Tom Tom Festival

2026 theme: Courage

Daring to Dream a Braver Tomorrow

Our 2026 theme, COURAGE, explores the choices we make to take risks, bridge divides, and shape a shared future… together. Through music, art, and conversation, we’ll examine how courage is cultivated: in our society, our communities, and our daily lives — to spark dialogue and dream beyond the limits of what seems possible.

What does Courage mean to you? 
Where are bravery and resilience most needed in our lives, our neighborhoods, or our society? Where have you seen neighbors make brave connections and spark dialogue? Your insights on how courage shows up in your life will help shape the conversations that will define this year’s Festival.

Enjoy talks, block parties, performances, a children’s zone and more at this popular annual event.

Explore helpful educational resources in our blogs for Cville families—from how to identify your child’s learning style to ways parents can support homework success to navigating college admissions. And don’t forget to keep up with our local school news for Charlottesville and Albemarle County. Sign up for our free CharlottesvilleFamily e-Mag so you’ll receive weekly or monthly (you choose!) family news and events right in your inbox. Plus, meet the amazing local businesses and partners who help families thrive in our community.

Find everything you need to know about schools for Cville families. Get to know your options, including public schools in Charlottesville City and Albemarle County, Catholic education, private schools, Montessori programs, and the International School. 

Sign up for our free CharlottesvilleFamily e-Mag so you’ll receive weekly or monthly (you choose!) family news and events right in your inbox. Plus, meet the amazing local businesses and partners who help families thrive in our community.