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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 [...]
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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18 events found.
Events
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Science Museum of Virginia 2500 West Broad Street, Richmond, VA
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Blue Ridge Mountain Maze
Blue Toad Cider 462 Winery Ln, Roseland, VirginiaAll AgesOpen 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. Fall is full of fun family adventures! Check out our guides to fall festivals in Central Virginia, pumpkin patches and corn mazes, and the best [...]
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Patch of Fun
Chiles Peach Orchard 1351 Greenwood Rd, Crozet, VAAll AgesThe Patch of Fun at Chiles Peach Orchard is a brand new festive fall experience for the whole family! Step into the pumpkin patch for pick-your-own and photo ops, take a hayride out to the apple cannon to try launching fruit at targets, stay and play in the outdoor play area, and try seasonal sips [...]
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Edgar Allan Poe at UVA: An Exhibition
UVA Special Collections LibraryLearning FunCelebrating 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 [...]
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Barbie: A Cultural Icon
Virginia Museum of History & Culture RichmondAll AgesThe 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, [...]
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Virginia Film Festival
FeaturedThe Virginia Film Festival, now in its 39th year, is a program of the University of Virginia and is widely recognized as one of the leading regional film festivals in America and is known for its commitment to taking audiences beyond the screen to explore some of the most important issues of our time. Known [...]
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Poloween
King Family Vineyards 6550 Roseland Farm, Crozet, Virginia, United StatesAll AgesIt’s that time of year again – POLOWEEN is back! Join on Sunday, October 25th for our annual family-friendly Halloween celebration at Sunday Polo! Enjoy a day full of excitement with costume contests, tailgate competitions, and more spooky fun as we wrap up our 2026 polo season! Highlights include: Costume contests for kids, groups, and [...]
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Sinkland Farms 35th Annual Pumpkin Festival
Sinkland Farms 3060 Riner Rd, Christiansburg, VirginiaAll AgesCelebrate fall weekends at the 35th Annual Sinkland Farms Pumpkin Festival, returning September 19 through November 1, 2026 in Christiansburg, Virginia. Set against the breathtaking backdrop of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Virginia's Favorite Fall Festival welcomes families from across the region for seven weekends at an award-winning pumpkin patch and corn maze with unforgettable farm [...]
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Free Nature Journal Day
Montfair Resort FarmFarms & OrchardsBring along your sketchbook, paints, or camera and spend the day nature journaling, drawing, or plein air painting! Stop by the main office anytime between 9 AM and 4 PM [...]
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Little Nature Explorers
Botanical Garden of the Piedmont 950 Melbourne Rd, Charlottesville, VA, United StatesPreschoolersLittle 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 [...]
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Tiny Tiers
Cake Bloom 705 W Main Street, Charlottesville, VirginiaArts & CraftsJoin 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 [...]
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Free Fishing Wednesday
Montfair Resort FarmFarms & OrchardsFish for large bass, crappie, and sunfish on our peaceful lake-no fishing license required, as the lake is located on private property. Stop by the main office between 9 AM [...]
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Toddler Yoga & Movement
Virginia Discovery Museum 524 E Main Street, Charlottesville, VAPreschoolersToddler 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 [...]
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Treehouse Tales
Bennett's Village Treehouse at Pen ParkAll AgesBennett’s Village has partnered with UVA and the City of Charlottesville for Treehouse Tales, an inclusive storybook reading event! Join students from the Instructional and Assistive Technology Applications course at [...]
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Talk: Why Read Poe?
UVA Special Collections LibraryLearning FunCelebrating Reading at the University of Virginia through Edgar Allan Poe Why Read Poe? Talk with Emily Ogden When: 5:00 – 6:00pm Where: Albert and Shirley Small Special Collections Library Auditorium What: UVA English Professor and 2026 Guggenheim Fellow Emily Ogden will discuss the enduring legacy of Edgar Allan Poe. The first 15 audience members [...]
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College Applications: Where to Begin
Jefferson-Madison Regional Library - Northside 705 Rio Road West, Charlottesville, VirginiaTweens & TeensDesigned for high school students and their families. Join Madeline Casper of Beyond the Letter College Advising for an interactive presentation about navigating the college application process. Topics include grade level goal setting, application deadlines, the timeline and process for financial aid applications and the importance of staying true to yourself in essays. No registration required. [...]
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Toddler Time
Kindness Cafe + Play 480 Rugby Rd, Charlottesville, VirginiaPreschoolersKindness 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 [...]
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Book Club: Halloween Edition
UVA Special Collections LibraryLearning FunCelebrating Reading at the University of Virginia through Edgar Allan Poe Poe Book Club: Halloween Edition When: 11:00am – 12:00pm Where: Albert and Shirley Small Special Collections Library Seminar Room 318 What: UVA students, faculty, and staff, middle schoolers and high schoolers, and community members are all welcome to join us for a book discussion [...]
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!
- Annual Family Events & Festivals in Central Virginia – A roundup of major Charlottesville events families look forward to each season.
- Explore Charlottesville’s Children’s Museums – Hands-on learning and play at regional children’s museums.
- Visit Pick-Your-Own Berry Farms – A sweet seasonal tradition that makes for a perfect family event.
- Top Charlottesville Attractions for Families – A guide to must-see family attractions and local favorites.
- Local Art Studios for Kids & Creative Play – Where little artists can express themselves all year.
- Charlottesville Pools & Spray Grounds – Cool off with kid-friendly water fun.
- Family-Friendly Hikes in Central Virginia – Discover scenic trails perfect for all ages.
- Best Flower Farms to Visit Near Charlottesville – A blooming adventure and great photo opportunity.
- Lakes & Water Activities for Families – Relax or explore with water-based fun close to home.
- Charlottesville’s Best Playgrounds & Parks – Our top picks for outdoor play spaces.
- Go Apple Picking in the Fall – Celebrate the season with a favorite fall event in Charlottesville.
- Sensory Friendly Play Spaces – A curated guide to accessible and sensory‑aware venues.
- Parent Support Groups & Meet-Ups – Connect with other local families throughout the year.
- Top Kids’ Party Places in Charlottesville – Venues and ideas for celebrating birthdays and milestones.
- 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.