Each week is packed with daily creations, mini-lessons, and plenty of chances to experiment, play, and learn.
- More Info: Glass Palette
6. Light House Studio
- Ages: Elementary to teens
- Type: Day Camp
- Location: Charlottesville
- Description: Light House Studio offers filmmaking camps where students learn screenwriting, directing, editing, and production. Campers collaborate to create original films, gaining hands-on experience with professional equipment.
- More Info: Light House Studio
7. Front Porch Summer Camp + Teen Band Camp
- Ages: 4-7 and 13-18 band camp
- Type: Day Camp
- Location: Charlottesville
- Description: Front Porch Summer Camps provides music education and creative exploration for ages 4-7 through themed weekly sessions including instrument exploration, singing, arts, and outdoor play, plus Rock Out! Band Camp for teens where aspiring musicians learn ensemble playing, songwriting, and performance skills at the downtown Charlottesville music school.
- More Info:Front Porch Music Camps
8. Spectrum Arts Camp at Tandem Friends School
- Grades: 1st-6th graders (Spectrum Summer Camp) + 7th-12th graders (Spectrum Summer Courses)
- Type: Day Camp
- Location: Charlottesville
- Description: Spectrum Summer Camp at Tandem Friends School provides rising 1st-6th graders with immersive arts education exploring painting, drawing, sculpture, theater, dance, music, and more, while rising 7th-12th graders can choose half-day or full-day specialized courses—all with lunch and snacks included in a creative, supportive environment.
- More Info: Spectrum Camp
9. Wilson School of Dance
- Ages: 3 and Up
- Type: Day Camp
- Location: Charlottesville
- Description: Wilson School of Dance offers a dynamic blend of classes and dance camps for dancers of all ages and skill levels. Participants can explore ballet, jazz, tap, hip hop, lyrical, and princess-themed dance sessions.
- More Info: Wilson School of Dance
Find the Perfect Arts Camp This Summer
From ballet to filmmaking and hands-on arts and crafts, Charlottesville’s arts camps provide a fantastic way for children to learn, grow, and create this summer. Whether your child wants to build confidence on stage, develop fine motor skills through painting, or learn the magic of filmmaking, there’s a camp for every aspiring artist.
Looking for the perfect summer camp experience? Virginia Summer Camp is your guide to local day camps, sleepaway camps, and more. Don’t forget the parent’s guide to how to plan for camp and all the great info at our sister site, VirginiaSummerCamp.com.
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