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.
The holidays are almost here! Start planning with our most popular seasonal guides: Thanksgiving Events in Charlottesville, Charlottesville Holiday Events, Where to See Santa, Grand Illumination, and Christmas Tree Farms near Charlottesville.
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 [...]
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 Shirley Small Special Collections Library What: From his studies and life on the Lawn to the debts that forced his early departure, this exhibition reveals [...]
The VMHC is thrilled to host the exclusive Mid-Atlantic engagement of Barbie™: A Cultural Icon, a major exhibition tracing Barbie®’s 65-year history through fashion, media, and cultural evolution. This vibrant, multi-sensory experience celebrates one of the most iconic and influential figures in global popular culture. Drawn from the private collection of David Porcello and Mattel, [...]
Give the gift of reading! Donate new, unwrapped children’s books at your local library branch from November 1 to 30 to support JMRL's Winter Book Drive 2026. Books received will go to local preschools, Head Start programs, and UVA’s chapter of Remote Area Medical so they can provide free books to the children they serve. [...]
This November, help us fill nutrition boxes for neighbors who need them. Our food drive benefits the Blue Ridge Area Food Bank and the community. Drop off donations in the barrel in the Brooks Family YMCA lobby any time between November 2 and November 25. Most Needed Items Fruits and Vegetables Proteins: Nut butters, canned [...]
This show was first performed back in 1997 and was the first play written for young audiences ever to receive awards and funding from The Kennedy Center. It has been called "a children's theatre masterpiece." Monticello High School's production of "Still Life With Iris" won second place at the Virginia High School League Theatre competition, [...]
Virginia's Premier Holiday Light Show The beauty of light and whimsy of nature come together in perfect harmony at our Winter Wander Trail of Lights, returning for another fantastic season of wintertime fun with family and friends. Experience the nature of our rolling landscape during this illuminated lakeside stroll as an extraordinary palette of colorful [...]
On the second weekend in November, artisans in Central Virginia open their doors for you to explore their working spaces. Many visitors make the Tour a two-day experience so they can enjoy other offerings while in the area. What a great way to spend a fall weekend! Easily accessed by following the map and directions on this [...]
Saturday & Sunday, November 14–15 | Free Admission Hear ye, hear ye! Come one, come all to Chiles’ Enchanted Orchard Days! Do you love stories of adventure, merriment, and companionship? Do Robin Hood and Lord of the Rings strike your fancy and ignite the heart? Join us for a weekend of fantasy and fun, embracing [...]
Experience a powerful afternoon of music, dance, honor, & remembrance in this stunning FREE concert tribute to our heroes, presented by Piedmont Virginia Community College! This heartfelt tribute concert celebrates the courage and sacrifice of our nation’s veterans. Through dynamic choreography and an eclectic musical landscape, the concert explores themes of community, culture and connection. [...]
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 [...]
Join for a book talk with Patrick A. Reed, author of Spider-Man Total Universe. An audience Q&A will follow. This in-person event will be free and open to the public. We recommend arriving early for the best seating. About the Book: The only issue-by-issue, story-by-story history of Spider-Man comics, from the wall-crawler’s first appearance in Amazing Fantasy [...]
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 11:15 a.m. in the beautiful setting of the Garden. It combines early childhood learning with the magic of nature, offering a fresh experience each week. [...]
Moms Lit Society meets quarterly at 6:30pm at Starr Hill Brewery inside Dairy Market—a cozy, welcoming space where you can enjoy a drink, browse books, and join in meaningful conversation. You do not have to have read the book to join. Meet the author! Join us on November 17 for a book club featuring Rachel [...]
Join for an open studio-style cake decorating session with all the tools and materials to make your own mini wedding cake. The perfect midweek treat, our self-guided sessions include piping practice sheets to practice your technique, along with a variety of fresh flowers and edible petals to adorn your design. Indulge in a selection of [...]
Toddler Yoga & Movement explores and encourages physical wellness and emotional regulation in early childhood development through mindfulness, stretching, games, and play. This program is led by Programs & Administrative Coordinator Emily Pearcy, a certified 95-hour registered children’s yoga teacher. She has 4 years of experience teaching children ranging from infancy to age 13 and [...]
Join us for a free Community Schools workshop presented by the Sam Heath of the Commonwealth Justice Coalition. Learn practical ways to bring restorative parenting practices into your family. Workshop Details Date: Wednesday, [...]
Kindness at Rugby has a sweet play space for little ones with games, puzzles, board books, & toys. Join us on Thursday mornings at 9am. Enjoy lattes with other adults [...]
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.
Browse the calendar on this page and filter by date, age or category to see festivals, storytimes, concerts, farm events and more happening this weekend across Charlottesville and Albemarle County. For our editors’ favorite picks of the month, see our monthly Top Family-Friendly Charlottesville Events roundup.
Lots! Library storytimes, parks and playgrounds, the Downtown Mall, free festival days and seasonal events are all in our calendar. Our 11 Free Things to Do with Kids in Charlottesville guide has even more.
Families circle the Dogwood Festival, Fourth of July celebrations, fall festivals and pumpkin patches, the Crozet Arts & Crafts Festival, and the Grand Illumination on the Downtown Mall.
Our editors review and add events daily. Details can change, so confirm times and costs with the organizer before you go.
Use our free event submission form. We review every listing before it goes live.
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.
