2026 CharlottesvilleFamily Go-To Guide

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 [...]

  • 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 [...]

  • Fall Fiber Festival & Sheep Dog Trials

    James Madison's Montpelier
    All Ages

    The Fall Fiber Festival and Montpelier Sheep Dog Trials is a celebration of traditional fiber techniques and an opportunity to view working dogs at their best! Join our family-friendly event [...]

  • Graves Mountain Apple Harvest Festival

    Graves Mountain Farm & Lodges 205 Graves Mountain Lane, Syria, VA
    All Ages

    Celebrating 57 Years of Apples and Community Animals, food, cider/beer/wine, live bluegrass music & more First Three Weekends in October 2026 October  3 & 4  |  10 & 11 | [...]

  • Fall Book Sale

    300 Albemarle Square

    Sat, Oct 3 through Sun, Oct 11 10am - 7pm each day. 1/2 price days at the sale: Sat, Oct 10 and Sun, Oct 11 MEMBERS PREVIEW SALE: Fri, Oct [...]

  • 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 [...]

  • Rivanna Roots: Chamomile & Whiskey

    Rivanna River Co. 1520 E 1520 E High St, Charlottesville, VA
    On Stage & Screen

    Rivanna Roots is a family-friendly outdoor concert series held on the gorgeous property of the Rivanna River Company (1520 E High Street). Borne out of a need to gather and [...]

  • Foxfield Fall Races

    Foxfield 2215 Foxfield Track, Charlottesville, Virginia, United States
    All Ages

    The Foxfield Fall Races are a family-friendly steeplechase tradition. Drawing a smaller, community-focused crowd than the massive spring event, the autumn race day features professional horse racing, kid-focused activities, and [...]

  • CASPCA Fall Fest

    Ix Art Park
    All Ages

    Family-Friendly Activities: Face painting, balloon animals, dog costume competitions, pie-eating contest, and more. Thanks to Piedmont Tire, all CASPCA adoptions at Fall Fest are sponsored! This means you can take [...]

  • Free Nature Journal Day

    Montfair Resort Farm
    Farms & Orchards

    Bring 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 [...]

  • Little Nature Explorers

    Little Nature Explorers
    Botanical Garden of the Piedmont 950 Melbourne Rd, Charlottesville, VA, United States
    Preschoolers

    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 [...]

  • Tiny Tiers

    Tiny Tiers
    Cake Bloom 705 W Main Street, Charlottesville, Virginia
    Arts & Crafts

    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 [...]

  • Free Fishing Wednesday

    Montfair Resort Farm
    Farms & Orchards

    Fish 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 [...]

  • Toddler Yoga & Movement

    Toddler Yoga & Movement
    Virginia Discovery Museum 524 E Main Street, Charlottesville, VA
    Preschoolers

    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 [...]

  • Toddler Time

    Toddler Time
    Kindness Cafe + Play 480 Rugby Rd, Charlottesville, Virginia
    Preschoolers

    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 [...]

  • Ice Cream Social

    Cake Bloom 705 W Main Street, Charlottesville, Virginia
    All Ages

    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 [...]

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.